County Employees Will Get Bonuses

County Employees Will Get Bonuses

By Desiree Parker Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The James City County Board of Supervisors approved bonuses for county employees Tuesday by a 3-2 vote.

County Administrator Robert Middaugh argued to the Board that the county should use just over $500,000 of its recent $6 million surplus to give full-time employees $1000 bonuses, and part-timers $500. This standard amount would offer more benefit to lower wage earners, the people he said could use it the most. Middaugh noted that many neighboring organizations and localities have offered some sort of bonus or salary increase to employees over the last three years, and that the cost of living is getting higher.

Two Board members, Jim Kennedy and Chairman Mary Jones, said they felt the move was premature and that there were many fiscal uncertainties at the state level that could affect the county negatively. Both said they would be more willing to consider bonuses once the Governor shared his budget proposal (slated to come out next week).

“I appreciate their hard work, but this is too soon,” Jones said.

Supervisor John McGlennon pointed out that “many of our employees are also taxpayers,” and that staff has been asked to “provide more services with fewer resources” and dwindling numbers. He said it was a “small… tangible way” to show staff that their hard work is appreciated.

Supervisor Bruce Goodson owns a business and said he believes bonuses are a good tool to reward hard work and a good year without adding the stress of additional, long-term costs that raises incur. “Staff has done an excellent job coming in under budget,” he said, and “holidays are a good time of year” to offer bonuses.

The checks will go out Friday.

Comments

0 #12 Bob R. 2011-12-19 12:29

@berto I didn't realize Bruce Goodson was a Democrac - isn't that what you are claiming?

Quote

+1 #11 Retired Firefighter 2011-12-16 08:43

To Seriously, Some of what you have said may be true. Yes, I realized I could have made more money working in the private sector. Just like other public employees, we had many chances to work in the private sector, but we chose to work for you, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't get rewarded for our dedication to you for the services we render. Next time you need a police officer or a medic unit or firefighter you do the job. After if all, if it is your "friggin" money you should do the job and earn it. Now please grow up!

Quote

+2 #10 local 2011-12-15 11:57

When your business catches on fire or someone is trying to breaking into your home, who are you going to come looking for? I would expect that you would like to have someone who is in a good frame of mind. Someone who is happy and willing to come save your family or property. Also, if there is a main water line break... Who is out all night trying to fix the problem before you and your family get up in the morning without water? I wonder who would be the first to call and complain? Let's be a little more positive and show them a little more appreciation.

Quote

-2 #9 JordanW 2011-12-14 23:30

all for bonuses... how bout some for the school system...Teache rs, bus drivers, staff...They deserve them as well. They have had to pinch pennies as well... All my wife wants for Christmas is a Laminator... because the one at shcool broke.. and these no money to fix it...

Quote

+7 #8 Peter 2011-12-14 21:59

The community continues to grow, service needs continue to rise yet the tax rate remains flat. JCC employees have worked extremely hard to maintain the high level of services the citizens demand with fewer resources and a higher workload. It's a small price to pay to the people that make our County worth living in. Keep up the good work.

Quote

-12 #7 berto 2011-12-14 17:00

You gotta love it?? The democrats keep passing out the money we do not have....
Dad or Mom just lost their job so lets give johnny and little suzie more allowance. when the hell are we going to wake up????

Quote

+24 #6 Bob R. 2011-12-14 11:52

Unike the federal government our supervisors did not vote themselves a bonus.

Even given my confrontational nature when dealing with county staff I have received nothing but excellent service.

Quote

-4 #5 Bonuses 2011-12-14 11:15

I am happy to hear some people are getting bonuses. Maybe this is a sign that the private sector will be next. No bonus or raises in three years.

When will this recession go back up the rollercoaster track. We have been down for so long.

Quote

+18 #4 lagfish 2011-12-14 10:47

Hey JCC Firemen and Police officers, remember who didn't vote for the bonus come election day.

Quote

-25 #3 Seriously? 2011-12-14 10:11

As a Taxpayer I would like some cash. That seems to be a measurement here....To all the state employees. YOU CHOSE TO WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT. Sorry, that means, or SHOULD mean, modest work in modest buildings often with not enough time to get it all done. YOU DON"T WORK FOR MICROSOFT. I personally know alot of people that could have benefited from this 'use of our surplus'...Why, BECAUSE ITS OUR FRIGGIN MONEY. Good grief.

Quote

Refresh comments list

Add comment

WYDaily invites you to join the community conversation. We expect civil discourse here. Personal attacks on others, indecent language and bad manners in general are unwelcome.

JComments