Should workers in Seneca County get a bonus?
That question swirled at the center of a debate this past week at the August meeting of the board of supervisors.
Supervisor Mike Enslow, of Waterloo, proposed a $1,000 bonus for full-time workers and $500 for part-time workers.
On the surface, it appeared pretty straightforward.
However, other supervisors felt it might become complicated if not pushed through the proper channels.
Part of that has to do with ongoing negotiations with the union representing county workers.
Supervisors Mike Ferrara and Jeff Trout were generally supportive of the measure but wanted to ensure that it met legal requirements.
After some debate, the measure was advanced to the finance committee.
The total cost of bonuses would be about $360,000, according to the supervisors.
“The whole reason I brought this up is to promote retention, recruitment and incentives for our dedicated full- and part-time employees,” Enslow said later in the meeting.
At this point, 42 county workers have received bonuses as part of the state bonus program for healthcare workers during the pandemic. “I do not like that other employees are left out,” he continued. “I don’t think it’s fair.”
The county has 369 full-time employees and 73 part-timers.
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