No jelly memberships for W’burg employees this Christmas, just money

City employees got a nice surprise Friday morning when they showed up at Williamsburg City Hall for their annual Christmas dinner and to get their paychecks and Christmas bonuses.

A short time before the dinner, the Williamsburg City Council held a special meeting where they approved $2,500 Christmas bonuses for most employees using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which Congress approved earlier this year.

“We have been working on it for a month and a half,” noted Mayor Roddy Harrison adding he felt like this is one time that the city could give a bit more of a bonus than usual.

“This will probably be a one-time deal,” he added.

The $2,500 bonuses are for full-time employees, who have worked for the city the past nine months. Part-time employees, who have worked for the city the past nine months, will receive $1,250 bonuses.

Harrison said that there are only about three employees, who don’t qualify for the full bonuses, but they will receive prorated bonuses based on how long they have worked for the city.

Everyone will get something. Harrison noted that one full-time employee, who has worked for the city for about one month, would still receive a near $300 bonus.

Seasonal workers will not qualify for the bonuses.

“This is wonderful,” noted Councilman Patty Faulkner.

“This is a great surprise,” added Councilwoman Erica Harris.

The council unanimously approved the resolution with Harris, Faulkner, Councilwoman Laurel West and Councilman Loren Connell voting yes. Councilmembers Mary Ann Stanfill and Richard Foley couldn’t be present for Friday’s special called meeting.

The bonuses will cost the city $138,361, none of which will come out of the city’s general fund.

The bonuses are “premium pay,” which is an allowed expense under ARPA.

Harrison noted that none of the city employees worked from home during the pandemic.

While the city is expecting to get another round of ARPA funding totaling about $600,000, Harrison added there are some water and sewer projects that the city is wanting to get done.