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Board approves state‑funded recruitment and retention bonuses for emergency communications staff
Summary
New Kent adopted an ordinance to authorize one‑time bonuses for eligible emergency communications employees funded entirely through a VDEM NG‑911 grant; board members discussed perceptions of equity with other county staff.
The New Kent County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 8 adopted an ordinance authorizing monetary bonuses for eligible emergency communications employees, to be funded through a Virginia Department of Emergency Management NG‑911 grant. Finance staff said the bonuses are for recruitment and retention and make up under one‑third of the grant award; remaining grant money covers training and equipment.
According to county staff, the program allows one‑time payments for full‑time and part‑time public‑safety communications employees. The grant has previously funded similar bonuses. The county finance director said the bonus program is 100% state‑funded and does not use local dollars.
Board members raised concerns about morale and perception because other county employees did not receive the same bonus. Several supervisors asked for ongoing transparency about grants during the budget process so the board and employees better understand available funding and recruitment efforts. County staff agreed to provide grant updates as part of budget planning.
Action: The board adopted Ordinance O‑17‑25 authorizing the bonuses; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said specific disbursement amounts and eligibility (for example, full‑time $2,500, part‑time $1,200 as in prior iterations) and the application to existing employees versus sign‑on incentives will be finalized by sheriff and county human resources in line with grant rules.
Ending: The county will implement bonuses under grant rules and provide future grant reporting to the board; supervisors asked staff to incorporate grant application status into budget planning.
