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Safford council approves $500 holiday bonus for all employees, including part‑time staff
Summary
After debate over whether councilors should receive the bonus, the Safford City Council amended and approved a holiday bonus of $500 for all employees, expanding the prior part‑time amount to the full $500; councilors considered but declined to exclude themselves.
The Safford City Council voted to approve a holiday bonus of $500 for city employees, extending the full amount to part‑time staff after an amendment carried during the meeting.
Staff told the council the budget included up to $156,600 for holiday bonuses and that the actual projected amount would be up to about $146,800, with the program structured as an ongoing annual appropriation. The proposed gross bonus was up to $500 for full‑time employees and $250 for part‑time employees before the amendment.
Councilwoman Flores moved an amendment to make the bonus $500 for all employees, including part‑time staff; the amendment carried. Council members debated whether council members should receive the payment and considered a separate amendment to exclude council; that amendment failed, and the item passed as amended. A council member did not participate in the vote for stated reasons.
Why it matters: The action formalizes an annual employee benefit that councilors had funded in prior years and clarifies the city’s ongoing budget treatment for holiday pay. Council discussed equity for part‑time staff and the optics of elected officials receiving the stipend.
Next steps: Staff will implement the bonus consistent with the adopted amendment and payroll processes.
