Board approves one-time 2% bonus for county staff after debate over $1,500 minimum

The Henry County Board of Supervisors approved a one-time 2% bonus for eligible county employees not covered by House Bill 29 after an extended discussion of whether to set a $1,500 minimum payment.

County staff described the General Assembly action (House Bill 29) and recommended providing a local 2% payment to employees not included in the state action to keep compensation treatment consistent. Staff said the total package would be roughly $549,850, with $237,783 coming from local funds. "So this is a 1 time contribution of 2% based on the comp board's salaries to provide them," staff explained during the presentation.

Supervisors debated whether a flat $1,500 payment for all employees would be fairer to lower-paid workers; an initial motion to combine a 2% payment with a $1,500 minimum failed. A subsequent motion to approve a 2% bonus and the related appropriation passed on a voice vote (5-0, 1 absent). One supervisor said he'd favor a $1,500 minimum but voted to approve the 2% to move the payment forward.

The board directed staff to appropriate funds and to coordinate with payroll so that eligible employees receive the payment as soon as administratively feasible. The motion and appropriation were recorded by staff and will be implemented through county finance.