SALISBURY – Why premium pay is being considered for some county employees and not for others was a question on the minds of Wicomico officials last week as they met to discuss an incentive program using federal funds.
In a work session last week, the Wicomico County Council met with Acting County Executive John Psota and Finance Director Pam Oland to discuss a pay incentive for certified correctional officers, 911 specialists and communication specialists within the sheriff’s office.
As the county awaits the results of a comprehensive salary study, Psota told county leaders last week more was needed to attract and retain employees in those positions. To that end, officials have recommended the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which allow for premium pay for eligible workers who worked onsite throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The use in this manner qualifies,” he told the council last week.
Officials say a first payment of $1,500 will be made to employees hired on or before June 30, 2021, followed by a second payment of $1,500 to employees hired on or before Dec. 31, 2021. The total cost of the program would be $520,000.
You don’t have to worry about Worcester doing this. The good ole boy and girl system is alive and well there. Reclassify the favorites to give them more money is common practice. Screw the rest of you. Administration is a joke there.
What about all the county wastewater employees? Nobody ever thinks of those, the workers who had no choice but to show up daily throughout the whole Pandemic with exposure to people and a very high concentration of the virus in the water and airborne particles in the operating system. Everyone who had the virus uses the bathroom at home,in the hospital at nursing homes it didn’t just become less contagious just because it left the person’s body.
I agree. Also our deputy sheriffs who are there when we need them.
I think everyone got their paycheck; they were doing their jobs.
Its not for all, period. Move on, nothing to see here, happens all the time. Haves and have nots.