Council Approves Christmas Bonuses
The Carmi City Council met for a brief but productive session Monday evening, meeting a day earlier than normal due to Election Day,
Following routine approval of the last meeting’s minutes, the council approved Christmas bonuses for full time and part time city employees. Full time workers will receive a $60 bonus plus $5 for each year of service to the city. In other words, someone who has worked for the city ten years would receive an additional $50.
Part time employees, fire department volunteers and EMA personal will receive a flat $60 bonus.
Mayor Jeff Pollard then asked the council to consider what to do about New Year’s and time off. The mayor explained that city employees get a half day off for New Years Eve and New Year’s Day as holidays. He pointed out that since New Year’s Eve is on a Monday this year, many of the employees have already expressed interest in not working New Year’s Eve morning. While the matter was discussed for several minutes no official action was taken, although it was the general consensus that the workers would be offered a chance to take the whole day off, but would either have to declare the four hours as personnel or comp time. An official decision will likely be made at a later council meeting.
The board heard from Jack Weasel, who apparently had done work for Aqualine, the company that basically offers insurance coverage for city water customers for work between a resident’s meter and house. Weasel said he was owed more than $12,000 and needed the money. Mayor Pollard indicated there had been other problems with Aqualine and promised to look into the matter.
In the mayor’s report, he thanked everyone for helping make the recent halloween campout at Burrell’s woods a success. He also thanked everyone, including city clerk Cynthia Attebury and Chamber of Commerce Director Lauren Higginson for helping make the Trunk or Treat a success.
Mayor Pollard also reported the American legion and Carmi VFW would be observing Veteran’s Day with service Monday at Veteran’s Memorial Park, across from the city building at 11 a.m.
Prior to adjournment, Alderman Lance Yearby explained he would not be seeking another term on the city council;
Alderman Lance Yearby was thanked by the council for his service and mayor Pollard said his time on the council was greatly appreciated.
The Carmi council normally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 5:30. The meetings are open to the public.
