By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
GREAT BEND — In an effort to assist and show appreciation for what employees have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton County is awarding all non-elected workers a one-time additional compensation. Because of the increased risk to some Barton County staff because of coronavirus, the commissioners discussed ways to fairly compensate affected employees.
Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson
said the premium pay initiative would be heavily weighted toward lower-income
workers.
"We're focusing on the lower wage earners because they're the most
likely to jump ship and potentially make more money," said Hutchinson.
"No one is getting cut out of a pay raise except for the elected
officials."
Any KPERS covered position working 40 hours a week with a rate of pay
less than
$15.45 an hour will receive $2,080. Anyone in between $15.45 and $22.50
will be awarded $1,560. Employees making over $22.50 will receive
$1,040.
Commission Chair Jim Daily said the premium
pay is needed to show that the county values its employees.
"We have made a considerable step forward over the years in increasing
the starting pay but we're still way behind," said Daily. "This premium
pay, unfortunately is a one-time shot, but will give them a boost and
allow them to do some things financially maybe that they have not been
able to do before."
The premium pay program is not to exceed $320,000 and will be paid out of the American
Rescue Plan Act funds that were federally given to the county to recover from
the pandemic.
It is anticipated the premium pay would be provided to employees in December.