Sussex County workers receive bonus

In a year when Sussex County, Delaware employees saw no pay raise, less overtime, and had to pay more for health insurance, today the county council had good news.

In a year when Sussex County’s employees didn’t get a raise, had fewer overtime opportunities, and paid more for health insurance, today the county council had good news.

Each worker will get an extra $300 in their next paycheck.

The Sussex County Council approved the one-time bonus for the workforce of nearly 500 at today’s meeting.  County administrator David Baker said better than expected revenues in the first quarter that ended September 30 made the $166,000 in bonuses possible.

The County’s budget for Fiscal 2010 is 16% lower than FY 2009.  Workers have been cross trained to take on more duties, so the county could save money by not filling vacant positions due to retirements and attrition.

“The employees have done the heavy lifting to accomplish these savings, and they deserve a portion of the reward,” County Council President Vance Phillips said.