Some city employees in Benton Harbor will be getting bonuses. During a meeting this week, city commissioners approved premium pay for employees who are working in the pandemic and facing additional risk. Federal ARPA funds are being use because long as the employees qualify, ARPA funds can be used in such a way. Commissioner Edward Isom said the employees have earned it.
“The time is now to give to the residents, to give to these employees that have been out there,” Isom said. “Some staff have been doing double duty, three jobs. The time is now. Reward them. You’ve got the money.”
The bonuses will be $5,000 or $2,500 to city workers, based on their time working. Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats said these payments are akin to hazard pay, which many workers received during the start of the pandemic.
