Northport Council To Vote On Vaccination Incentives, Hero Bonuses

NORTHPORT, AL — The Northport City Council on Thursday will consider two separate measures that would see more money put into the pockets of employees, in addition to rewarding those who receive the coronavirus vaccine.

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One measure will be for "Hero Bonuses" — $1,000 per full-time city employee and $500 per part-time worker. This one-time payout, if approved, would be made possible through federal coronavirus aid dollars received by the city through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

The other will be cash incentives in the amount of $250 for employees who show proof of completing their vaccination series before Oct. 15. Both measures are similar, if not identical, to ones discussed and well received by City of Tuscaloosa officials earlier this month.

The largest municipal entity — Tuscaloosa County — has not yet offered "Hero Bonuses" or incentives for employees to receive the vaccine.

The Northport City Council's normal meeting time on Mondays was moved in this instance due to the upcoming Labor Day holiday.

The agenda will be a full one, with the Council also considering ...

• A first reading of an ordinance adopting the FY2022 General Fund Budget.
• A resolution accepting the 2020 Audit Report. At the last meeting, city officials pointed out that there were no issues with the audit when the formal vote to accept it was rescheduled at the last meeting.
• Appointing a member to the DCH Healthcare Authority Board. This comes after the Council and Mayor Bobby Herndon locked horns over the previous candidate.
• Adopting a logo representing the City of Northport. City officials have been looking to rebrand Northport for visitors, businesses and potential residents, which will also include new signage and other beautification efforts.

Click here to read the full Northport City Council agenda for Thursday.

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