City Council Approves Stipend for Employees

City coffers got an unexpected boost, and now city staff will, too, though on a far smaller scale.

In a proposal that is part of the city’s 2011-2012 mid-year budget, 37 employees will receive a thank you in the form of a stipend approved by the City Council during Tuesday night’s meeting.  

The bump comes as Lemon Grove , giving the city a year-end balance of $2.25 million in its general fund and reserve.

How that money could be used was discussed at the Jan. 17 meeting, which included the proposal to compensate workers who have gone without raises for three years, and have had salaries reduced by mandatory furlough days and cuts to benefits.

The one-time stipend will cost the city $13,800. It will be paid out based on years of service, with full-time employees receiving from $150 to $450. The city’s six part-time employees will receive a partial stipend.

The stipend program was approved 3-2, with council members Howard Cook and Mary England objecting to the action.

Cook voiced the strongest opposition to the proposal, drawing on his experience as a former small business owner and citing concern about public perception in the face of recent layoffs and the shuttering of the city’s Recreation Center.

“I can never, ever support this at this time,” Cook said.

England, also thought the timing was wrong, saying she preferred to consider a stipend in May when the city’s overall financial picture will be clearer.

Mayor Mary Sessom called the gesture the right thing to do.

In other business, the City Council:

• Decided to repair an aging Public Works vehicle at a cost of $2,000 rather than buy a new one for $50,000;

• Asked staff to find out how much replacing the city’s outdated accounting software would cost;

• Tabled approval of a construction contract for the Main Street Promenade project until the Feb. 21 meeting.