$5 Million In Federal Funds To Pay Burlington County Essential Workers

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Frontline workers employed during the COVID-19 pandemic will get a pay boost, as Burlington County plans to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to compensate them.

Commissioners voted to use up to $5 million of the county's ARPA funds for "retroactive premium pay" for county workers employed during the pandemic.

No county tax dollars will be used, a news release said. Department heads and County Commissioners will not be part of this payment program.

The money will also extend several of its COVID-19 programs, including food insecurity events and testing/vaccination programs, the county said.

Officials did not give a timeline for the payment program.

Dan O'Connell, Burlington County Commissioner Director, praised county employees for their dedication during COVID-19.

“None of it could have happened without these dedicated employees who faced substantial risks while working during the pandemic," O'Connell said in a news release. "They stepped up at a time of great uncertainty and delivered essential services and resources that others continue to rely upon.”

The county and its partners have administered more than 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and tested more than 81,000 people, a news release said. Since the County launched its monthly food distribution events in 2020, more than 17,000 residents have gotten food help.

“It’s a responsible plan that is both capped and designed to support those workers who were on the frontlines during the pandemic and worked with the public or performed other essential tasks and services that our residents needed,” O’Connell said. “It’s compensation these workers deserve and earned, and distributing it is another way to aid them and their families during this period of recovery.”