Chesco gives employees bonuses thanks to savings

After expenditures came in more than $4 million under budget, the Chester County commissioners decided to reward the people who helped make that happen: employees.

The commissioners on Thursday approved a 3 percent bonus for approximately 2,450 of the county's 2,800 workers, said Rebecca Brain, a county spokeswoman.

She said about 350 workers are ineligible because they are either represented by a union or negotiating with one.

A county wage freeze has been in effect for two years; however, department heads have not received a pay raise for three years, Brain said.

She said the $2.7 million payout from the county's general fund was possible because the county's spending was $4.4 million below expectations.

The savings, which represent about 2 percent of the county's operating budget and about 1 percent of the total budget of $423 million, resulted because revenues were higher than anticipated and the 1 percent contingency fund that the commissioners always set aside for emergencies was not needed, Brain said.

She said the commissioners strive to end each year with a surplus because it helps the county keep its AAA bond rating.

Employees received an e-mail Tuesday that telegraphed the commissioners' plans and identified the last two years as "difficult financial times" for everyone.

"During this time, we recognize that county employees have continued to do an excellent job providing the services that are required by our citizens," the e-mail said.

Brain said the lump-sum payments, which will be subject to taxes, should be included in employees' paycheck Friday, a jump-start to Christmas in July.