April Russell, City of Glasgow grant writer, awaits the convening of the Glasgow City Council on Monday, March 3, 2021. Glasgow Police Chief Jennifer Arbogast sits nearby.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
By Angela Briggs, special to WCLU News
GLASGOW, Ky. — Bonus checks are headed to Glasgow City employees, hopefully by Thanksgiving.
At Monday night’s special called meeting, the Glasgow City Council voted unanimously to divide a chunk of the American Rescue Act money among city employees. The American Rescue Act was a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed in March 2021.
April Russell, city grant writer, told the Council the money will be divided among city employees based on the number of hours they worked throughout the last several months. Overtime pay will not be included.
Russell said 70 to 75% of employees will meet the $6,300 cap, which means they’ll get $3.70 for every hour worked.
Glasgow Mayor Harold Armstrong said a lot of work went into making the bonuses happen. He said a group of five has worked on the project since August.
“Well, I think it’ll be more of a God send than a morale booster,” Armstrong said. “We’ve got good morale throughout the city right now. Everybody’s working hard trying to make things work. I’m just glad we could do it.”
Glasgow Police Chief Jennifer Arbogast has long advocated for additional compensation for Glasgow Police officers. She said officers will be thrilled to hear the news.
“It’s going to be great, and the officers are going to love it,” Arbogast said.
Russell also added next year the city will receive another round of funding.
“There will be another 1.8,” Russell said. “The intent for that money is to put it all back into the community.”
In other business, the Council voted to annex a third of an acre of land along Roseville Road into the city limits. Two and a quarter acres along New Bowling Green Road and just under 152 acres along South Cooper Road was also annexed.
Property tax bills have gone out to city property owners. A 2% discount will be applied to those who pay this month.
The annual Veterans Day parade is scheduled this Saturday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m.
