SPENCER — Town employees thanked aldermen Tuesday night for longevity pay handed out earlier this month, the first bonuses awarded to staff since 2010.
Four police officers asked Chief Michael James if they could address the Town Board. James joked with aldermen that he wasn’t sure what his officers were going to say, but it turned out James had nothing to worry about.
“I have been blown away by amount of support we get from our community and the board,” Officer H.M. Shue said. “I think it’s unparalleled in Rowan County.”
Shue thanked the board for the longevity pay but said his biggest reward is the support of the residents he works to protect.
“That’s why I come to work,” Shue said.
Longevity pay was calculated with a formula based on how long an employee has worked for the town, Town Clerk Lisa Perdue said. Bonuses ranged from about $100 to about $300, she said.
Sgt. W.R. Comer said the police officers wanted to publicly thank the board for not only the longevity pay, but also the new police cruiser.
Town employees did not get the bonus last year, a tough budget year for the town. Comer called the longevity pay “a teeter-totter thing” and said the bonus came as a great surprise this year.
Officer K.L. Williams said it felt good to be recognized for the service they provide to the town.
Officer J.M. Reep said he had perhaps the most to be thankful for. He gets to drive the new police car.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.