A few Pike County retirees will receive a lump sum bonus this fall.
The bonus is the result of a state law that was passed last January. Each county’s participation is optional. Commissioners passed a resolution to dole out $17,168 in October.
The one-time bonus applies to any former county employee who retired prior to Oct. 1, 2013, is entitled to receive a monthly payment on Sept. 30, 2014, and had an employer who did not participate in the Employees’ Retirement System.
“They’ve not had any kind of cost of living adjustment in years,” said McKenzie Wilson, Pike County’s human resource coordinator.
The one-time bonus is not a cost of living adjustment, but it is the only increase retirees have seen.
“Basically, instead of a cost of living increase, it’s a one-time lump sum payment,” added County Administrator Harry Sanders.
The amount of the lump sum payments will be a sliding scale formula based upon the length of service: $2 a month x 12 months x years of service. For example, an employee with 25 years of service will receive $600. Each retiree will receive at least $300.
“Nothing is promised for next year,” said Wilson.
The Employees’ Retirement System of Alabama will pay the bonus and the County will make monthly payments to RSA during the next fiscal year. The payments will be factored in to the next budget and come from the general funds, reappraisal funds and gas taxes, all of which fund the County’s payroll.
To check your eligibility, contact RSA at 334-834-9116.
During Monday’s meeting, commissioners also approved a request from the roads department to repair a cross drain pipe on County Road 1101; approved Probate Judge Wes Allen’s request to fill two existing positions left vacant after promotions; proclaimed May as Community Action Month at the request of OCAP; accepted an annual report of litigations prepared by Revenue Commissioner Curtis Blair; accepted a bid from Trane for maintenance during the ESCO project; and accepted the lowest bid for the county’s solid waste plan. The $6,000 winning bid came from civil engineers Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood.