Sturtevant Employees Get $1K 'Thank You' from Village Board

municipal employees will get a bonus payment of $1,000 in their last paycheck for 2011 as thanks for the work they've done helping the village eliminate a 10-year deficit in the general fund.

Village Board members voted on Dec. 20 to unanimously approve the one-time payments because for the first time in 10 years, the general fund has a positive balance.

"This is a great way we can say 'thanks' to some of the people who have worked hard to keep expenses and spending in check," said Village President Steve Jansen.

The eight employees who will get the payment are going to give $1,000 in concessions in 2012 to help the village balance its budget. Originally proposed by Village Administrator Mark Janiuk as a one-time payment in lieu of a raise for $500 or $750 per person, Trustee John Johnson suggested $1,000.

"I think we should raise it to $1,000 to help our employees offset the concessions they're giving to help the village next year," he said.

The rest of the board agreed.

"Thank you for this," said Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Mary Cole. "We really appreciate that you're doing this."

Employees who will receive the $1,000 payment are:

• Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Mary Cole
• Deputy Clerk Charlotte Gottschalk
• Accountant Gary Bell
• Director of Public Works Charles Stachowski
• Jesse Gebhardt (DPW)
• John Gresk (DPW)
• Jim Carpino (DPW)
• Lyle Casey (DPW)