LAKE WORTH BEACH — The holidays are about to get a little happier for Lake Worth Beach city employees.
City commissioners unanimously agreed Dec. 7 to give $2,000 in premium pay to the municipality's 360 employees for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bonuses – part of the $9.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by the city in September – are actually worth more to employees than the $2,000 they will receive.
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Commissioners agreed to pay all taxes – federal, Social Security and Medicare – for those bonuses so that workers can walk away with the full $2,000. According to the Internal Revenue service, premium pay for employees is considered wages.
"At the holiday party, all the employees were like, 'Wait a minute. That's after taxes? I get to take that home?'" City Commissioner Sara Malega said. "They were very appreciative."
The city is carving out $1,060,000 from its ARPA money to pay for the bonuses. A total of $720,000 goes directly to pay employees while $340,000 will be used to settle their taxes.
Lake Worth Beach will receive more than $19 million in federal stimulus funds paid in two installments.
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