Full-time Town of Hennessey employees were surprised with $1,000 bonus checks during a staff meeting Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Town Hall.

The $500 increase came after Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman earlier told trustees that a portion of the town’s $290,094 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used for incentive pay.

Mayor Bert Gritz suggested the increase during a special trustee meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21.

“Our employees are our greatest asset,” said Gritz before the vote, “and we have some of the best employees you could ask for.”

He also said they could get higher pay “north of here.”

Trustees voted 4-0 to give all 22 full-time employees a $1,000 incentive pay this year only, along with a continuing $50 bonus for each year of employment.

All part-time employees will continue to receive a flat $150 incentive bonus.

Employee incentives last year totaled about $22,000 and it will be “a little over $32,000 this year,” Tillman said.

In addition to Gritz, other trustees at the meeting were Richard Simunek, Harold Shaw and David Jones. Absent was Vice Mayor Clif Vogt.

Town Clerk Kati Walters was the only other elected officer at the meeting and served as recording clerk.

Tillman was the only employee at the meeting.