County employees get $250 bonus

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Friday, December 16. 2011

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County employees might not be getting an unscheduled raise like Winder city employees, but they will get unexpected bonuses by Christmas.

At the request of Commissioner Larry Joe Wilburn, the Barrow County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night approved a gift of $250 for all 424 full-time county employees. The total cost of the unbudgeted expenditure is $106,000.

Wilburn cautioned county employees to recognize the money as a one-time gift and not to expect it to become a holiday tradition.

But he said he and the other commissioners wanted to express their appreciation to county employees who held down spending in FY2011. Wilburn said when the economy recovers, he hopes salaries also can be adjusted.

CFO Rose Kisaalita has projected as much as $1 million in revenues left over from the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.

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#1 Jack Legg on 12/16/11 at 03:38 PM [Reply]

Obviously the commision brain surgeons have taken a economic lesson from the city of winder. They have news that the local economy is on the upturn , we should start seeing this by the middle of the firstquarter of 2012. Way to go, of course if there is really one million dollars left over from last years revenue shouldnt the taxpayers be getting a rebate?

#1.1 Anonymous on 12/16/11 at 03:41 PM [Reply]

you are such a blockhead jack legg, do you have an opinion about everything ? maybe the journal should hire you to write like point /counterpoint or something, you clearly need a job.

#1.1.1 Jack Legg on 12/16/11 at 05:09 PM [Reply]

I think you might be a nut Mr. Annymouse, but thats beside the point.
I have been setting around recollecting back to when I was a volunteer fireman here in Barrow county, and it seems that back then the commisioners would give all of us a turkey every year at christmas time.Times have changed, I guess if you are a turkey it would be hard to give a turkey, but really maybe we ought to go back to something like that. Just a simple recognition worth way less than the smallest thing we ever did but it showed that folks appreciated what we did.
I dont really expect to see a rebate this year, I suppose they are busy shoveling all that money into some other hole. I dont really expect to see a reduction in the millage rate for next year either, Im sure they are busy digging another hole to hide that money in .
I do however expect everyone to remember this over taxation and piddling amount of hush money when the next election comes and votes all of these reprobates out of office.

#1.2 two on 12/18/11 at 08:09 AM [Reply]

items first, Miss Rose mentions in the county meetings the money is not really there it is expected to be there if thing remain at present, not if it goes down to heck in a handbasket.

Second yes I think the Taxpayers here myself included would like our bonus since this week just paid property taxes that was rough....... hmmm keep spending BOC!!!

#2 Anonymous on 12/16/11 at 05:00 PM [Reply]

Money taken from citizens by force. I don't get a Christmas bonus. Why should these workers get one at my expense?

#2.1 Michael Robinson on 12/16/11 at 05:43 PM [Reply]

Governments and businesses both need to retain quality employees. Bonuses (and raises) are a great way to do that.

Your employer would be making a mistake by not giving a bonus to someone who deserves it, but they probably won't volunteer it. Why not ask for one?

Given the economy, maybe you could get an agreement for a bonus when the company hits a certain profit milestone.

#2.1.1 Not a Dime's Difference on 12/16/11 at 07:54 PM [Reply]

You reward the exceptional actions of an individual, not their inclusion in a group... The bonus was not due to any individual's work effort... What is the GOB (Not GOP) Party retaining... buying?

#2.1.1.1 Michael Robinson on 12/16/11 at 08:43 PM [Reply]

Maybe they got together and asked for a bonus. A temporary union.

#2.1.1.1.1 Not a Dime's Difference on 12/17/11 at 06:27 AM [Reply]

If they (BOC) really cared about the employees they would work on encouraging small business to come to Barrow... The only Job security anyone has is their Ability to GET ANOTHER JOB... Auburn's Mayor seems to get that REPUBLICAN (GOP) Party tenant

#2.1.1.1.1.1 WOW DIME on 12/17/11 at 07:39 AM [Reply]

I've been reading your blog comments and I have just one question. If Barrow was a GOP and not a GOB county -- would you run?

Your blogs are spot on 99.9% of the time. The other .01%, takes me awhile to figure out what you are saying.

#2.2 Vivienne on 12/17/11 at 06:20 AM [Reply]

Bravo!! strong arm the people to give to those who have jobs, good thinking! humpf and when the well goes dry, think of another tactic to take from us.

#3 Vote'm Out on 12/16/11 at 06:22 PM [Reply]

Just remember this come election time. It's time to vote all incumbents out.

#3.1 Anonymous on 12/16/11 at 06:29 PM [Reply]

Just waiting on Larry Joe to come ask me for my vote. I will have a few choice words for him.

#3.2 Anonymous on 12/17/11 at 07:49 AM [Reply]

does that include your sheriff

#3.2.1 Vote'm Out on 12/17/11 at 12:41 PM [Reply]

Yes. All the way from the Prez down to the local dog catcher.

#4 Not a Dime's Difference on 12/16/11 at 06:50 PM [Reply]

Nothing more then TAX and SPEND IT ALL...

Brought to you by the Barrow GOB (Not GOP) party

#4.1 Beth on 12/16/11 at 08:41 PM [Reply]

You said it ALL in THAT post! GOB Politics rides again!

#5 Citizen K on 12/16/11 at 07:25 PM [Reply]

It's a really small amount for the people who have put up with all the 'trickle-down' harassement and derision during this administration.

They deserve more (but won't get it in this economy..sorry)

#6 gotta give it back on 12/16/11 at 07:58 PM [Reply]

well darn, the good employees will have to give back dem bonuses to pay for the County bulldozer that got stolen off the jobsite -cause I heard it wasn't insured.

#6.1 Bird dog it, stormin n. on 12/16/11 at 08:04 PM [Reply]

time for ole stormin norman to get crackin on the case

#7 Why on 12/16/11 at 08:17 PM [Reply]

so let's take a 40/hr week employee: 250 divided by 52 divided by 40; think about it.

#8 Tax Payer on 12/16/11 at 10:11 PM [Reply]

Hey commissioners. Us working tax paying citizens out number your government employes. We will see how that plays out come election time.

#8.1 Michael Robinson on 12/17/11 at 06:41 AM [Reply]

Government employees pay taxes too.

#8.1.1 Anonymous on 12/17/11 at 12:44 PM [Reply]

Yes but from the money they took from us real workers.

#8.1.1.1 Real Tax Payer on 12/17/11 at 12:53 PM [Reply]

Agree. If they was worth a damn, they would not be working for the government.

#8.1.1.1.1 John Galt on 12/17/11 at 01:01 PM [Reply]

So do you complain about service from your government workers? In the end, you get what you pay for. If "they was worth a damn", I wouldn't expect much from them in the first place.

I believe many, if not most of them are honest, hardworking folks who take pride in theeir job. From the little contact I've had with them, they try to do a good job.

#8.1.1.1.1.1 Michael Robinson on 12/17/11 at 01:25 PM [Reply]

That's been my experience too. They even make less than a private sector employee doing the same kind of work. I don't think the benefits are enough to make up for that, so they must do it because they prefer to be a public servant.

It's too easy to look at the extremes where people are terrible at their jobs and end up attacking the entire group when it's really just a small minority causing the problems.

#8.1.1.1.1.1.1 Private Sector on 12/17/11 at 05:45 PM [Reply]

Michael says, "so they must do it because they prefer to be a public servant" No, they do it because they are failures in life and can not do any thing else.

#8.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Angel on 12/17/11 at 07:57 PM [Reply]

"they do it because they are failures in life and can not do any thing else"

Really? So those firefighters and police officers are "failures in life"? Would the same hold true for military personnel? Because after all, THEY are public servants, too. Let's hear that sentiment the next time your crybaby a$$ needs one of them. Hopefully you won't.

#8.1.1.1.1.1.1.2 Solution Man on 12/17/11 at 08:01 PM [Reply]

Well I hope you remember what you have said especially when you need an ambulance or fire fighter. Certainly I hope you never need one, because you sound like a complete idiot. But if you ever do, God bless you.

#8.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1 Michael Robinson on 12/17/11 at 08:04 PM [Reply]

I've always had positive experiences with Barrow and Winder's public servants. They might be picking up on the fact that I'm approaching them as human beings and not leeches.

Mutual respect is pretty great.

#8.1.1.2 Barriw County Employee on 12/17/11 at 10:26 PM [Reply]

I am a current Barrow County employee and I and my family would like to take a moment to say thank you to the Barrow County Commissioners. I too have been hit hard in the past few years, times have been tough for all of us in the good old USA. My co workers and I here at the county have had several pay cuts, restructured pay scales and have been asked to do more with less. These are not to be intended as complaints, only facts. I and several others have been hit with a double blow in that we are not only employees of Barrow County but also property owners and taxpayers. We have had our wages reduced and we have had our taxes increase the same as other taxpayers. Our property values have decliners the same as everyone elses. We are not the dead beats that some of you attempt make us out to be. We are hard working, law abiding citizens living pay check to pay check attempting to make ends meet. So to the point Thank You Barrow County for this gift of appreciation, the amount itself is not large but the gesture is huge. KJ.

#8.1.1.2.1 Barry on 12/17/11 at 11:22 PM [Reply]

Quit complaining and go get a real job. Get your hands out of our pockets.

#8.1.1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 12/17/11 at 11:42 PM [Reply]

OK, Berry, let me ask you a question. Just what is a real job anyways? What is your real job? I'd like to know exactly what your job is so that I one day can get myself a real job as well. Your idea of a real job would not be sitting on your a$$ at home collecting unemployment would it. I was always under the impression that a real job was one that you went to work each day and did your duties, was compensated for your work so that you could then pay your bills and provide for your family. Berry you have no idea what your pissed about, you just heard someone else complaining and wanted to jump on the band wagon. If I do not hear back from you with your job description I will know that you truly are sitting on your a$$ collecting a check.

#8.1.1.2.1.1.1 Barry on 12/18/11 at 12:46 AM [Reply]

Actually I am a licensed electrician working for apartment complexes around metro Atlanta but live in Barrow. And I am sick and tired of you do nothing government employes getting your pay check out of my pocket. Go get a real job. If you cared about yourself or your family you would not be working for the Barrow Government. Living pay check to pay check.

#8.1.1.2.2 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 12:53 AM [Reply]

"Barriw County Employee" You should learn how to spell the name of the county you work for. But that's about par for you guys.

#9 Tom Hamby on 12/17/11 at 06:05 PM [Reply]

This is a reply to All who have posted...

If in fact the County employees have taken measures that have effectively reduced County spending 5-10 times the amount of the total bonuses awarded... yes I believe it might be ok...

The problem is... all were awarded the same bonus.
I don't care what anyone says, that is not fair!

There are 3 types of employees, The Performers, the Slackers, the Middlings... The Performers should get $250, Mids $100, and the Slackers TEN BUCKS...

Bonuses should be INCENTIVE to do better!!!

Usually, in ANY Government job, the workers get more work... and the slackers get more slack. Everyone knows who the slackers are.

Quit helping, and covering for the slackers. You are not helping them, you are just delaying the discovery of their sloth.

Anyone can have a bad day, and our friends with handicaps are doing the best they can... slackers should not be tolerated, or enabled!

The bonuses should be awarded based on merit and achievement, not seniority or "because I work here!"

#10 workers on 12/17/11 at 08:48 PM [Reply]

You know what is so darn funny! All of people complain about how the gov worker are no good people. I don't see you going and appling for those jobs. It take a special person to deal with people like you all. So glad you all are appreciate them.

#11 Politics on 12/17/11 at 09:27 PM [Reply]

Hmmmm, could it be that the bonuses are being given as a campaign strategy to earn the county employee's votes next year? There are no mistakes in politics!!

#11.1 Michael Robinson on 12/17/11 at 09:28 PM [Reply]

Politicians regularly make mistakes thinking they've found a good strategy.

#11.2 Anonymous on 12/17/11 at 11:18 PM [Reply]

But the tax paying citizens out number the dead beat Barrow government workers.

#12 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 12:29 AM [Reply]

Yes but the tax paying citizens of Barrow County out number the 7 of you complaining on this forum.

#13 Not a dimes difference on 12/18/11 at 07:12 AM [Reply]

Don't you get it...

Those collecting the bonus are NOT the problem...

Those writing the Check (BOC) are the one's stealing from both...

Don't you get the degenerative effect of an economic model based on a majority government employer...

Government never has...
Never will create commerce.

Government takes from those that produce a Server or Product to fund the the government...

When the Government becomes the major employer, ALL you have is taking from those that produce to pay those that regulate...

TO PROVE THEIR WORTH THEY REGULATE AND STRANGULATE MORE...

Small Bushiness, Investors (homeowners)and farmers are being forces out of the county with their own money(TAXES) by a GOB (not GOP) party. They (BOC) are more interested in propagating this par acidic economy to promote their own small, thin skinned private agendas at the expense of the county.

Again, IF the BOC really cared about the county employees they would work to attract Small business rather then taking Small business to court...

"Government's only propose is to protect the people not run their lives" Ronald Reagan

#14 observer on 12/18/11 at 07:17 AM [Reply]

I don't object to the bonuses. At least the BCC didn't lock in hundreds of thousands of future expenses with pay increases.

There's no profit in flogging county employees although I don't want them to drive county governmental decisions.

#15 REALLY on 12/18/11 at 08:19 AM [Reply]

wow I saw what Gainesville and hall county pay the workers and they get way less then the folks here in Barrow, they make more then private sector workers though, only it is closer to not making it look horrible the difference, Barrow workers are well paid already, if they felt they wernt well compensated they would leave, yet there seem to be no openings only workers claiming they underpaid yet they do not seem to want to venture out to the real world where people are underpaid and over worked

#15.1 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 09:14 AM [Reply]

Can you cite some specific examples?

#15.1.1 YEs on 12/19/11 at 05:07 AM [Reply]

GAINESVILLE and HALL COUNTY, Hello is anyone home in that massive empty skull

#15.1.1.1 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 06:18 AM [Reply]

My sincere apologies. I thought I was dealing with someone of some intelligence. Imagine that this is written in crayons and maybe you will better understand.
Can you cite specific job titles where the starting pay is different from Barrow County.

#16 well on 12/18/11 at 08:30 AM [Reply]

Most service men and women go in and get out, more and more leaving, it is becoming a smaller place and less chance to move up in ranks, so the difference in Military career and public sector is you can be toss in the brigg failing to do you job in the military where in public sector jobs you get bonus, you have many rules with written expectations failure to meet them ends in very shirt order discharge or incarceration, yes if Police and Fireman were held to higher standards and acting like they were serving then the taxpayer may feel better a Capt in the Army makes little 70,000 that is with usaully college degree and twenty plus year service and relly being away from family lot of time often times truely putting life on the line, not to cry about how the public treats them.. so you cops and firemen have big balls to compare yourself to servicemen that do walk into a firefight knowing that bullets and death is more likely then not and claiming we should pay you more then this servicemen!!!!!!

#16.1 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 08:48 AM [Reply]

Have you ever heard of a "."?

#16.2 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 09:18 AM [Reply]

If I understood your run-on sentence correctly, it would seem there was a comparison of military to public safety made. Was that post removed, because I don't see it. I would very much like to know what it said. Thanks.

#17 Michael Robinson on 12/18/11 at 08:40 AM [Reply]

A friendly reminder: Georgia has a surprisingly well-made web portal for public information.

http://open.georgia.gov/

Claims that government workers are overpaid, or that they're not earning their pay, would carry more weight if you brought up specific examples.

#17.1 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 09:46 AM [Reply]

open.georgia.gov DOES NOT GIVE THE SALARY INFORMATION FOR SPECIFIC COUNTY EMPLOYEES. It gives salary information for teachers and others in the education field. It also list STATE agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities, NOT COUNTY.

#17.1.1 Michael Robinson on 12/18/11 at 10:11 AM [Reply]

You don't need to shout.

The people claiming city and county workers are overpaid should reveal their source so we aren't relying on their word.

Even an average salary in a particular department with a mention of the information source would be enough for people to start from.

#18 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 09:17 AM [Reply]

Some of you may have forgotten that the last few years the employees of Barrow county have been the ones that have taken severe pay cuts in order not only balance the budget, but reduce operating cost. Some in excess of $7000 or more with no raises for over 3, going on 4 years.... So if the county decides to give out a meager $250 bonus as a reward for 4 years of pay cuts... Then , I, as a tax paying citizen, Barrow county government employee, military member and "failure in life" (Barry) have no problems with giving the employees a little something to say thank you.

#19 wow on 12/18/11 at 11:16 AM [Reply]

I guess by many people's opinion as a goverment worker(soldier) I am a POS, who is your pockets. Guess I find that strange when you shake my hand at dinner with my family, and tell me "thank you for your service". For you who think its not the same thing, think about it for a second.

#19.1 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 12:23 PM [Reply]

You VOLUNTEERED for service. You, like any mercenary, deserve your paycheck -- nothing more.

#19.1.1 WOW harse words for someone defending our country on 12/18/11 at 02:22 PM [Reply]

I don't think of military personal in the same light as over-paid, lazy government workers.

Yes there are a lot of slackers in the military and they don't get promoted. The problem with the government worker -- last man standing gets the job. Doesn't matter if you know what you are doing or not, it's all about the one who can't get a job someplace else and so they stay until they are the last man standing.

#20 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 12:49 PM [Reply]

I am thankful to live in and to fight to defend the citizens of this great country. And even though I hate to read the unintelligible, steaming piles coming from some these self-appointed cry-babies....I can at the very least rest very much assured that Democracy and Freedom of Speech is still very much a live and well. And as far as, being a "mercenary" or a"failure at life"???? That is just the ramblings of a few unknowledgable persons that don't know about the subject matter they are speaking on. As for the 250 dollar bonus? You know what keep it! Use it give all these self-agrandizing professors of economics and captains of industry a refund. Maybe that will shut them up.

#21 Teachers? on 12/18/11 at 05:42 PM [Reply]

Does this include teachers?

#21.1 Anonymous on 12/18/11 at 06:42 PM [Reply]

Yes. Those who can. Do. Those who can't. Teach.

#21.1.1 Michael Robinson on 12/18/11 at 06:49 PM [Reply]

Maybe you could do a little originality next time.

#22 JC on 12/18/11 at 06:50 PM [Reply]

No one has said anything about military personal. Or even public safety officials. We talking about all the lard butts sitting in the court house and annex. And all the other dofuses working for the county and city.

#22.1 Actually blog 19 & 19.1 on 12/19/11 at 04:59 AM [Reply]

did

#23 concerned taypayer on 12/19/11 at 04:30 AM [Reply]

it's called "buying votes"

#24 $250.00 ha on 12/19/11 at 06:14 PM [Reply]

The bonus you are all fussing about came to under $230 because of tax. Now if you are concerned, I will get to pay tax again. Now it definately will not put me in a higher tax bracket. After a good many years of no salary increase, I appreciate this.

#24.1 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 07:35 PM [Reply]

Well BOO HOO, cry me a hand full. You had to pay $20 in taxes for free money you took out of our pocket. It cost us real tax payers $106,000.00

#24.1.1 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 09:10 PM

(Comment removed)

#24.1.1.1 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 09:33 PM [Reply]

It is obvious that you are the typical Barrow County employe. It shows.

#25 Michael Robinson on 12/19/11 at 09:39 PM [Reply]

It's great that public servants are speaking out to defend themselves, but a lot of these anti-government posters are either trolls or so ideological that you won't get through to them.

It's good to go a distance with them to make your arguments to more reasoned people who are silently watching, but you'll wear yourself out if you take it too far.

#25.1 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 10:31 PM [Reply]

Public servants, not public slaves. We work for county. But we are in no means your slaves. Get off your high horse because you are not ,in any way better that me.

#25.1.1 Anonymous on 12/20/11 at 08:22 AM [Reply]

Do you "work" at the tag office? Those are, by far, the WORST county employees with whom I have ever come in contact.

#25.1.1.1 Michael Robinson on 12/20/11 at 08:33 AM [Reply]

All the tag office employees I've met have been nice and helpful. Is there some kind of mirror universe thing going on here? Check for mustaches and evil-looking beards the next time you're in town.

#25.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 12/20/11 at 02:39 PM [Reply]

Your experience is different than mine. A woman there took forever to complete the form, screwed it up -- which resulted in the receipt of the wrong tag. When I took it back, the woman who screwed it up wandered around faking an oblivious attitude, while the woman who had to fix her co-worker's screw-up laughed. No one apologized for the extra time & trouble their incompetence had caused me. This is merely 1 episode as to why I hold them in such low regard. They foul up and think it's funny. They know you can't take your business elsewhere, so they don't even have to pretend to be polite. The only bonus they deserve is an extra sack of cow manure in their brassieres.

#25.1.1.1.1.1 Michael Robinson on 12/20/11 at 02:52 PM [Reply]

Did you ask to speak to their manager?

#25.1.1.1.1.2 Michael Robinson on 12/20/11 at 03:00 PM [Reply]

To add: I'm glad we live in a world where government doesn't have enough eyes to police every employee all the time. The people are still empowered to bring these issues up, even all the way to the federal level if needed.

Would you prefer government minders in every institution making sure every employee is doing their job? Then who would mind the minders? It's on us to mind our government if we want to retain control of it. And I'm happy for that. Use your power as a co-owner of of your government the next time something like that happens.

In fact, quit reading this and go back there now, and bring the incident up with management.

#25.1.1.2 Was just at the tag office this morning on 12/20/11 at 01:09 PM [Reply]

getting my tags renewed. The lady was very friendly, and helpful.

What was interesting was old Dumbwood had to stop by and ask if he could get the people a plate of food from upstairs. It seems the property tax lady was really pissed she had to work the lunch schedule and was missing the face stuffing.

It was EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL to whine the way she did with a line of customers (IE.. tax payers) standing there!

#26 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 09:59 PM

(Comment removed)

#26.1 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 10:12 PM [Reply]

WOW. You government workers are starting to crawl out from under your rocks.

#26.1.1 Anonymous on 12/19/11 at 10:21 PM [Reply]

Your so right your tax dollars pay my salary. So my sugestion is write your check, sign your name and ill take it to the bank. What are you going to do sell your home and move to another county. Go for it you can write that check to someone else but in the end you will still write a check. Have a great day. I will.

#27 AnaRet on 12/20/11 at 10:01 AM [Reply]

Money really isn't "left over" until ALL debts are paid.

#28 Anonymous on 12/20/11 at 10:02 AM [Reply]

Where were all you folks when Doug Garrison was spending us down the river, to the tune of tens of millions of dollars? Y'all are picking easy targets with the bonus issue, but issues that actually had huge impact on the taxpayers have gone by without notice. How about the "historic sewer agreement" with Winder where we pay a million dollars per year, without sewer tap one on the system. All done for the bankers, lawyers and real estate movers and shakers? How about property purchases to cover bad paper, and to inflate comparables? Get your heads out of your backsides and look at the big issues... of course that might require thinking and not knee jerk bitching. How many of y'all that are writing negetive blogs have ever even attended a BOC meeting, or bothered to go to the polls and vote??

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County employees get $250 bonus

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