Jeannette's employees may get $500 pandemic bonus

Full-time Jeannette employees are eligible to get a $500 bonus for working through the coronavirus pandemic.

Council approved the measure this week in what Mayor Curtis Antoniak said was an effort to show workers they are appreciated.

They deserve it, he said.

“We have outstanding employees that worked through this,” Antoniak said.

The bonuses will be dependent on final rules about how the American Rescue Plan federal funding can be spent, said solicitor Tim Witt. Those regulations have not been released.

Jeannette was allocated more than $900,000 through the American Rescue Plan. Officials have not released a plan for it while waiting on the final regulations. The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion stimulus package approved in March that includes funding for counties and local municipalities. The money must be spend by the end of 2024.

Expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic would qualify for the funds as would grants to help small businesses, nonprofits and industries that have suffered during the last 20 months. It can be spent on water, sewer and broadband projects but it cannot be used to lower taxes, demolish buildings or bolster municipal pension funds.

City Clerk Nathan Bish said the bonuses, which are for current employees, would amount to $17,000. He does not plan to take one and neither does Treasurer Jacob Milliron. Council members will not get a bonus.

Witt said the bonuses would not be disbursed until he confirms with the final regulations that it is a permitted use.

“I know it’s not a million dollars, but it’s something to show our appreciation,” Antoniak said.

UPMC announced earlier this month its intention to give $500 bonuses to 92,000 employees for their dedication during the pandemic. Westmoreland Manor employees started getting bonuses last month totaling $670,000.