The word “bonus” has more than once set off debate among Ocean Ridge commissioners — and the latest round ended with a vow to consider defining and cutting back on the traditional retirement bonus here.
While the discussion at commissioners’ May 2 meeting was led off by a new commissioner, the two sides of the issue sounded much like the point/counterpoint in the most recent discussion about changing the employee Christmas bonus.
“We have to get the word ‘bonus’ out of our vocabulary,” said Commissioner Zoanne Hennigan, when she and the others faced a vote on a retirement bonus for 28-year-employee Jeanne Zuidema that reflected $100 for each year of service. “It’s nothing personal. Things have changed. We have to tighten our belts.”
Several of the leaders on the dais agreed that in light of the economy, such payments required review. But Commissioner Geoff Pugh suggested perhaps it would be better timing to make such a change for an employee who was retiring after two or three years rather than 28.
Commissioners ultimately approved a retirement gift of $2,800 to the retiring dispatcher — characterized as a loyal employee who worked hurricanes through the years and often came in when no one else could — on a motion made by Lynn Allison and seconded by Pugh.
“To make an example at this point with this employee is very difficult,” said Allison, adding, however, she could see a future change to set gift values by number of years of service.
“The employee has dedicated nearly half of her life to this town,” said Police Chief Chris Yannuzzi. “It’s in order.”
Hennigan, however, pressed for change, noting “our people are still getting their pensions. A lot of people aren’t.” She favored buying a gift, such as the watch she received for her service at a corporation.
Cash is king, Pugh argued. “A gift is a gift. The best gift I can receive is cold, hard cash.”
Mayor Ken Kaleel weighed in: “The intent is a parting gift. It doesn’t have to be $100 for each year. It’s a goodbye gift for service. I’m not locked in. I think someone who puts in that amount of time should get something.”
The mayor did, however, admit: “I’m jealous of their pensions.”
The vote came down to two in favor of the $2,800 cash gift and two opposed. Kaleel pushed for consensus on the issue.
“The problem is that it’s personalized with the first person that you cut off,” said Commissioner Edward Brookes, who finally voted with Allison and Pugh so that the mayor wouldn’t be forced to vote.
Some noted that the bonus was being discussed even as the town prepared to sit down at collective bargaining with the Police Department. Attorney Key Spillias cautioned against approving the gift in the context of
the negotiations.
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