When virtually everything shut down because of COVID-19, some employees were considered essential or chose to continue working. Now the employees of Toombs County will be rewarded for their dedication.

At the September meeting of the Toombs County Commissioners last week, County Manager John Jones asked the elected officials to approve a one-time compensation for all full-time and part-time employees of the County. The money to cover the cost was received by the County through the CARES Act, and is not an extra expense from the general funds operating budget so taxpayers aren’t footing the bill.

Jones requested that all full-time employees received a one-time adjustment of $1,500, and part-time employees also receive a one-time adjusted compensation package. Jones said there are currently around 170 full-time employees and 30 part-time employees in the county.

According to the County Manager, there were no employees furloughed during the COVID-19 lock down and all continued to fulfill the duties of their jobs with the exception of a couple of employees who chose to remain home because of safety reasons, and that, was allowed by law.

"They helped us get through this; now we'd like to reward them," Jones told Commissioners.

Earlier this month, the Lyons City Council approved a $1,500 adjustment for their full-time employees, but no part-time time employees will receive any money.

The Commissioners readily approved the County Manager's request, and County Chairman David Sikes congratulated the men for taking such positive action for the employees of the county, and called their decision a "great call!"