ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Anne Arundel County is offering a one time $1,000 bonus payment to government employees who get vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 30.
The bonus does apply to those who've already received their vaccine, and temporary or contractual employees who worked more than 1,000 hours in FY 2020, and are still on payroll the week of September 13.
Federal tax payer dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act will be used to fund the initiative.
Earlier this month, County Executive Steuart Pittman said unvaccinated employees would be required to show a weekly negative COVID test in order to report to work.
“With cold and flu season rapidly approaching, we must do everything in our power to boost vaccination rates, and we believe that this program will do just that among our public servants," said County Executive Steuart Pittman.
So how and when can you get paid?
Beginning September 13, county employees can upload their proof of vaccination into a secure web portal.
Those who submitted their verification by September 20 will receive payment on October 15.
Employees doing so after September 20th and before November 30th will receive an off-cycle payroll payment by December 24.
Agency Heads for quasi-governmental employees will determine dates of payment.
“Our hope is that the increase in vaccinated employees will ultimately reduce the excessive costs, as well as the staffing and scheduling burdens associated with implementing a testing regimen for unvaccinated employees,” Chief Administrative Officer Matt Power said. “With a finite amount of resources and a clear public health goal - to get all eligible staff vaccinated as soon as possible - we’re focusing our efforts on increasing vaccinations and protecting our workforce.”
