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The Coffee County Commission approved a policy authorizing a one-time bonus to fulltime county employees with at least five years of experience during its meeting Oct. 1.

The bonus amount is based on the employees’ years of service. Employees will receive $50, $75 or $100 per year of service.

“This (matter) has been vetted by at least three committees,” Commissioner Tim Stubblefield said.

The resolution, aimed to retain the county’s most experienced employees will cost the county about $176,889 and will impact 163 employees.

The largest group of employees are in the 4-14 years of service range with over 100 employees receiving $42,950 in bonuses. The longest tenured employees, the 25+ group will see a total of $66,300 with 23 employees receiving bonuses.

The resolution caps bonuses at $3,000. It passed 13 to 0 with one abstain by Commissioner Frank Watkins.