Carrollton gives $1K bonuses to employees

While the economic slump has forced some cities to lay off workers, a Carroll County city is spending $300,000 on employee bonuses. Officials said their hard work is part of the reason why the city can afford it.

Ivey Cataldo is among the Carrollton city employees receiving a $1,000 bonus this year. She said she loves her job as a Carrollton police officer, and she doesn't do it for the money. But as a single mom, she said she’s thankful for the extra cash.

"I see it as a blessing. I have a 2-year-old daughter that I’m able to buy Christmas for, and it's also helping me finish school," Cataldo told Channel 2’s John Bachman.

All 300 of Carrollton's full-time employees are getting the $1,000 bonus.  The mayor said they earned it.

"We have benchmarks and goals and if employees help us meet goals, then they are rewarded," Mayor Wayne Garner said.

Garner said in four years, the city has trimmed its budget by $4 million. The city did not raise taxes and managed to stockpile a $7 million cash reserve.

But some aren’t so pleased. A caller tipped off Channel 2 about the bonuses, saying the money would be better spent on taxpayers. Others supported the move.

"If I was an employee, I'd appreciate it, and I figure if they've got the money, why not," resident Robbi Leeper said.

Cataldo said she hasn't had a raise in several years, and she knows times are tough for a lot of people.

"I'm a taxpayer myself, so of course I like to have things back in my pocket as a taxpayer, but I believe we've worked very hard for it and I just want everyone to know we're very appreciative," she said.

The mayor said the bonus money is also good for Carrollton businesses because most employees will spend it locally during the holiday season, he said.