Smithfield employees will receive bonuses for helping to keep the town government operating during the pandemic.

Town Council approved one-time payments totaling $48,000 at a Nov. 2 meeting, mirroring similar actions taken by communities throughout Hampton Roads, the state and the country to compensate municipal employees for their work during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Any active, full-time employee who worked for the town as of July 1 is eligible, as are part-time employees who worked at least an average of 24 hours each month between March 1 and Aug. 31.

Smithfield employed 77 people — 68 full-time and nine part-time — as of Nov. 2, according to Town Manager Michael Stallings. The amount of compensation awarded will vary depending on a person’s job and whether they’re full-time or part-time employees.

Full-time uniformed first responders — sworn police officers — are in the first tier and will receive $1,000, while part-time staff in this category will receive $500. Full-time employees in tier two who are considered “other essential personnel” will receive $750 and part-time staff will receive $375. All other full-time employees will receive $500, and remaining part-time employees will receive $250.

Funding for the supplemental compensation will come from the town’s budget and be reimbursed with federal CARES Act funds, according to the town. The payments will be disbursed to employees in the next paycheck after town council’s approval of the measure.