Henry County employees to receive hazard pay

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted at its April 7 regular meeting to approve a two-tiered plan for granting hazard pay to employees based on the risk of contact with members of the public who might have COVID-19.

Level 1 employees, who have the potential of direct contact with the public on a daily basis, will receive an extra $2.50 per hour. Level 2 employees, who are working mostly in county offices instead of teleworking and may have regular contact with others, will receive an additional $1.50 per hour.

The plan is retroactive to March 17, when the county’s emergency declaration began, and is currently in effect until April 21, when the shelter-in-place order is lifted. Officials said it would cost no more than $800,000 if it is not extended past mid-May.