Robert Fields | WVOW News
MAN Town of Man employees can look forward to having a little extra money in their pockets this month.
On Monday, Man Town Council members voted unanimously to approve holiday bonuses for town employees.
The bonuses were proposed by Mayor John Fekete, who said the town plans to use the same model that was implemented last year.
“What I would like to propose is all full-time employees get $500 plus $25 for each year that they’ve had service with us, and then part-time employees – we’ll do $250 with $25 for each year they’ve been on the payroll with us,” he told council members.
The proposal was met with support from the accountant Jeff Vallet, who manages the town’s finances. Earlier in the meeting, he provided a detailed financial update to the council. As of the end of November, Vallet reported that the town is operating on a surplus right around $26,000, with revenues performing as expected.
“Our B&O right now – so far, through November, we’ve collected $150,000 and we only budgeted $255,000. We’re going to exceed our budget if all things stay equal. And our home rule is right at or close to what we had budgeted, so our two main revenue sources where they should be,” he said.
Vallet stated that the town is on track to maintain good financial standing through the fiscal year, ensuring that the proposed bonuses are financially sustainable.
The town is quite literally shining bright with Christmas spirit.
The Man town council approved the installation of forty Christmas lights throughout the town. However, Mayor John Fekete said Monday that challenges have arisen due to issues with American Electric Power (AEP).
“A lot of our power on power poles on Main Street and South Man has been cut by the power company because it’s old,” Fekete said.
The connections were at risk of fire, according to the power company. According to Mayor Fekete, the town has received specifications from AEP and has obtained approval for new breaker boxes. As of Monday evening, twenty new breaker boxes have been installed, however Fekete said AEP has yet to complete the necessary electrical connections.
Despite troubles with the power company, the lights are still shining on the town’s Christmas tree. The town held a tree lighting ceremony Saturday.
However, one tree just isn’t enough for the Town of Man he town plans to allow residents to set up small memorial trees in Market Square. The town asks that memorial trees are five feet or less in height. The trees will be secured to the ground and the town will provide electrical power for decorative lights.
The town’s police department has already set up a memorial Christmas tree featuring blue lights and ornaments honoring emergency services and armed forces personnel.
The festive spirit keeps going this Thursday when the town holds its annual Christmas parade. Submissions are still being accepted for the parade lineup. Mayor Fekete told WVOW that he anticipates a larger turnout than the town has seen in previous years.
“Quite a few have signed up,” Fekete told WVOW News. “We hope to be a little bit bigger than last year. We encourage everyone to get involved. If you don’t get involved, then come on down and watch the parade.”