Gainesvilles employees to get one-time bonus of up to $1,000 each

GAINESVILLE - City of Gainesville employees will be getting a one-time bonus check of up to $1,000 each later this month.

The city council approved the pay-outs after being told Tuesday of a higher-than-expected surplus.

City Manager Kip Padgett says the checks will go out next Wednesday: $1,000 for employees who have been with the city six months or longer and $500 for those on the job less than six months.

Padgett says its the city's way of rewarding its employees who have gone several years without a pay raise because of the sour economy.

Also Tuesday, the council held first reading on Sunday alcohol sales. Second reading is scheduled for December 6. Padgett said if it passes then, it goes into effect immediately, "so (the) first Sunday sales could occur on December 11."