Mayor Stimpson launches "Pay it Forward" bonus program

Dec 17th, 2014

MOBILE, Ala. - Mayor Sandy Stimpson today recognized the first recipients of a new "Pay it Forward" bonus program during a visit to the city's Municipal Garage.

The new initiative rewards employees who find creative ways to help the city save money.

The program is funded through the mayor's salary. As a candidate for mayor, Stimpson promised to contribute $50,000 each year - for a total of $200,000 in his first term - toward a bonus program for city employees. The mayor's annual salary is $89,000.

"The foundation of my administration is built on sound financial management, improved public service and investment in our most valuable asset - our employees," Stimpson said. "The Pay It Forward program is designed to reinforce that foundation and develop innovative solutions to everyday problems."

The inaugural recipients of the awards are Larry Harris, James Gardner, Jamaal Hawthorn, Lee Bush, Tyrone Holley, Clarence Mack and George Wells of the city's Municipal Garage. They each received a bonus payment of $250 and a certificate of service.

Led by Harris, the group recently learned of a request by the city's Traffic Engineering Department to purchase a new trailer to transport barricades. The cost of a new commercial trailer was estimated at $9,000.

The employees found a way to build the trailer in house for a total cost of less than $3,000, including materials and labor. Their ingenuity helped the city to save more than $6,000 plus additional savings in the future as more trailers are manufactured in-house.

"I am so proud of this group's initiative and ingenuity, which should be an example to the rest of our employees," said Mayor Stimpson. "Our citizens can be proud that they have such great public servants working for them. I can't think of a better way to start our bonus program."

For an award to be approved there must be a tangible cost savings where a definite dollar value can be determined. In accordance with Alabama State Law, the maximum award that any one employee can receive in one fiscal year for an award is $1,000.

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Contact:

George Talbot
City of Mobile
251-208-7590
George.Talbot@CityofMobile.org