By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty is now receiving the same pay bonus as other city employees have been given.

During their meeting Thursday night, city commissioners authorized an increase of 2.0% of Dougherty’s base salary of the year 2014 as a bonus to be paid in equal amounts on each payroll in 2015, effective as of December 21, 2014.

Mayor Henry Schwaller said the commission is “very pleased with the work of the city manager” and specifically mentioned the city’s finances.

“He’s not only kept us on strong financial ground–we have over $50 million in the bank–we have adequate reserves for a rainy day fund or in case of a crisis. We also have adequate reserves to pay for our projects in cash rather than by issuing bonds and debt.

“In addition, his work on many, many issues involving the community and his ability to get along with people are all very valuable,” Schwaller said .

In late July, the city of Hays and the Service Employees International Union Local 513 agreed to an addendum to give members a one-time 2 percent bonus for 2015.

The bonus affects 51 employees and cost the city approximately $41,000.