COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Bud Norman told the Board of Commissioners during their work session on Friday that the county saved over $169,000 in wages and payroll taxes thanks to a two month Work Share program that 76 county employees initially took part in.
Two of those employees later had to drop out after it was learned they didn’t meet the requirements.
A worker taking part got a reduced weekly salary from an employer but was given a percent of their state unemployment benefits plus an additional $600 through the CARES Act through the end of July.
Norman said their employees gave up over $157,000 in wages. Those employees in turn got payments in Work Share of over $414,000. Employees will have to pay federal and state taxes on the proceeds that were not taken out.
County Commissioners approved the Work Share program for county employees in late May as there were indications the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to less funding for local governments.
Work Share is designed to help employers bring back employees from unemployment faster. It also allows employers to retain their workforce and avoid layoffs.
