Election inspectors in town to get bonus

Election inspectors in the Town of Belgium will be paid $100 more this year for their services.

At the Nov. 9 Town Board meeting, Town Clerk Ginger Murphy asked for $1,700 extra to pay all the election inspectors due to the dangers of working elections during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Town Chairman Tom Winker, a member of the Ozaukee County Board, said the county gave hazardous pay to the Sheriff’s Office, public health officials and Lasata Senior Living Campus employees and “if we’re going to follow a trend, in my mind it is certainly warranted.”

He also said he called the Wisconsin Towns Association president, who said the organization was coincidentally giving the same amount — $100 more each.

Murphy said she can find money in the budget and will categorize it as expense for poll workers.

The board approved the increase for this year, 3-0. Providing future increases may be discussed.

“We’ll address next year when it comes,” Winker said.