Political Pulse The 200 or so county courthouse employees who were called to an emergency meeting recently didn't know what was going on. The look on their faces as they walked into the meeting was one of dread. Their expressions changed quickly when Clerk of the Court Maryanne Morse started handing out bonus checks to every one of her employees. The bonuses, which were based on salary and the number of years on the job, ranged from $50 for newcomers to a maximum of $2,500, Morse said. Changed in the state law allowed for bonuses for the first time this year, she said. "They work in crappy, over-crowded conditions, and we can't add more staff without adding a second shift," she said. "It was the least I could do." The bonuses cost the clerk's office $279,223. The money for the clerk's budget comes from a variety of courthouse fees. In the past, the clerk's office has turned unused income over to the county's general fund. Morse said the county doesn't need to worry. There will be plenty of money to go around.
By the way, only two employees didn't get bonuses - Morse and her assistant, Bob Lewis.
Compiled from reports from Doris Bloodsworth and Robert Perez of the Sentinel staff.
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