WILSON — Christmas came early for Wilson city employees Monday as the Wilson City Council approved Christmas bonuses.

After two executive sessions to discuss nonelected personnel (2024 cost of living wage increase evaluation and discussion of Christmas gift card certificates), the following bonuses were approved: Janice Kornmeyer, $50; Jonathan Lawrence, $25; Anne Piper, $25; Cathy Smith, $50; Susan Kriley, $100; Wilson Police Chief James Reagan, $50; Jake Rowden, $100; Joe Soukup, $100; Theresa Staudinger, $50; Larry Soukup, $25.

The council also approved paying the employees’ share of the Medicare and Social Security on the $100 gift certificates.

Pay raises, effective Jan. 1, were approved as follows: Janice Kornmeyer, 25 cents per hour increase; Susan Kriley, $1 per hour increase; James Reagan, $1 per hour increase; Jake Rowden, $1 per hour increase; Cathy Smith, $1 per hour increase; Joe Soukup, $1 per hour increase.

In other business:

• After no public comment was given during the public hearing on amending the 2024 budget, the council approved amending the 2024 budget.

• Approval was given to tentatively schedule J.R. Modlin of Western Sales to remove items found in violation by the city board of health on the property at 2309 Ave. D.

• Independent contractor Larry Soukup was reapproved as the city burn pile attendant for 2024 at a pay rate of $10.50 per hour.

• Approval was given to allow a fireworks show to take place in May during the Big Kansas Road Trip. The fireworks show is not allowed if a countywide burn ban is in place at the time, it must be done by a licensed contractor with liability insurance and at a location to be determined. The council suggested the Jellison Park ballfield.

• The purchase of a 55-gallon drum of oil for the backhoe and the motorgrader was approved at a cost not to exceed $1,400 from S&W Supply.

• Reagan reported the city received four cans of Narcan. Two will be placed at city hall and two will remain with him while on patrol.

• Mayor Dan Taylor appointed Kayanne Meitler to the Lang Memorial Library board of directors. She replaces Susan Curtis, who recently resigned from the board. Meitler’s appointment was approved by the council.

The next meeting of the Wilson City Council will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at city hall.