News Release - Mayor James Patrick Smith Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive for City Employees

City of Rochester

News Release

(Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021) – Mayor James Patrick Smith introduced legislation to provide incentives to City employees who receive their COVID-19 vaccination or a booster shot before June 30, 2022. In addition, the proposal creates a lottery system where, if the City workforce achieves a 75% vaccination rate before January 31, 2022, all employees who have reported their vaccination status will be entered in a drawing for additional rewards. The goal of the program is to increase the number of fully vaccinated and boosted City employees to ensure continued availability of vital services to the public.

“The increased number of COVID-19 cases in our community is deeply troubling as we enter the holiday season,” said Mayor Smith. “This incentive program will help protect our workforce and our community as we enter the New Year. It will also provide critical data to help us ensure the City continues to provide essential services to our residents. City employees are the backbone of providing direct essential services and I believe incentivizing immunization and boosters is preferable to enforcing mandates at this time.”

The anticipated cost of the incentive program is $350,000 and will be funded by use of federal aid provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The authorizing legislation was submitted to City Council as Matter of Necessity and will be considered for adoption at their next meeting on December 14.

“I will continue to work with City Council to find ways we can work to improve outcomes for our city related to COVID,” said Mayor Smith. “It’s critical that we are united in combating this pandemic and encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. I know first-hand how important vaccination is to ensuring people survive COVID so they can continue to live healthy and productive lives. I hope every City employee takes advantage of these incentives.”

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