Retention Supplement

Magnet Pulling Figures

All employees of the Unified Personnel System, except temporary employees, who were employed continuously for the entire duration of each specified evaluation period were eligible to receive a $600 (before taxes) retention supplement payment for each of the retention evaluation periods to reward their contributions and commitment to serving the County’s citizens.

Retention Evaluation Periods

Evaluation PeriodDate RangePayment Date
Final Supplement #3 ($600) July 29, 2023 to January 27, 2024February 2, 2024
Supplement #2 ($600)January 29, 2023 to July 29, 2023August 4, 2023
Supplement #1 ($600)October 2, 2022 to January 28, 2023February 10, 2023

Who was eligible?

In order to be awarded a retention supplement, the employee had to be employed continuously during all pay periods in the evaluation periods listed.

How much were the retention supplements?

The payments were $600 before taxes for each evaluation period for employees generally scheduled for a 40-hour work week. Net pay varied by employee based on current selected benefits and tax deductions. The supplemental payout was clearly designated and noted on the paystub.

For employees generally scheduled for less than 40 hours, the payment was prorated (see Retention Supplement Amounts below). No additional amount will be paid to those employees whose generally scheduled work week is in excess of 40 hours.

Was the retention supplement taxable?

Yes. Retention supplement #2 and #3 were taxed the same as your regular paycheck. All current benefits, deductions, tax selections, and direct deposits apply. 

When was supplement #1 issued?

On February 10, 2023, all employees of the Unified Personnel System, except temporary employees, who were employed continuously between October 2, 2022 and January 28, 2023, received a $600 before taxes ($422.11 after taxes) retention supplement payment.

When was supplement #2 issued?

For your convenience and based on employees’ feedback, retention supplement #2 was included in the August 4, 2023 paycheck. The retention payment was taxed at the employee’s regular biweekly withholding tax rate. As such, some employees saw positive fluctuations from the first payout of $422.11.

When was supplement #3 issued?

Retention supplement #3 was included in the February 2, 2024 paycheck. The retention payment was taxed at the employee’s regular biweekly withholding tax rate.

Does tenure with the County affect the eligibility or amount of the retention supplement?

No. All employees continuously employed during the evaluation periods received the supplement. Only those working less than 40 hours per week on a regular basis got a reduced amount (see the table below).

If my regularly scheduled hours are 32 hours per week but I sometimes work more or less, what amount do I receive?

Proration of the amount was based on your regularly scheduled weekly hours, not recent or average work hours. See the table below. For example, a person who regularly works 32 hours (or 80% of a 40-hour week) will receive 80% of $600 which amounts to $480 (before taxes).

Retention Supplement Amounts

Regularly Scheduled Weekly HoursRetention Supplement AmountProration Calculation Factor
40$6001
35$525.875
32$480.8
30$450.75
25$375.625
20$300.5
15$225.375
10$150.25

If I am on annual leave, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or Workers’ Compensation at any time during the evaluation period, am I still eligible for the retention supplement?

Yes. While on annual leave, FMLA and leave due to Workers’ Compensation, employees remain continuously employed.

What if I have questions?

Please contact Human Resources at (727) 464-3367, option 2 or email AskHR@pinellas.gov.

2/9/24