Decatur County employees got an early Christmas present Tuesday, as it was announced all employees will get a bonus payment during December.

The Decatur County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the bonus payments, which were classified as “employee performance incentives” during Tuesday’s regular board meeting.

The bonus will be $100 to full-time employees hired anytime before Dec. 1, 2012, and $50 to part-time employees. Commissioners and the county administrator are exempt from the bonus payment.

Commissioner Frank Loeffler made the initial motion to authorize the bonus payments, noting that county employees have not received any raises in the last four years. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dr. Earl Perry.

“[Our employees] have worked very hard to stay under budget, during very difficult times,” Loeffler said.