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At its Dec. 8 regular meeting at the Sault Kewadin Casino, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors approved 2015 bonuses and 2016 COLA increases for its governmental, enterprise and casino employment team members.

Chairperson Aaron Payment said, “I proposed bonuses and raises and included these in the draft FY2015 and 2016 budgets, respectively. In subsequent years, raises will happen in a predictable pattern per a resolution enacted to establish an annual cost of living adjustment

(COLA) equal to the Consumer Price Index to a maximum of 3 percent.”

The bonuses will be paid out before Christmas in the amount of $500 for full-time employees, $250 for part-time employees and $150 for seasonal employees. The tribe’s cost is over $800,000.

The 3 percent raises will take effect in January.

Incoming settlements, revenue stabilization, land in trust approvals resulting in lower taxes, and increased federal revenues were some of the factors cited in the tribe’s ability to afford raises for the first time in seven years.

“I am grateful for all team members for what they do to sustain our operations as a Tribe,” said Payment. “I perceive a social contract between tribe and our team members that ensures the value of their compensation keeps pace with the cost of living.”

Payment added, “I hope this comes as great news to our team members as we enter the holiday season.”

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