Christmas just got a little merrier for City of Florala employees after the council approved a one-time pay raise Monday; however, some council members felt the figures to be high.

Mayor Robert Williamson said it will cost the city $7,938 to cover one week’s salary for all full-time and permanent part-time personnel, $75 to part-time personnel and $50 to volunteer firefighters and reserve police officers.

Councilwoman Ann Eason said the “one week salary” figure is not in line with what surrounding municipalities pay.

“The people that called me complained that it was tax payer money (paying the one-time raises) and the ones that were for it, were OK with a modest figure,” Eason said.

Councilwomen Pat Carmical and Hazel Lee each agreed the dollar figure was included in the budget; however, the practice will need revising during next year’s budgeting process.

“I think we should adhere to budget, and these people were promised this,” Lee said. “We’re so close to the holiday season, I’d hate to snatch the rug from under the people who are depending on this for Christmas.”