Coulee Dam’s town council approved a policy Thursday that full-time employees will be paid a $1,500 incentive payment for proof they’ve been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Part-time employees will receive a $100 payment.

The written policy was presented as Resolution No. 2021-07 at a special online council meeting held specifically for that purpose alone after the council had requested it at a special meeting Nov. 29.

City attorney Mick Howe had it prepared and ready by Thursday.

The city plans to use some of the $300,000 in money from coming from the American Rescue Plan Act.

As proof of vaccination, employees must either provide a copy of their vaccination card, or show their vaccination card to the city clerk, or submit an affirmation that they’ve been vaccinated.

City Clerk Stefani Bowden said that affirmation comes on an official state Department of Health from a state official and must be notarized.

The resolution cites various reasons the incentive is legal.

It does not include a policy on what happens if an employee still refuses to get the shot.

That’s a bridge to be crossed “when we come to it,” Mayor Bob Poch said.

Councilmember Keith St. Jeor said requirements are coming from safety agencies for plans to address that very question.