POMEROY — Those coming to Pomeroy for their holiday shopping can expect to find free parking throughout the downtown area.

A decision by Pomeroy Village Council during last week’s meeting will allow for the parking meters to be “bagged” for free parking for customers with a few restrictions.

Police Chief Mark Proffitt emphasized that the free spaces are to be used by customers only — not residents, employees or store owners. In addition, there will be a two-hour limit on all of the spaces.

The free parking will begin over the Thanksgiving holiday and will remain in place until the first of the year.

Free parking has been offered for the past several years in the downtown area during the holiday shopping season as a benefit to those customers coming into town.

The motion to cover the meters for the holiday season was unanimously passed by council.

Members of council also discussed the possibility of Christmas bonuses for employees. The finance committee is to meet and make a recommendation at the next meeting with regard to the bonuses. Options suggested in the meeting included a cash bonus, a paid day off work or the purchasing of hams.

Attending the meeting were council members Vic Young, Ruth Spaun, Robert Payne and Dru Reed, Mayor Mary McAngus, clerk Sonya Wolfe, Village Administrator Paul Hellman and Proffitt.