Town Discusses Retirement Incentives for Employees

The town board discussed the retirement incentive they want to present to town employees. During the work session on June 22, Supervisor Susan Siegel said the plan would be voluntary and employees don't have to accept it.

The plan is a targeted incentive, and people have the option of retiring early if they have been employed for the necessary number of years, or they could retire regularly at the age of 55. People would get one month added to their pension for every year they worked for up to three years.

The town had a list of employees from each department who would be eligible to retire. Siegel said she had spoken to David Rambo, water department superintendent, who said that there was a water maintenance position that the department could do without.

"We are targeting titles, not people," Siegel said.

The salary of the employee, whose name the board did not release, is roughly $69,000. Eliminating the position would mean $59,000 in annual savings for the town, and an expense of $10,000 a year for the incentive.

"It can be a wonderful opportunity for those who would retire in three to four years," Councilman Jim Martorano said.

Councilmen Nick Bianco and Terrence Murphy said they wanted to completely eliminate positions the town could do without. Siegel said the proposal would be advertised to the public at a July 6 meeting.

Councilman Martorano said town employees around the state are being offered a retirement incentive plan and Yorktown employees should too. 

"It's not just about money," Martorano said. "It's about showing respect for the people who have dedicated years of their lives working for the town and our citizens. It's about time we demonstrated some appreciation for the fine job they have done."