Nassau extends CSEA retirement incentive

Nassau has extended a retirement incentive for Civil Service Employees Association members that could potentially lead to laid-off workers being rehired, county officials said.

The incentive will pay outgoing workers $1,000 for each year of service with the county. The program ends March 22 and is open to all CSEA members, regardless of experience.

"This is just another way for the county to save additional money," said Deputy County Executive Rob Walker.

The county will examine the number of employees who take the incentive and their respective salaries before determining whether to rehire some workers, Walker said.

The goal is to entice top-tier workers, who are paid higher salaries and cost the county more in pension contributions, to retire early, Walker said.

The county did not have estimates on how many employees could sign up or the potential savings. The union said 30 workers could take the deal.

Rehired employees could fill public safety spots, revenue-generating positions and jobs at the Department of Social Services, which lost more than 100 workers in December, he said.

CSEA suffered 128 layoffs in June and roughly 270 in December. About 50 workers were later rehired. "We hope to get some people back," said CSEA Local 830 president Jerry Laricchiuta.

Nassau first offered the incentive for CSEA employees last December and 111 members took the deal, the union said.

The legislature approved $17 million in borrowing for the first phase of the program; $3 million more was available from previous bonding. Roughly $7 million is still available, officials said. The county will submit a bill to the legislature this week extending the program, Walker said.