Babylon, N. Hempstead to offer employees early retirement

The towns of Babylon and North Hempstead have voted to offer eligible employees the state's early retirement incentives.

The state plan, which is in effect for only this budget year, had to be accepted by local governments by Sept. 1. Governments could choose to accept one or both parts of the plan. Under Part A, eligible employees can boost their pension credits by up to three years by adding a month of credit for every year of service. Under Part B, the minimum age at which workers can retire without penalty is lowered from 62 to 55 if they have served for at least 25 years.

North Hempstead and Babylon have voted to offer both parts. North Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Christopher Senior said there are 69 employees eligible for Part A, with a total salary of $4,604,126. Eight employees are eligible for Part B, he said.

In Babylon, 60 employees are eligible to take part. The town was unable to provide a total salary figure. Town Comptroller Victoria Marotta said it is unclear how many employees will retire and some positions will have to be refilled.

Employees will have to file paperwork to retire before the end of November. Officials from both towns said they are hopeful the plan will result in savings down the road.

Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip, East Hampton and Oyster Bay towns previously voted to offer their employees the early retirement incentives.