Commission adopts retirement incentive program; six-month payout authorized with exception process

Doña Ana County commissioners voted on March 25 to approve a retirement incentive program designed to encourage eligible employees to retire by offering a lump sum equal to six months’ pay.

Maggie Haines, the county’s human resources director, presented the proposal and said "administration is requesting the 6 month incentive payout." The board approved the measure after discussion of staffing, succession planning and a narrowly written exception for critical positions. Commissioner Reynolds moved for approval; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Nut graf: The incentive is available only to employees eligible for retirement under the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) rules (tier 1 and tier 2 eligibility as described in the meeting). Participating employees must give 60 days’ notice, be in good standing, and — unless the commission later authorizes otherwise — will be ineligible to return to county employment for a minimum of five years.

Haines told commissioners the county projects the program could cost roughly $2.5 million in the worst-case projection, but staff expect salary-and-benefit savings and temporary vacancy strategies to offset much of the cost. Departments and HR will coordinate to identify skill gaps, cross-train staff, and expedite filling critical roles. The board added a specific amendment permitting department heads to request a waiver of waiting periods or hiring-policy limits on a case-by-case basis for designated critical positions; county administration will expedite recruitment in such cases.

Ending: The board asked HR and budget staff to track costs monthly and bring any required budget amendments back to the commission. The adopted resolution was recorded as 2025-43.