Caswell County revises vacation payout rules for workers who change to temporary part‑time status

The Caswell County Board of Commissioners approved a revised interpretation of its personnel policy on Jan. 5 to permit a one‑time payout of accrued vacation when an employee changes from full‑time to temporary part‑time status.

Miss Williamson presented the issue, explaining that the county’s current personnel policy bars payouts while employees remain employed but does not explicitly address status changes to temporary part‑time (1000 hours or less annually). She said the proposed approach would authorize a single payout at the effective date of the status change, capped at the county’s existing 240‑hour vacation payout limit, and would preserve the county’s temporary‑part‑time classification (no further accrual of vacation while in that status).

Commissioners discussed fairness to employees, payroll mechanics and retention concerns for critical roles such as EMS staff; several members said part‑time workers are valuable and the policy should avoid driving them away. Commissioner Rose moved to adopt the revised approach allowing payout on status change; Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion carried.

Managers and HR staff said they did not present final policy language at the meeting and will return with specific wording to amend the county personnel policy for board ratification. The payout cap referenced in discussion is the existing 240‑hour limit in the personnel policy.