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County approves one-time early-retirement incentive and clarifies retiree spouse coverage
Summary
Commissioners approved Amendment No. 6 to the Personnel Resolution Manual adding a one-time Early Retirement Incentive (effective if budget adopted; expires Dec. 31, 2026) and clarified that spouses/dependents may only remain on retiree insurance if they were covered at retirement.
The Wilkes County Board on June 2 approved Amendment No. 6 to the Personnel Resolution Manual, adding a one-time Early Retirement Incentive Plan for 2026 that would take effect only if adopted as part of the county budget. County Attorney Tony Triplett told the Board the program would be optional, expire automatically on Dec. 31, 2026, and could not be used until the budget is adopted (earliest participation July 2, 2026).
Triplett also clarified longstanding insurance practice: retired employees who are eligible for county-provided insurance may carry their spouse and dependents only if those family members were covered at the time of retirement; spouses or dependents may not be added to a retiree policy later. Vice Chairman Evan Handy moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner Shirley Randleman seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
