Public works supervisor Jim Koser is one of three town employees taking advantage of an early-retirement incentive offer.

Public works department Supervisor Jim Koser, Assessor Harold Ducey and Beverly Manes, an assistant in the tax collector's office, are retiring on June 30.

All three are taking advantage of the town's new early-retirement incentive plan that awards a one-time cash payment or continuation of health insurance until the age of 65. The plan was approved by the Board of Selectmen and is designed to save the town money on salaries.

Under the plan, Koser and Ducey will each receive a one-time payment equaling 25 percent of their salaries. Koser is earning $80,836 and Ducey $61,193. Both chose the one-time payment because both are already 65 or older and eligible for Medicare. Manes, who makes $23 an hour, chose the health insurance.

Koser has worked for public works for 26 years and has been supervisor since 1997. In retirement, Koser, 66, plans to tend to the beef cattle he raises and focus more on his duties as chief of the Litchfield Fire Company.

Ducey has been assessor for 15 and Manes has worked in the tax collector's office for 20 years.

Selectmen have decided not to fill Koser's position. They hope to have replacements for Ducey and Manes in place by early July.

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