A recent decision by the Dawson County commission to offer some employees early retirement could save local government about $20,000 per year, according to officials.

Under the measure, which the commission approved 4-0 on March 3, certain employees between ages 62 and 65 could retire early.

Those employees must be “under the defined benefit plan and must have been with the county at least eight years,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner.

Tanner said there are just six employees eligible.

According to the resolution, the plan is being made available on a one-time basis as a cost-saving measure.

Commissioner James Swafford voted to approve the resolution, but did take issue with the message he said it might send to some.

“I understand what we’re trying to accomplish here,” said Swafford during the meeting. “Let’s hope we don’t send the wrong signal to other employees.

“I hope employees don’t say: ‘Well, they targeted me’ ... That is my concern.”

County Commission Chairman Mike Berg said the measure was twofold.

“One, it gives folks the ability to retire a little bit early,” he said. “What it does for us, is we don’t have to pay those salaries out for the next three years.

“For example, if you had a $50,000 salary, for the next three years, you save $150,000. On the other side of it, you have to pay out what the retirement pay out would be for those three years.”

The difference would result in the savings, he said, adding that the plan is “not forced. It’s voluntary.”