Involuntary layoffs may come into play for NHC employees

New Hanover County announced that 43 employees agreed to take early retirement. The offer is part of the county’s effort to make up a $3 million budget deficit.

County Manager, Bruce Shell, said it is too early to tell how the retirements will affect the effort. “One of the things we’ll do is take a look at these positions and determine the ones that we have to rehire and the ones that we can delay or put on hold.”

Involuntary layoffs may be needed to make up the budget shortfall not covered by the early retirements. Employees affected will be notified next week.

Among the forty three opting for early retirement were Sheriff Sid Causey and three other department heads.