Four village of Baldwinsville employees have opted to take part in an early retirement plan offered through New York State. Employing roughly 50 people (not including trustees, architectural review or planning board members), that is about 8 percent of the village’s work force.
“How do you move on when you are losing decades of experience,” Mayor Joe Saraceni said about the recent string of retirements. While the loss of experience is a detriment to the village, Saraceni said he knows those who have retired provided thorough training to their replacements.
Recent retirees include Village Clerk Rosemary Johnson, Department of Public Works Foreman Mace Markham and Baldwinsville Police Department communications officers Claudette Roller and Sue Ellis. Maureen Butler filled Johnson’s position and Dennis LaQuay filled Markham’s position; Roller and Ellis’ positions will not be filled. As a result, the police department’s communications office will only be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., where it was previously open from 8 a.m. to midnight. Police officers will still be available 24 hours a day and a 911 button is available for emergencies outside the police department.
At the Dec. 2 village board meeting, officials celebrated the retirement of Roller and Ellis, who served the village for 29 years and 27 years, respectively. According to Baldwinsville Police Chief Michael Lefancheck, they will be greatly missed.
“We’re going to miss them and we wish them all the best,” Lefancheck said. “We appreciate everything you have done.”
