AHOSKIE – At its monthly meeting here Aug. 10, members of the Ahoskie Town Council unanimously voted to amend its policy regarding retirement gifts for town employees.

At last month’s meeting, Town Council members expressed a desire to recognize retiring town employees, especially those who have spent a number of years working for the town.

Town Manager Russell Overman devised the new policy. He stressed that the retirement gifts were in addition to any retiree health insurance benefits.

The new retirement recognition policy is as follows.

(1) Employees retiring with less than 10 years of service will receive a framed Resolution of Appreciation (ROA).

(2) Employees retiring with at least 10 years of service, but less than 25 years will receive a ROA plus a gift valued at $10 per year of service.

(3) Employees retiring with 25 years of service will receive a ROA and a gift valued at $300.

(4) Employees retiring with more than 25 years of service will receive a ROA and a gift valued at $300 plus $40 for each year of service above 25 years.

(5) Police officers retiring after 20 or more years of service will receive their service weapon plus the appropriate item above in 1-4.

(6) Firefighters with 20 or more years of service will receive their fire helmet in addition to the appropriate item above in 1-4.

(7) Retiring Department Heads and Town Managers will also receive a dinner in their honor.

(8) Retiring elected officials will receive a ROA and a dinner in their honor.