Schuylkill County Commissioners by a 2-1 vote Wednesday approved the policy revision to retirement benefits that affects nonunion and exempt employees who meet certain requirements.

County Commissioner Gary Hess voted no.

“I know we’ve done work on this, but I think it should be looked at further, especially hearing the impact that this can impose on the county and the employees that are within that,” Hess said.

Prior to the approved policy, the old one said employees hired prior to Nov. 24, 2004, but on or after Jan. 1, 1988, are eligible for their current coverage or comparable health insurance upon retirement. It applies to those who are full-time at age 60 or above who have 12 years service or more or age 55 and under with 20 years.

It now includes 60 or above on or before Dec. 31, 2022, or who have at least 20 years, those who retire on or after Jan. 1, 2023, who have 12 years and 60 or above or 20 years at age 55 and above.

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington read submitted written comments about the policy change that voiced opposition to it.

Christina Alexander, a supervisor with Schuylkill County Children and Youth, asked the commissioners to reconsider.

“You can’t tell me for 18 years there was a typo in a policy that’s been revised and you just caught it now. And even if there was, that’s a mistake on the county’s part. That doesn’t mean you take away our benefits based on your typo,” she said.

Human Resources Director Heidi Zula said those affected were informed of the change prior to its approval.

Controller Sharyn Yackenchik said pension benefits could be affected if employees seek to retire early.