FARMINGTON — Franklin County’s benefit liability reserve account received a boost Tuesday when commissioners voted to transfer $60,000 from the county’s undesignated fund into its coffers.

The reserve account is used to pay employees who have accrued vacation and/or sick time when they leave the county’s employment.

Treasurer Mary Frank told commissioners that the benefits liability reserve account is overdrawn by $5,800, and another former employee is owed about $5,100.

The county has been trying to build up the reserve over the years in preparation for the retirements of many county senior employees who are nearing retirement age.

This year, a lot of heavy hitters retired, Frank said.

One employee had nearly 40 years of service; another had 25 years.

She has heard there is a possibility of still more employees retiring, all of whom have more than 20 years with the county, she said.

dperry@sunjournal.com