KINGSTON – The Health and Personnel Committee of the Ulster County Legislature has approved the voluntary separation program for eligible county employees at its session Monday evening.

Committee Chairman Robert Aiello said some 230 employees are eligible to take advantage of the program, but some may face a financial stumbling block.

“It’s not the buyout that’s not a good deal; it’s the health insurance that becomes expensive unless you really have some time in,” Aiello said. “It’s a good deal for those who have had years in that are making somewhat decent salaries. It’s a good thing for county taxpayers who are paying these employees into the pension fund.”

County Executive Michael Hein, who proposed the plan, said if 10 percent of the eligible workers take it, the county could save about $1 million per year.