The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is among a handful of independent state agencies that allow active employees to make the cash conversion.
A Record review shows 630 out of 2,270 employees in 2009 cashed in $1.83 million in unused vacation time. Top among them was an assistant director on the Garden State Parkway, who took home $22,058 on top of her $103,032 annual salary.
Authority spokesman Joe Orlando says the policy goes back more than 30 years. Orlando says it's believed letting workers cash out at a lower rate saves money than collecting at retirement when salaries are typically higher.
Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson opposes the policy.
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Information from: The Record of Bergen County, http://www.northjersey.com
