Charles Jones resigned as a Douglas County commissioner Wednesday night, but he’ll be back in a month.

Jones resigned after Wednesday night’s meeting, effective at midnight. He resigned so that he once again will be eligible to enroll in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement Plan, something he opted against when taking office four years ago.

The move has cost Jones, 50, a potential $9,000 a year in benefits upon his retirement. In the short run, the resignation will cost him about $5,000.

Jones intends to attend all commission meetings and participate in discussions during his hiatus. He will not be allowed to vote.

Jones, who won re-election in November, will return to the commission when he’s sworn in Jan. 13.