Published: August 08, 2008 09:43 am            

City retirement spared

Pension benefits escape the trimming shears

Chelsea L. McGowan

Staff Writer

After several discussions in special sessions of the Weatherford City Council, a proposal to cut retiree benefits seems to have finally been defeated.

In a work session held July 29, Chief Financial Officer Janina Jewell presented several cost-cutting options to councilmembers, focusing on ways pension plans and medical benefits for city employees might be changed to affect the bottom line.

At that time, councilmembers requested more information and seemed unconvinced of the proposal’s merit.

“So, we’re looking at ways to decrease what they’re getting in pension, and also increasing what they pay for health insurance?” asked councilmember Jan Barton. “I’m afraid it might end up being a double hit.”

After further discussion in a work session held Aug. 5, City Manager Jennifer Fadden said she does not believe the council will choose to proceed with the proposed cutbacks.

“After the feedback I got on Tuesday, I really don’t see the council going that direction,” said Fadden. “It might be something they revisit in the future, but at this time we’re going to look at other areas to trim.”

Fadden also said the entire general fund was getting the same treatment, as city officers work to balance next year’s budget.

“We’ve done an extensive job of going through the entire general fund budget and scrubbing it,” she said. “As a service business, 75 percent of our budget goes to benefits and salaries, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But that means that when you have to cut back somewhere, those areas are going to be affected.”

And indeed, salaries are going to be affected in the new budget year. As previously reported, councilmembers stand to see their salaries increase by five times if a recent recommendation by the charter review committee is passed.

“I really don’t expect any changes to be made that will affect retiree benefits this year,” Fadden said. “But we have to keep looking everywhere we can to make sure the city is only doing what it can afford to do.”

        

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