Monday, January 19, 2009

Meeting with May and Garrett shows team work

Myself and members of the City Council met with Senator Susan Garrett and Representative Karen May to discuss ways of dealing with the huge increasing costs of pension plans. Projections have shown that mandated benefits and contributions to pensions from governments could skyrocket taxes up 10% for residents of our community in 2010. Local governments have absolutely NO CONTROL of these costs paid for our employees.

Staff will be working with our municipal associations to promote legislation downstate that would extend the date to be fully funded on these pensions. This extension would at least smooth the large increase currently needed in contributions and spread it over a longer period. Also, we need to review the benefit packages and start to become REAL.... Government employees must live within realistic budgets during these rough economic times just like the rest of private business. Governments can't ignore the economic situation of our times without crushing our residents.

Our legislators are committed to work with us on reducing these liabilities to our community and residents. As they are aware, it is up to the State lawmakers to change the laws concerning these pension mandates so we are able to manage the costs passed onto residents. We have promised to work out and present legislation to them to get the job done. Stay Tuned!!!!



Projections