Work at the state level to address public pension problems is also being watched closed at the local government level.
Council Member Susan Lamb broached the topic last week during the weekly work session.
Lamb admitted an increase in retirements is something that must be considered.
“If a number of people that can retire do leave, then that’s gonna leave another set of problems for us to deal with within our own city’s structures as far as coverage,” said Lamb.
Lamb says Lexington police and fire divisions have their own retirement program. But, she says the rest of the other 2000 Lexington Fayette Urban County Government workers are a part of the county employee retirement system.
Lamb says it will be important for council members to keep in close contact with Lexington legislators.
“In a special session, you have a short period of time and we have to make sure that we know what’s happening so that we can contact our legislators when it’s necessary,” noted Lamb.
One of the more publicized recommendations in the consultant report is to roll back cost of living adjustments from 1996 to 2012 for existing retirees. Lamb says there are also recommended changes in health benefits.