State and local officials argue over firefighter pension plan

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Intro:	A top aide to the mayor of St. Louis urged lawmakers to keep their hands off the city's firefighter pension fund.
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Wrap: If passed, state legislation would cut St. Louis firefighter pensions to just 25-percent for new employees.

But Sam Dotson, operations director to Mayor Slay in St. Louis, says a quick fix from the state government won't get rid of the problem.

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Description: "If they can make a solution here and get less-than-adequate change, faux change if you will, there is no incentive for them to continue at the table with conversation and dialogue."

A representative for Lewis Reed, president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, says he supports the state legislation.

It would also require firefighters to work 20 years before they can get retirement benefits.

The House Retirement Committee could vote on the bill later this week.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Mark Hodges, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	A retired firefighter urged lawmakers to fix the antiquated firefighter pension system of St. Louis.
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Wrap: Bruce Williams with the Firemen's Retirement System of St. Louis says the current pension system is antiquated and it's time for the state to fix it.

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Description: "In my opinion the driving force in the contribution rates to the city to the system is disabilities. Our disability plan has not changed since the inception of the plan in 1960."

But Sam Dotson, operations director to the mayor in St. Louis, says a quick fix from the state government won't solve the problem.

He says the city should have the power to create a detailed solution to the budget shortfall separate from the state.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Mark Hodges, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	A top aide to the mayor of St. Louis says they've reached an impasse with local firefighters.
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Wrap: City officials don't want the state government getting in the way as they try to solve the problem of firefighters' failing pension system.

Sam Dotson, operations director to the Mayor in St. Louis, says the city is wasting millions more dollars each year on maintaining the pension system.

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Description: "For those increases we have not seen any increase in public safety for the city of St. Louis. That isn't applied to new trucks, new capital, that's just to keep the pension system afloat. We need comprehensive reform, and we cannot afford half-measures."

A representative for Lewis Reed, president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, says he supports the state legislation.

The House Retirement Committee could vote on the bill later this week.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Mark Hodges, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.