Fort Worth

Fort Worth City Council Tables Vote on Pension Fix Until December

The city is projected to run out of money in 25 years

The Fort Worth City Council voted Tuesday night to table a vote on changes to the city's pension system, choosing to instead try one more time to come to an agreement with city workers and retirees.

If the council were to approve a plan that city employees did not approve, the decision would go to the state legislature.

"We made a promise," one council member said, voicing opposition to a plan that would cut cost of living increases for retirees.

The issue would come up for a vote again on Dec. 11 if the two sides cannot reach an agreement.

The city is trying to fix a $1.6 billion shortfall in the pension fund. Right now, it's projected to run out of money in about 25 years.

Members of the city's police and fire associations gathered near city hall to prepare for Tuesday's meeting. They were strongly opposed to some parts of the city's plan that have already been made public.

The city manager has proposed making cuts to retirees' 2 percent yearly cost of living increases and cutting them altogether for future employees. That's been the biggest sticking point.

The city manager also wants employees to pay more toward their pension -- how much depends on their position and years of service. Meanwhile, the city would kick in an extra 4.5 percent through budget cuts in other departments.

Once the city council votes on a plan, city employees would have to sign off with a vote set for January. If the two sides can't agree, the state legislature will have to come up with a fix.

Fort Worth has around 6,600 employees and more than 4,400 retirees receiving a pension.

NBC 5's Chris Blake contributed to this report.

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