URGENCY ALERT: The Dallas Police and Fire Pension Review Board has just voted 6-5 to accept a controversial pension plan from the city of Dallas, igniting immediate backlash from first responders and board members. This critical decision, made during a heated meeting, is seen as a betrayal to those who have dedicated their lives to serving the community.
The vote comes amid ongoing litigation, with oral arguments presented on November 12, 2023, in El Paso regarding the management of the pension fund. The board, representing police and firefighters, argues that the city has manipulated the situation to force a plan that undermines their interests and the legal standing of their previously approved proposal.
The controversy began when trustee Rob Walters introduced a surprise motion, reportedly designed to expedite agreement with the city. Board members fear this plan, termed the city’s “best and final” offer, is a strategic move to weaken their ongoing court case and mislead the public about the board’s consensus.
“The city has had seven years to contribute to solving this problem,” said Tina Hernandez Patterson, deputy vice chair of the pension system. “Now, as we approach a September 2024 deadline for a fully funded plan, we are left with a proposal that actually threatens the financial security of our members.”
The Dallas Police and Fire Pension System is currently only 32% funded, a steep decline from the 45% funding level in 2018. The city’s failure to make adequate contributions has put the future of the pension at risk, and many board members believe the new plan represents a significant step backward.
In a bid to demonstrate compliance with state law, the board had agreed unanimously on a plan in August 2024, only for the city to submit its alternative, disregarding the board’s directives. The board’s legal victory in district court mandated adherence to their plan, but the city swiftly appealed, leading to the current turmoil.
Trustees representing police and firefighters fear the city’s latest maneuver is a tactic to portray cooperation and sidestep judicial scrutiny. “This weakens our position and misrepresents our unity,” Patterson added. “No prudent person would accept a far lesser plan than what we already submitted to the state.”
The lack of transparency regarding the city’s proposal has further fueled outrage among active members and retirees. Many have not even seen the details of this so-called “best and final” plan, despite having contributed significantly to the pension since 2017.
“This proposal is worse than anything the city has previously offered,” Patterson expressed. The board remains divided, and the tension is palpable as both sides prepare for the next steps in their legal battle.
As the El Paso justices deliberate, the pension crisis continues to loom large over the city. Active members and retirees are left anxious about their future, fearing that the city’s reluctance to fully engage will lead to a more precarious financial situation.
NEXT STEPS: The board is urging the courts to expedite their ruling. Meanwhile, the city’s intentions and the fate of the pension system remain uncertain. With tensions running high, the outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for the safety and security of Dallas’s first responders.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. The future of the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System hangs in the balance, and the call for transparency and fairness is louder than ever.
