Report on pension pickup rejected

WARREN -- Council members rejected a fact finder's report recommending that members of the city's management union receive pension pickup.
The 23-member union that represents city managers argued that the city should institute a pension pickup program of 2.5 percent of the employee's gross wage, pointing out that the city pays pension pickup for other unions. The union's proposal was estimated to cost $35,178. A fact finder agreed with the union, but council members rejected that report at their regular meeting Wednesday.
"This is no reflection on any individual involved," said Councilman Alford L. Novak, D-2nd. "It's strictly an economic decision."
Councilman Gary Fonce, D-at large, agreed.
"I can't support it because it's not what's best for the citizens of Warren," he said.
Fonce said he couldn't support a pension pickup for WMA members when taxpayers have been asked in the last year to pay more for water, sewer and sanitation services.