Chief says pension cuts prompted him to quit
A well liked and respected police chief has admitted that his retirement was prompted by looming changes in the pension system which could leave him with reduced benefits than he had contracted for during his 25 year career.
Chief Bobby Dodd of the Chattanooga, Tennessee Police Dept., says pension reform is a factor in his retirement. December 31 was his final day in office. Tensions are high over police and fire pensions in Chattanooga. A task force has been presented a plan to save the city $126 million over the next 30 years. In the meantime, Dodd says the timing of his retirement is no coincidence.
“You know, absolutely, the pension issues are part of the reason why I’m leaving,” he announced on WGOW radio. “That’s absolutely the truth. There’s changes, a lot of things that are different, a lot of things that I do…some I can accept. Some I don’t like. There’s a lot of things that went into my leaving. All you have to do here is 25 years, and I’ve got 25 and a half. Once you get your time in, and you’re eligible to go, if things get too drastic or changes get too drastic or things change too much.”
Deputy Chief Stan Maffett has been appointed interim chief. The pension board says the number of retirements this year has doubled from a typical year. The end-of-the-year deadline for the pension board to come up with a plan has been extended. It hopes to present a proposal at its February 6th meeting.