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Retirement Benefits to Become History in Kennesaw

April 11, 2016

The elected officials of Kennesaw will no longer get any retirement benefits. This was decided unanimously by the city council on Monday. The officials who are already getting the benefits would be allowed to get them in the future, however, all the people who are elected from now on won’t be allowed these benefits. This is not the first move made by the council as many members have already let go of their insurance benefits recently. These moves will save thousands of dollars for the city.

The Previous Retirement Benefits Plan

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Before the passing of this mandate, the members of the city council, as well as the mayor were vested after taking up their jobs. Their benefits accumulated with each year they served the post. From now on, the mayor and all the council members won’t get any benefits as they have let it go willingly.

The Decision

This decision was taken by a 4-0 majority and the only council member, not present was Councilman Nimesh Patel. Mayor Derek Easterling was highly pleased with the decision. He said that it’s the right thing to do and everyone that ran in November was in favor of this decision. He also added that approving this decision is a proof that the council is taking actions on the basis of the promises it made.

Jim Sebastian, a council member who is the only one to be a member of the previous and current council also pledged to not collect his pension. Though he had previously said he was automatically enrolled for the same.

The Savings

If the statements given by Miranda Jones, Assistant City Manager are to be believed, this decision would save about $16,000 a year for the council. The city had already got savings of worth $78,000 when the council members let go of their dental, vision, medical and life insurance benefits. These figures were given by Mr. Easterling a few weeks back. Hence, the city will end up saving $94,000 from both these council decisions.

The Ordinance

Apart from letting go of the retirement benefits, the council is also taking some other crucial decisions. It passed an ordinance that assists in limiting the consumption of malt beverages or craft beers on the premises. An additional fee of $850 has been levied for acquiring package/pouring license. The $200 growler fee is unchanged and it needs to be paid too.