Early Retirement Has to Wait

One of the biggest issues on City Council's agenda last night was City Manager Milton Dohoney's proposed early retirement incentive package. Part of his effort to cut $1.5 million from the budget, it would allow employees with 28 years or more to retire with full benefits, something that usually doesn't kick in until the 30-year mark.

Some council members were concerned about losing institutional memory. The plan then was revamped to remove some employees from eligibility, those who work in "enterprise" jobs like water works and parking. "Enterprise" meaning money-generating.

But that caused backlash too from some employees who think the offer should be extended to everyone. Among those was Michael Heitz, assistant superintendent of the Metropolitan Sewer District's wastewater treatment division. "Please," he said, "don't create a new category of second-class employees."

Mayor Mark Mallory held the issue until council's next meeting Wednesday, the last meeting before summer recess.