Dallas Pension Vote Sparks Outrage Among First Responders

URGENT UPDATE: The Dallas Police and Fire Pension Review Board’s recent 6-5 vote to accept the city’s “best and final” pension plan has ignited fierce backlash among first responders. Board members appointed by police officers and firefighters argue the city has manipulated the situation to impose an unfair agreement, jeopardizing the financial security of those who served.

The vote, held on November 12, 2023, has been labeled a farce by trustee Rob Walters, who claims the motion was a surprise tactic to undermine ongoing litigation between the pension fund and the city. The case, currently under appeal in federal court in El Paso, is crucial; it will determine if a previously submitted plan should dictate pension management.

The Dallas Police and Fire Pension System is facing a dire funding crisis, currently standing at only 32%. The system has been underfunded for years, and under state law, it must present a plan ensuring 100% funding within 30 years by late 2024. The board had previously reached a unanimous decision to submit a legitimate plan in August 2024, but the city has disregarded this agreement, opting to push through its own proposal.

In an alarming twist, the city is accused of trying to create a false narrative in the courts, suggesting that the board has accepted their plan. “This is not true,” stated Tina Hernandez Patterson, deputy vice chair of the pension system. “The trustees representing police officers and firefighters have not accepted this offer, and this vote has caused significant division.”

The implications of this decision are immense. Many believe the city’s proposed plan offers significantly less security, with critical elements that members require being excluded. The board’s members, who have been funding the pension since 2017, have not even seen the details of the city’s proposal, raising further concerns about transparency and accountability.

Patterson added, “The city has had seven years to address this issue and has continuously ignored the warnings from our board about the funding crisis. Now that the courts are compelling action, they are stalling progress.” The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as the funding ratio has dropped from 45% in 2018 to its current state, indicating a critical need for immediate resolutions.

With the court case pending, the justices in El Paso must decide whose plan will be deemed valid for submission to the state. As the situation evolves, first responders and retirees remain outraged, fearing for their financial futures. “This proposal is worse than anything we’ve seen before during negotiations,” Patterson emphasized.

As the board grapples with these challenges, the impact on hiring and retention of experienced officers could be severe, pushing them to seek employment in other cities. The stakes are high as the future of the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System hangs in the balance.

The community watches closely, as further developments are expected. The ongoing debate about pension security for those who risk their lives for the city of Dallas will continue to unfold, and the urgency for a fair resolution remains paramount.