Council updates retirement ordinances; retirees’ settlement moves toward final court review

The Pontiac City Council voted on Oct. 7 to amend and restate the city’s retirement ordinances for the police and fire retirement system and for the general employees retirement system.

Attorney presentations and prior committee work preceded the second readings. Council adopted the police and fire ordinance amendment by roll call and followed with two further actions to reestablish and restate the general employees system and associated provisions. City staff said the updated ordinance language aligns local ordinance text with agreements and will simplify administration once the court completes final approval.

Council members emphasized that the amendments are tied to the federal court process for the enhanced pension benefits. A city statement at the meeting noted that on Sept. 17 a federal judge granted preliminary approval of the retirees’ settlement. The city said impacted class members — current and former retirees — were receiving mailed notifications and that the fairness hearing is scheduled for early December before the same federal judge.

Council and administration said the revised ordinances will make it faster to administer any court-ordered adjustments, including retroactive (back-pay) payments described at the meeting. Council members stressed the change is intended to ensure timely distribution once the judge issues a final order.

The council asked that the administration and retirement board provide a timetable for distribution and will update the public when the judge issues a final order.