Council assured transit pension would stay intact as it approves splash pad contract and demolition orders

At a meeting of the City of Mobile Council, city staff said the transit system—s defined-benefit pension plan will remain "whole and unchanged" as a new operator assumes transit service, and the council approved a contract to build a splash pad at Crawford Murphy Park and orders to demolish multiple nuisance structures.

City staff addressed concerns from transit employees after the council heard from Anthony Maven, who identified himself as the TransUnion president and said he had been told the pension might be discontinued. "The pension plan will remain whole and unchanged," said Ms. Scott, a city staff member, adding that employees— participation and the 5% employee contribution "would remain the same." She said the city and the incoming provider had agreed language would be added to the contract and brought back to council for amendment and likely suspension of rules because the contract takes effect Oct. 1.

The assurance followed public comments from transit employees seeking clarity about retirement benefits as Port City Transit prepares to become the city—s transit provider. Maven told the council he had received "disturbing news" from the plan attorney that the…