Brooksville council votes to advance termination of firefighters’ retirement trust after heated public comment

Brooksville city council advanced the first reading of an ordinance to terminate the city firefighters’ retirement trust, adopting the measure 4–0 and scheduling a second reading for Jan. 26.

The ordinance, described by the city manager as implementing the council’s prior direction following consolidation of fire services with Hernando County Fire Rescue effective Oct. 1, 2025, begins the formal termination process required by Florida law and directs the pension board and city staff to complete state filings and administrative steps to protect members’ accrued and vested benefits.

Why it matters: Council members said termination is the least-cost path forward for the city after receiving actuarial estimates showing a multi‑million dollar shortfall if the city continued to operate the plan as-is. Opponents and many retirees said the decision risks reducing retiree income and creates urgency for clear, personal payout information from the plan actuary.

Former and current firefighters pressed the council during public comment for transparent, individualized answers about how termination will affect monthly benefits. “I just hope that my retirement benefit does not decrease or go away,” said James Atkins, who described 25 years in the fire service and said he expects the retirement promise to be honored.

Retired chief James Doherty and retired firefighter Frank Phillips asked for clarification about reported buyout figures. “Is there anything to this $3,700,000 fee that somebody said would cause the city to get the fire department back up and running?” Doherty asked. Council members said $3.7 million is the cost cited to fully fund the pension to 100 percent in one calculation and that the board has options for annuities or lump-sum distributions.

Susan McCreary, the pension plan administrator, told the council the board is working with the actuary to prepare individual calculations and emphasized the process will take months: “It’s not gonna be now… It’s gonna be several months, probably,” she said, and said retirees will have the option of lump-sum distribution or annuities under Florida statute.

Council debate focused on fiscal stewardship and future liabilities. Council member Hallow summarized the city’s position and fiscal exposure and said the buyout option was chosen because continuing the plan would impose larger costs on future city budgets. Vice Mayor Bronson moved for termination; the motion was seconded and passed on first reading 4–0.

What’s next: The ordinance requires a second and final reading (set for Jan. 26). The pension board of trustees, working with the actuary, will prepare individual payout options and timelines for distribution; the council emphasized it lacks authority over actuarial determinations and encouraged members to consult the pension board and the plan actuary for individual information.

Actions: The council adopted first reading of Ordinance 1010 to initiate termination of the firefighters’ retirement trust; second reading scheduled for Jan. 26.