Dallas Pension Crisis Deepens as Board Rejects City’s Plan

URGENT UPDATE: The Dallas Police and Fire Pension Review Board has just voted **6-5** against the City of Dallas’s proposed pension plan, igniting a fierce controversy that could jeopardize the financial security of thousands of retired and active first responders. The decision, made on November 12, 2023, comes as the board grapples with ongoing litigation concerning the management of the underfunded pension system, currently at a troubling **32% funding ratio**.

Board members representing police officers and firefighters are raising alarms, asserting that the city’s “best and final” offer is a ploy to undermine their legal rights. Trustee Rob Walters initiated a surprise motion last week that many view as an attempt to force a subpar agreement on the board, potentially affecting **thousands** of first responders who rely on this pension for their retirement security.

The Dallas Police and Fire Pension System has been critically underfunded for years, with a looming state mandate requiring a fully-funded plan by September 2024. The board previously submitted a plan that met legal requirements, but the city’s alternative proposal has sparked outrage among its members. As the board members expressed in their meeting, many believe that the new plan threatens their financial future, with key protections for active members and retirees excluded.

The board’s recent vote reflects deep divisions among its members. Some trustees, appointed by the mayor, pushed for immediate acceptance of the city’s plan, while others vehemently opposed it, asserting that it compromises the pension’s integrity.

“This proposal is actually worse than anything the city has previously put on the table during negotiations,”

declared Tina Hernandez Patterson, deputy vice chair of the pension system, emphasizing the detrimental impact on police and fire services.

As the situation unfolds, the board has already taken legal action against the city, which is appealing a district court ruling that would require adherence to the board’s original plan. The oral arguments in the El Paso federal court could determine the future of the pension system, with justices needing to clarify which plan should be submitted to the state amid the dispute.

The board’s representatives are calling for transparency, stating that active members have not even been made aware of the city’s proposed plan. “Our active members have been funding the lion’s share of the pension since **2017**,” Patterson noted, expressing frustration over the lack of communication and the mayor’s influence in reshaping the board’s decisions.

With the deadline for a finalized plan fast approaching, and no consensus reached, tensions are escalating. The deepening crisis raises concerns about the future recruitment of officers and firefighters, as the board warns that a weak pension plan could drive experienced professionals to seek opportunities in other cities.

As the board prepares for the upcoming court decision, there is a palpable sense of urgency. The justices in El Paso are urged to deliberate quickly, as the stakes are high for those who have dedicated their lives to public service. Dallas police and fire active members and retirees are watching closely, demanding a fair resolution that protects their benefits and ensures the pension’s stability for years to come.

Stay tuned for live updates as this developing story unfolds. The outcome of the court’s decision could have significant implications for the future of Dallas first responders.