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DeKalb could create new pension for just police and fire

DeKalb County Fire youth development administrator Annette Haygood, facing, talks with a potential recruit during the 15th Annual Jobs Fair at the Georgia International Convention Center Friday. JASON GETZ for the AJC
DeKalb County Fire youth development administrator Annette Haygood, facing, talks with a potential recruit during the 15th Annual Jobs Fair at the Georgia International Convention Center Friday. JASON GETZ for the AJC
By
May 2, 2018

As DeKalb County explores ways to increase pay and benefits for police officers and firefighters to keep them around longer, commissioners are considering a new pension just for public safety employees.

DeKalb currently has one pension for all government workers. By comparison, Atlanta has a fund each for police and fire separate from its retirement system for other government workers. Fulton County once had a public safety pension fund, but in 2008 consolidated its various plans into one.

VIDEO: In other DeKalb news

DeKalb County Rescue PIO Captain Eric Jackson gives details on fatal house fire. Video by John Spink/AJC

In the coming weeks, staff will present DeKalb commissioners with different options and costs associated with creating a pension for just policemen and women and firefighters.

One possibility being researched for DeKalb is a plan that allows these workers to retire with full benefits after 20 years of service.

About the Author

Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.

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