Powder Springs officials vote to increase their pensions

The Powder Springs City Council voted 5-0 Monday to increase pension benefits for themselves and Mayor Patricia Vaughn. The increase will become effective Sept. 1.

Each will receive $7 more from $48 to $55 monthly for each year of service.

The city’s policy is two terms or eight years of service for an elected official to qualify for pension benefits, according to City Clerk Kelly Axt.

The city has four former council members receiving their pension benefits, she added.

Former Councilman Ra Barr told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Monday he receives $240 a month since he is paid $40 multiplied by his six years of service, and the benefits are locked in for former council members.

Axt said Vaughn, Councilwoman Rosalyn Neal and Councilman Al Thurman have met their service requirement and would be eligible to receive the increased pension.