x
Breaking News
More () »

Longview fire pension guarantees earn praise

The city of Longview has called an election for May 7 for voters to consider $45.6 million in pension obligation bonds, or debt repaid with tax dollars.
Credit: Longview News-Journal

LONGVIEW, Texas — Members of the Texas Pension Review Board recently praised a step Longview's fire pension board took to help secure the plan's future.

In a meeting this past week, a state pension review board employee told the board about a memorandum of understanding approved by the board of the Longview Fireman's Relief & Retirement Fund. The city of Longview has called an election for May 7 for voters to consider $45.6 million in pension obligation bonds, or debt repaid with tax dollars, to shore up the pension plan.

The new debt would require a tax rate increase of 2 cents, to 57.89 cents per $100 valuation. Current projections indicate the plan will run out of money in 20 years, and new state requirements call for all public pension plans in Texas to develop a plan by 2025 to cover its liabilities within 30 years.

Read more from our news partners, the Longview News-Journal

RELATED: Fire at Longview medical facility caused by 'backup batteries,' official says

RELATED: Longview council could be forced to call bond election to save fire pension fund

Before You Leave, Check This Out