The debate over how to save the dwindling pension money of 88 retired city police officers, firefighters and their spouses keeps going round and round.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge recently released an opinion saying the city should be able to add to the taxpayer-supported Policemen's and Firemen's Pension and Relief funds with money from the city's general fund, basically propping up the pensions like any other part of the budget. Rutledge also said the City Council might be able to increase the 0.4-mill property tax going to each fund, though by how much is uncertain because of state law's limitation on property tax increases.
"That's real good news -- I'm going to do a little celebrating tonight," said Pete Reagan, a retiree and member of the fire pension board. "We've said all along that the liability belonged to the city."