Great news on KC police pensions, health insurance plan
Yael T. AbouhalkahSome very positive developments for Kansas City taxpayers could occur Wednesday at City Hall.
First, city officials at a private meeting hope to broker peace with the Fraternal Order of Police over health care coverage.
The FOP filed a lawsuit last year after the police board agreed with City Manager Troy Schulte, that the police should be part of the city’s health care plan to save money for taxpayers. The FOP didn’t want to change from the current police-directed plan.
But on Wednesday, the FOP could agree to drop that lawsuit in exchange, partly, for getting some past raises they have long wanted.
In the long run, this should save money for the public, with a larger and healthier group having access to city health insurance plans.
Second, city officials Wednesday will hold another in a series of meetings on pension reform.
The good news: The city and the police have agreed on how the systems for officers and management can be changed to save money for taxpayers. That’s hugely positive.
The bad news: The firefighters are still resisting change. So Wednesday’s behind-closed-doors meeting will be yet another attempt to get that worked out.
“The end is in sight,” City Council member Jan Marcason said Tuesday afternoon, indicating that the long slog to get pension reform could finally be reaching a conclusion.
Still, the Police Department agreement would have to be approved by Missouri legislators, given state control of the police staff. So don’t go overboard celebrating just yet.
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