Pacific Grove Council Passes PERS Initiative

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Pacific Grove - The Pacific Grove City Council approved a citizens ballot initiative to limit PERS contributions to employee retirement plans at their meeting tonight. Citizens gathered enough signatures for their ballot measure that will reduce the City contribution to just 10% of an employees salary. A CalPERS spokesperson advised the City that PERS did not care where the money came from but the City was responsible to ensure the full amount is sent to them. Currently the City pays 18% toward Police retirements and 9% toward Misc. Employees. Business Manager Chris Darker appeared before the Council speaking against the ballot measure and advising the Council that approval of the measure will result in litigation. “The City Council believes that because they are a “Charter City” they are not subject to the California Constitution or the Meyers, Milias Brown Act.”, said Darker. Council member Don Davis blamed CalPERS and Unions for the economic problems that brought this initiative forward.