Blong on firefighter pension plan: ‘I want to take action on this’

Government
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Mayer Lori Blong | LinkedIn

Mayor Lori Blong, member of the Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees, said she wants to make a decision on the proposed plan to help the city’s underfunded pension system for firefighters “as fast as possible.” She made the statement on Oct. 30 after agreeing to postpone a vote on the plan for 72 hours.

“I am not trying to forestall this,” Blong said. “I have stated in multiple different places and I've consistently said that I want it done as fast as possible.” 

The proposal, the Funding Soundness Restoration Plan (FSRP), was presented by the Midland Firemen Retirement and Relief Fund (MFRRF) to address the city’s underfunded pension system that supports retired firefighters.

According to Blong, the Oct. 30 meeting was the first time she saw the plan. “This is really difficult for us to vote on today when we are seeing it for the first time when there has been other communication with the actuary for nearly a month,” she said.

Blong, along with City Director of Finance Christy Weakland, requested the 72-hour deferral period to review the proposal.