San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre says he'll sue the city council if it doesn't rollback pension benefit increases it gave itself. Aguirre said Wednesday the retroactive increases are illegal. Aguirre had sued ex-councilmembers over the issue but a judge ruled last month that they are not the proper defendants. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.
In 2000 and 2002, the council reduced the retirement age to 55 and increased retirement benefits for past elected officials. It also allowed members to buy pension service credits at prices lower than what the benefits cost.
Aguirre says the council's actions are illegal because they should have been put to voters. He sued former Mayor Dick Murphy and ex councilmembers Ralph Inzunza and Michael Zucchet for trying to collect the benefits. But a judge says he has to sue the council. Aguirre says he'll sue only if the council refuses to reverse the benefit increases.
Aguirre: "It's really a question of how likely it's going to be that they're going to give up benefits that they didn't earn and that weren't paid for when they were created."
Aguirre is also asking that city workers voluntarily return pension service credits they bought at discount prices. Amita Sharma, KPBS News.
