Opinion

LETTER: Pension liabilities biggest deterrent to district merger

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 6:06 AM EST

Regarding the editorial "West Haven fire districts should merge," the largest hurdle to any consolidation is the unfunded pension liabilities. Since it appears any current deficits would need to be resolved before consolidation, how this is paid for will be a concern.

I provide the following information: Center District, pension liability $41 million, 25,353 residents, 7,757 taxpayers; West Shore, pension liability $33 million, 14,431 residents, 5,145 taxpayers; Allingtown, pension liability $16 million, 11,369 residents, 3,253 taxpayers. The pension liabilities would cost approximately $5,285 per Center District taxpayer, $6,414 per West Shore taxpayer and $4,611 per Allingtown resident.

There is a belief that consolidation today would translate into a cost saving today. There will be a cost savings in future increases, but there is no guarantee in the short term.

The pooling of resources the editorial mentioned has and continues to take place on a daily basis between the districts. This is done both for public safety and firefighter safety.

The editorial was right that discussions should take place and all stakeholders should have the chance to be heard. There are many options. Consolidate into one district or with the city, the ability for the taxpayers to retain the ability to vote on the budgets and elect commissioners are just a few. Let us listen to and respect each other as we continue this discussion.

Robert J. Guthrie

West Haven