George Zamary's Response - City Retirees

In response to Mr. Schuler’s question: “[a]re you in favor of passing an Ordinance that would guarantee City of Cincinnati Retirees medical benefits for life? That is, the same benefits they had at the time of their retirement.”

I believe that City Council owes a duty to its retirees to maintain their medical benefits at the time of their retirement. To change benefits after they are retired communicates to retirees that their service was not valued. It also shows that, in a pinch, Council finds their benefits an “easy” cost to cut. Retirees of the City of Cincinnati have a right to know that once benefits are set for them, future Councils won’t renegotiate the terms because it is convenient. With that being said, I do think it is Council’s responsibility to make adjustments to current benefit plans, as needed, to continue to find the most affordable and comprehensive plans possible.

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