M
embers of the St. Albans City Council have approved an ordinance aimed at retaining experienced firefighters who work for the city's fire department.
On Monday, April 20, council adopted an ordinance that amends the Fire Department Pension Fund by establishing a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). This program gives eligible firefighters the ability to transition into retirement while continuing active service.
According to a release, the DROP program allows qualified firefighters — those over 50 with at least 20 years of service — to “lock in” their retirement benefits while continuing to work for up to five additional years. During this period, their monthly pension benefit will be deposited into a separate account and paid as a lump sum upon completion of the program.
City officials note that the program is authorized under state law and has been reviewed by the West Virginia Municipal Pension Oversight Board. An independent financial analysis indicates that implementing DROP is expected to strengthen the pension fund by more than $835,000 while helping the city retain experienced personnel.
Officials say participation in the program is voluntary and includes clearly defined eligibility requirements and administrative oversight. Firefighters enrolled in DROP will continue contributing to the pension system but will not accrue additional retirement benefits beyond the amount calculated at the time of entry.
“This initiative is designed to support both our firefighters and the long-term stability of the pension fund, with no additional incurred costs,” St. Albans Fire Chief Lance Carney said. “By retaining experienced personnel, we continue to ensure high-quality emergency services for our community.”
Fire officials said the adoption of the DROP program is "the result of years of dedicated effort by the City’s Pension Board, the West Virginia Municipal Pension Oversight Board, and other stakeholders."
"The independent fiduciary study ultimately concludes that the program will generate significant positive revenue for the pension fund—at no additional cost to the public," a department representative wrote.
