Libertyville to let lawmakers have say on pension

Some communities have decided to put an advisory referendum question regarding pension changes on the November ballot, but Libertyville trustees have decided to let lawmakers handle the issue.

The village board on Tuesday decided not to proceed with the ballot question as requested by the Pension Fairness for Illinois Communities Coalition.

"I personally don't believe putting a referendum (on the ballot) is in our best interest," Mayor Terry Weppler said. "It incurs a cost and means absolutely nothing."

The coalition's goal is to raise awareness of increasing pension obligations in communities and work on legislative initiatives.

The General Assembly this year enacted changes for future employees who participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, as well as the teachers and state employee funds, but public safety employee pensions were not included.

In Libertyville, the village's annual contribution to the firefighter pension fund has increased by 58 percent to nearly $358,000 since 2007, and the police pension contribution has increased 41 percent to about the same amount.

The question on the ballot would ask voters whether state lawmakers should take steps to implement "meaningful public safety pension reform" to help relieve the public burden.

Many communities, including Vernon Hills, Round Lake Beach, Fox Lake, and Island Lake in Lake County already have approved the question.

Libertyville and Wauconda have decided to forego that option and will contact legislators directly.

"I think it's a legislative matter," Trustee Nick Proepper said.