Question from Anonymous

Mr. Mayor what would someone need to do to get the issue of hazardous duty looked at by the city? I can tell from looking at this website that it is a very big issue that the city needs to address. If I were an employee of the city hazardous duty retirement would me more important to me than a pay raise.

Steve Connelly answered:

One way would be to make a written request for hazardous retirement as part of the budget process now in process to go into effect July 1 (if that date makes sense). List, in detail, the reasons why hazardous retirement is beleived to be in the best interest of the fire and police personnel as well as the citizens of Berea. Offer to support and work for the passage of a property tax increase to implement the program if necessary. Have the petition signed by the members of each department who support it. Deliver the petition to your respective chief, or bring it in person to the next council meeting. That will trigger a review of the issue first by the finance committee and later by the full council. Additional information will be provided by city staff. These deliberations are open to the public. Follow up support measures from local citizens would be important.