Tampa begins effort to change pension benefits

By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 30, 2001

TAMPA -- The effort to change the city's pension package to encompass same-sex unions, while appearing to enjoy support among key players in the wake of Tampa police Officer Lois Marrero's murder, promises to be a protracted process.

That was apparent Wednesday at a meeting of a city-hosted committee formed to discuss changing the wording on city contracts to prevent discrimination against same-sex domestic partners.

Currently, the city's pension plan designates an employee's "widow or widower" as eligible to receive death benefits. The spouse of a Tampa officer killed on duty is entitled to half the officer's salary every year for life.

When Marrero was shot to death by a fleeing bank robber last month, she left no will. On Tuesday, the police and firefighter pension board denied Marrero's 10-year companion, Mickie Mashburn, the slain officer's benefits.

State law forbids gay couples from marrying, but advocates of changing the local pension package say employees should be able to name the beneficiary of their choice.

Council member Linda Saul-Sena, who led Wednesday's meeting, said the process would require the approval of the police and firefighter unions, as well as an actuarial study to determine how much the changes would cost. One snag: The pension board does not have an actuary on staff and needs to find one.

The changes also would have to be approved by the City Council, sponsored by the local legislative delegation, and passed by the state Legislature.

Sarah Lang, the city's director of administration, said the matter likely would not reach the floor of the Legislature until the 2003 session.

Kevin Durkin, president-elect of the West Central Police Benevolent Association, who attended Wednesday's meeting, said he supported the idea of allowing officers to name their beneficiaries.

- Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Christopher Goffard can be reached at (813) 226-3337 or goffard@sptimes.com.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright