The Denison Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund board of trustees is set to convene Thursday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. in the council chambers of City Hall, 300 W. Main St. The agenda, posted on Nov. 5, lists a vote on hiring the actuarial firm Rudd and Wisdom to conduct a special study on whether the fire chief’s job should remain in the firefighters’ pension plan. The study’s cost is capped at $5,000.
Background and Previous Discussion
The same item was tabled at the board’s Oct. 8 meeting, where trustees Laurie Alsabbagh and Teresa Adams asked Interim Fire Chief C. Henderson for clarification on his plans. Henderson indicated he was still gathering information but expressed a preference to stay in the firefighters’ fund rather than move to the Texas Municipal Retirement System, the statewide plan that covers many city employees.
Because the board felt more data were needed, trustees unanimously voted to postpone the decision until the November meeting. Minutes from the Oct. 8 session note that trustees concluded ordering the study at that time might be premature.
Recent Leadership Change
The study request follows a recent transition at the top of Denison Fire Rescue. On Oct. 19, the City Council held its final meeting with Chief Kenneth Jacks, who retired after five years of service. Mayor Jeff Smith praised Chief Jacks for achieving an ISO 1 rating for the department and for bringing emergency medical services back under fire‑rescue control.
What the Study Could Mean for the Community
If the board approves the study, Rudd and Wisdom will analyze the financial impact of keeping the fire chief’s position within the dedicated firefighters’ pension fund versus moving it to the broader Texas Municipal Retirement System. The analysis will consider factors such as contribution rates, long‑term liabilities, and the potential effect on retirement benefits for rank‑and‑file firefighters.
Retaining the chief in the fund could preserve a unified retirement structure for the department, which many firefighters view as a cornerstone of their benefits package. Conversely, joining the statewide system might offer broader investment options and administrative efficiencies, but could also dilute the specific benefits that the fire department currently enjoys.
Community and Trustee Perspectives
Trustees have emphasized the importance of making an informed decision that safeguards the financial health of the pension fund while honoring the service of Denison’s firefighters. “Our priority is to ensure that any change does not jeopardize the retirement security of our members,” said Trustee Alsabbagh.
Chief Henderson, while still interim, reiterated his desire to remain in the fund, noting that continuity in retirement benefits helps attract and retain qualified personnel. “Our firefighters deserve a stable and predictable retirement plan,” he said during the Oct. 8 meeting.
Next Steps
The board’s vote on Thursday will determine whether the $5,000 study proceeds. If approved, the study is expected to be completed within a few weeks, after which the board will reconvene to consider the findings and make a final recommendation on the pension structure for the fire chief’s position.
Residents and firefighters alike will be watching the outcome, as the decision could set a precedent for how other city‑run pension plans handle senior leadership positions.
Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.
