Phoenix delays pension reform until state action

Reforming the pension system for Phoenix employees may have to wait until city officials see how an overhaul of the state employee system plays out.

Some reforms the city is considering are similar to state proposals that would force workers to pay more into the system. But a judge recently ruled that unconstitutional in a case brought against a state pension plan.

The pension systems for Phoenix and Arizona employees are unrelated but the same rules generally apply to both.

Phoenix officials say they’re waiting to see if the state appeals the ruling before moving ahead on reform plans.

The city is pursuing pension reform to cut program costs. Some council members are urging quick action to avoid further delay in saving taxpayers money.

Voters in the city must approve any changes to the pension system. City Manager David Cavazos tells The Arizona Republic he hoped to get a proposal on November’s ballot. But that is likely not going to happen because of the judge’s ruling.