Pension contributions top 50% of police, 35% of fire payroll costs

The town of Longboat Key’s required contribution to police and firefighter pension plans makes up a large percentage of payroll costs, according to a Florida League of Cities 2011 CityStats report.

Longboat Key is one of five cities and towns that reported contributions over 50% of payroll for police, according to the report. The average city contribution for police was 19.14%.

The town is also one of 19 cities and towns that contribute more than 35% of payroll to firefighter pension funds, the report states. The average reported city contribution for firefighter pension funds was 17.08%.

A total 246 cities and towns provided information about police and firefighter pension plans for the report.

The town is required to fund the pensions for its employees per state requirements.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].