The Montgomery County Council is expected to pass a bill Tuesday that will change the way public safety employees qualify for disability pension. Under the new system, police and firefighters who have a “partial incapacity” will receive at least 52.5 percent of their final earnings, while those who have a “total incapacity” will receive at least 70 percent. The current disability pension program gives all qualifying employees 67 percent of their salary, whether they break a wrist or suffer paralysis.
The council estimates that more than $1.5 million would be saved as a result of the bill — $2.7 million if the multi-tiered system firefighters already use is extended to all public safety employees. Most council members voiced support for the measure last week.
