Change allows pension plans to retain benefits for workers

Former and existing Baltimore County employees will not have to work longer to receive full retirement benefits under a last-minute compromise announced by lawmakers Thursday.

Under the agreement, current and nearly 440 former employees will retain the right to retire at age 60 with full benefits instead of 65 as proposed by County Executive Jim Smith. Calling Smith?s proposal unfair for employees already vested in the system, council members said the agreement gives employees expecting to retire soon a choice.