Albany, NY – An early retirement incentive for Buffalo fire and police personnel has been turned down in Albany. But Governor Pataki and legislative leaders did announce a tentative agreement for such incentives for other state and local government workers.
Mayor Anthony Masiello was in the state capital Tuesday, trying to get support for the police and fire proposal. He was hoping officers taking advantage of early retirements would have allowed the city to scale back on the number of police layoffs.
The "framework" of the retirement incentive plan for non-police and fire personnel would allow as many as 5,000 workers with 25 years service who are at least 55 years old to retire with additional credits toward compensation.
Senate Republican sources said the plan is estimated to save $51 million in the budget.
State lawmakers are expected to start passing budget bills Wednesday.