Westland, MI - Effective January 1, 2015, Mayor WIlliam R. Wild continues his ongoing efforts to share sacrifice with the city's union employees by reforming the benefits package afforded the Mayor's Administrative Staff.  Addressing legacy costs and retention efforts, these changes build upon the pension and healthcare employee cost sharing begun in 2012, and the 8% lower starting wage tier begun in 2014 that also included new hires receiving a health care savings program instead of traditional retiree healthcare and a 401 (K)-style retirement program instead of the traditional pension. 

Retired appointees hired prior to 2014 will receive the same health coverage and cost sharing as active employees but will be removed from the City's health insurance upon turning age 65.  At that time, retirees will receive an annual cash stipend used to purchase supplemental health coverage or to pay for other unreimbursed medical expenses.  These changes will positively impact the City's unfunded liability for legacy costs such as retiree healthcare and will enable better financial planning.

"While I believe my executive team does a great job for the residents of Westland, we must always be mindful of the need to control costs and show that management is willing to share in the same sacrifice we ask of our union employees;" commented Mayor Wild, "the changes proposed mirror concessions recently negotiated with city unions yet provide the City the ability to attract and retain talented professionals who can provide leadership over the many services our residents and business owners deserve and expect of Michigan's 10th largest city;" Mayor Wild continued. "