
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 30, 1990                   TAG: 9005300103
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

RETIREMENT OPTION DEFEATED; PANEL TO STUDY SALARIES

Law enforcement officers and firefighters will not have the option of early retirement until at least September because the Radford City Council narrowly defeated a proposal to revise the retirement policy on Monday.

Instead of implementing a retirement package that would allow for retirement at age 50 with at least 25 years of service, council decided to appoint a committee to study Radford's salary scale. This committee will be appointed by Mayor Tom Starnes and will report to council during its first meeting in September.

Councilwoman Polly Corn said it would be more beneficial to study the salary scale first and then look at a new retirement plan. Corn said she thought it was important to provide a competitive salary so personnel would stay in Radford.

Currently, firefighters and law enforcement officers can retire at 55 with at least 30 years of service. The 50-25 option can be implemented after the salary study is completed in September if council approves it.

Councilman Guy Wohlford was in favor of the early retirement plan. He said Radford would be another step behind other localities if the 50-25 option was not approved.

Maj. Johnny Butler of the Radford Police Department said most officers favor the retirement option.

"Council's decision hasn't helped morale, but at least they haven't completely defeated the option plan. I do believe a study of salaries is long overdue."

In other business, council:

Approved utilities in the High Meadows Plan Unit Development, Phase I and II, contingent upon approval by City Attorney John Spiers and other city employees.

Held an early work session to discuss development planning activities along Virginia 177 south from Radford to Exit 35 on Interstate 81.

Appropriated $18,530 for construction of a street in Inglewood Subdivision, Phase I.

Held a public hearing concerning Price Partnership's request to close an alley parallel to Lawrence Street, beginning at Second Avenue and extending eastward to the intersection of another alley adjoining the property of Michael Canada.

by CNB