The St. Louis County Council will once again discuss retirement benefits for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney at Tuesday’s scheduled meeting.
Councilwoman Hazel Erby plans to introduce a substitute bill that will attempt to roll back the previously agreed upon county pension plan.
The measure passed last fall for the adjustment pension funds was meant to improve benefit packages to retain quality employees. Erby and others are now voicing concerns that it was specifically crafted to benefit St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch.
At a committee hearing in July, Attorney John Hessel, who represented McCulloch at the committee hearing, said the original bill that was passed last November wouldn’t benefit McCulloch, but rather whoever holds the position of prosecuting attorney in the future.
“It does not effect McCulloch today,” Hessel said. “It only goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019. Therefore, it’s only going to affect future office holders. I personally hope Bob McCulloch is the officeholder, but if he’s not, then that change will benefit and attract the best prosecuting attorney possible.”
McCulloch, who was present at the committee, blamed the whole controversy on The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which he said published misinformation.
“You haven’t heard a single word from me, political [or] anything at all, and that’s very intentional on my part,” McCulloch said. “This entire controversy, if you will, is based upon false information published by The Post.”
Additionally on the agenda is Councilmembers Colleen Wasinger, and Ernie Trakas’ bill that deals with contract renewals with Backyard Barbecue, Inc. for food concessions at two St. Louis County park facilities.
The bill is in its perfection stage.