MOUNT VERNON — A public employee retires, then is rehired to fill the same job, maybe at the same pay, but now collecting both pay and retirement benefits. An elected official retires a few days before the end of a term, but then takes office at the beginning of a new term, collecting both salary and pension.
It’s legal in the state of Ohio, but is it in the public interest to allow it?
In Utica, the village administrator suggested, as a money-saving move, that he retire, then be rehired as a part-time employee. He then decided it would be too much of a problem, but presented with the idea, the village council is expected to at least discuss it at its Nov. 14 meeting.
Retire/rehire will also be the subject of a bill being prepared by State Rep. Gene Damschroder of Sandusky.
An aide to Damschroder said the bill should be completed and submitted to the House Representatives in the next week or so, and would eliminate “double dipping,” including the retire/rehire practice.
“It would apply to all public employees, including elected officials,” the aide said.
State Rep. Margaret Ann Ruhl of Mount Vernon said Damschroder’s office had contacted her and asked whether she wanted to co-sign the bill, but she had not yet had a chance to read it.