A.G. Gancarski
In a hallway conversation Monday, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams talked about the pension surtax bill now in Tallahassee.
Williams’ comments are especially noteworthy, given that his officers will be affected by whatever happens.
Regarding the major sticking point, the defined contribution requirement for new employees that some in the Senate would want to see as a precondition for passage, Williams asserted that’s something to be worked out in collective bargaining, rather than by legislative imposition.
Meanwhile, Williams expressed approval for the referendum condition, as well.
While Williams isn’t a union leader, his qualified support for the bill is in line with the unions and the Police and Fire Pension Fund. The collective bargaining negotiations, if and when it gets to that point, will be interesting, however.
