OC advances new firefighter pension request

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(July 21, 2023) The novelty of Ocean City’s International Association of Firefighters’ amicable union negotiations with resort officials last spring may be wearing off as the parties prepare for the possibility of going back to the bargaining table over a new detail.

Less than two hours before a City Council meeting Monday, Association President Ryan Whittington sent an email to the mayor and council members expressing concern over an agenda item pertaining to the public safety pension plan.

The proposed amendment, which passed 7-0 on first reading, aims to help public safety employees by allowing them to buy pension service credits for up to five years beyond the allowance of their existing plans, a prac-