Police departments contribute to pension fund

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Some police departments in Wisconsin are paying into the state's pension system, even though the law doesn't require it.
 
Unions representing Eau Claire police officers and supervisors have agreed to pay 100 percent of the employee contribution to the Wisconsin Retirement System. City Attorney Steve Nicks says the pension contribution will be offset by a pay increase over a two-year period.
 
Under Wisconsin Act 10 passed last year, most state and municipal employees are now required to make pension payments, but not police and fire personnel.
 
Nicks tells Wisconsin Public Radio News that other communities, including Superior and Kenosha, are asking police and fire personnel to pay into the retirement fund, but are offsetting that with a corresponding wage increase.