RETIRED EMPLOYEES ASS'N v. County of Orange
Opinion
Opinion
Guilford, J.
ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND DENYING AS MOOT PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY ADJUDICATION
Even in difficult economic times, public employees are absolutely entitled to retirement benefits provided in contracts properly offered, approved, and accepted. But it is important that politicians who approve such benefits be held accountable whenever possible to the voters and taxpayers who ultimately pay for the benefits. This noble and necessary policy is strongly reflected in California law, which provides that the approval of a county’s board of supervisors is necessary to bind the county to compensation agreements.
Plaintiff now seeks certain lifetime retirement benefits, but since the Orange County Board of Supervisors never properly approved the benefits sought, ultimate accountability to the taxpayers has been blurred. To honor the strong public policy of this State, the Court is required to find that the Defendant County of Orange is not obligated in the future to pay the benefits sought in this case, and GRANTS Defendant’s summary judgment motion (“Motion”). Plaintiffs summary adjudication motion is DENIED as moot.