RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools must pay benefits to retired police officers.
This ruling reversed a lower court's decision from 2021. The lawsuit was filed by the CMS police officers in 2019.
CMS argued that, as a school district, they did not fall under the state's definition of a "political subdivision," and were not required to pay retired officers retirement benefits. The district also argued that officers were not eligible to receive these benefits because they weren't enrolled in the "Local Government Employees Retirement System."
But on Tuesday, the NC Supreme Court reversed that ruling, arguing that all school districts qualify as political subdivisions and retirement benefits are not restricted to employees enrolled in the "Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS)."
The retired officers' lawsuit also sought a "special separation allowance." However, the NC Supreme Court rejected this claim, saying the "special separation allowance" is dependent on being enrolled in the LGERS.
WCNC CHARLOTTE PODCASTS
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || Google Podcasts || iHeart
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.