Ariz. cities miss out on aid for firefighter pensions

The Arizona Republic

PHOENIX — Dozens of Arizona cities, towns and fire districts have repeatedly missed out on state tax dollars meant to ease local spending for firefighter pensions, a Republic analysis has found.

More than half of Arizona cities and fire districts missed out on an estimated $5 million over seven years, mainly because they failed to apply consistently for the annual funding. More than 90 fire districts never applied and have not received a penny.

Retired firefighters or those killed or injured on duty benefit from pensions funded by their city, the state and a percentage of their paychecks. Millions of dollars from Arizona's fire insurance premium tax are available to reduce cities' costs and help fire districts reward volunteer firefighters for years of service.

Full story: Arizona cities miss out on aid for firefighter pensions