North Miami Beach sues police sergeants, retired chief over 'rogue' votes

Votes hold up pension reform that saves city hundreds of thousands of dollars

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NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The city of North Miami Beach is suing its retired police chief and two active police sergeants, alleging their "rogue" votes as pension committee members are holding up pension reform that saves the city hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The City Council filed the lawsuit Dec. 22 in Miami-Dade County court against retired Chief Linda Liozzo, Sgt. Leo Socorro and Sgt. Mohammad Asim.

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The three were on the winning side in a 3-2 vote earlier this year opposing the city's cost-saving changes to its retirement pension disbursements.

But a ruling by the Third District Court of Appeals in another city case had already given North Miami Beach the legal discretion to make the changes.

City documents indicate the dilemma pension committee members faced prior to their vote in January. Their legal advisor told them they could expect a lawsuit no matter the vote: From police and fire union members if they implemented the benefit cuts police and fire union members opposed; or by the city if they refused to implement the city-approved changes.

North Miami Beach's new pension ordinance saves the city almost $800,000 a year by reducing pension benefits, advancing the minimum retirement age and eliminating the deferred retirement program.

No hearing date has yet been set in the lawsuit.

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About the Author
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Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."

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