Sarnia's mayor is asking city council to table a report that could reduce benefits for employees eligible for early retirement.
The city manager is proposing alternatives that include having retirees pay 25 per cent of premium costs, eliminating post-retirement benefits altogether or eliminating coverage for new hires as of 2016.
Mike Bradley says the recommendations would not be an incentive to retire, but rather a penalty.
He says 39 employees not covered by collective agreements would be impacted, saving the city $30,000 at most in next year's budget.
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Mayor Bradley is recommending council table the report to its December 7 meeting to allow union, non-union and retiree groups time to comment.
Since 1991, the city has been providing health and dental benefits up to the age of 65 for employees with at least 25 years of service.
