Editors Note: This article has been updated to correct a few issues including spelling, and some facts.
The La Plata Town Council advanced the enrollment of sworn police officers into the Maryland Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System (LEOPS) during its February 10, 2026, meeting in La Plata, Maryland. This decision represents a significant step toward implementing a long-delayed public safety benefit previously approved in town budgets.
The council voted 4-1 to select Option A, which transfers officers to LEOPS. Mayor Jeannine James cast the sole dissenting vote, favoring further study of the issue rather than outright opposition to the transfer. The action directs town staff to notify the state by the March 1, 2026, deadline to enable implementation on July 1, 2026, while incorporating related costs into the FY2027 budget.
LEOPS serves as a standard retirement plan for law enforcement across Maryland, offering enhanced benefits such as earlier retirement eligibility and higher pension multipliers than the current Maryland State Retirement Systems’ Employees’ Combined System.
Town Manager Chuck Stevens delivered a staff analysis that presented three options: proceed with the transfer (Option A), decline participation (Option B), or seek additional information (Option C). The analysis, supported by actuarial projections from Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and Company, indicated first-year net costs surpassing $500,000, representing about a 160% increase in pension expenses, with costs rising into the millions over subsequent decades. Stevens framed the decision as a balance between enhancing workforce competitiveness for recruitment and retention and maintaining fiscal sustainability. He acknowledged contributions from Treasurer Karina Larson, HR Director Monica Kennedy, and the finance committee in preparing the review.
Council discussion centered on fiscal implications, staffing needs for recruitment, and prior delays. Councilmember Tyjon Johnson endorsed Option A, pointing to the FY2025 budget’s allocation of $641,000 for enhanced pensions—partly supported by a tax increase—plus $34,000 for retirement, totaling $944,000. He estimated LEOPS’ first-year additional cost at roughly $540,000 against a $346,000 base, resulting in a net savings of about $58,000 while strengthening public safety staffing. Councilmember Samson supported Option A but requested clarification on contribution details. Councilmember Guttenberg backed the transfer but called for expanded analysis, including revenue forecasts from anticipated development (such as 7,000 new homes) and workload-based staffing models projecting 52 officers versus a potential need for 75, suggesting growth could offset costs through modest tax adjustments if necessary.
Mayor James preferred Option C to gather more comprehensive data, expressing concerns about the long-term sustainability of earmarked tax revenues and the permanent nature of committing to LEOPS.
This action resolves implementation shortfalls from the FY2025 budget, which funded enhanced pensions for police and public works but saw limited progress during Mayor James’ tenure as chief executive from July 1, 2024, to May 2025. Councilmember Patrick McCormick (Ward II) highlighted the issue during the meeting, confirming the program’s inclusion in prior budgets and the absence of follow-through.
Enrolling in LEOPS aims to bolster recruitment, retention, and departmental stability amid ongoing staffing challenges in the La Plata Police Department. Delays have contributed to elevated long-term costs and operational pressures, as officers have cited better benefits elsewhere as factors in potential departures.
The decision reinforces public safety priorities in La Plata, a town in Charles County, Southern Maryland. It restores progress on council-approved policies and highlights the importance of executing legislative directives under the town charter.