× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Richmond retirees are slated to receive their first cost-of-living adjustment in 11 years.

At a special meeting Monday, the Richmond City Council unanimously approved a 1% bump to pensions for thousands of retirees in the Richmond Retirement System. The council tapped into a $17.2 million surplus from the last fiscal year to make the $6.2 million commitment.

“This is the beginning of a conversation for us,” said Council President Cynthia Newbille, adding that the council is committed to working with city retirees to address their needs.

The increase is the first retirees will receive since former Mayor L. Douglas Wilder proposed an adjustment in 2008 and the council approved it. By comparison, retirees in the Virginia Retirement System have received a cost-of-living adjustment in all but one year during the same period.

“The [city] retirement system has shown a continued unwillingness to give these increases,” said Rick Pleasants of the Richmond Retired Police Officers Association.

Pleasants said he was pleased with the council vote and hoped it marked a shift in how the city treats its retirees in the future.

Glenwood Burley, a retired Richmond police officer who has been a vocal advocate on the issue, agreed.