DiCicco bill would allow him to opt out of DROP program

Facing a re-election battle and rising criticism from voters, Councilman Frank DiCicco yesterday introduced legislation that would help him exit the controversial DROP program.

DiCicco is one of four elected officials seeking re-election in spite of their enrollment in the lucrative Deferred Retirement Option Plan. Enrollment is binding, but DiCicco's proposed legislation would allow workers to enroll and later withdraw.

"If I opt out, I will hopefully get re-elected and be able to serve," said DiCicco, acknowledging that such a change would clear up a political problem. He said he hoped to get a hearing on the bill next month.

Under DROP, city workers make an irrevocable commitment to set a retirement date up to four years in advance. At that point, they start accruing pension payments in an interest-bearing account and collect those payments in a lump sum upon retirement, along with their monthly pension checks.

But a loophole in the DROP legislation allows elected officials to enroll in the program, run for re-election, "retire" for a day to collect the payout, and then get re-hired and sworn in for another term. This scheme has been widely criticized by city voters and good-government groups.

DiCicco, who is set to receive $424,646, has previously said he would donate his salary back to the city to avoid the appearance of a double-dip.

Other DROP enrollees seeking re-election had varied reactions to DiCicco's proposal. Councilman Frank Rizzo ($194,518) said that he is prepared to give the DROP money back but that he needed to further review the legislation. Councilwoman Marian Tasco ($478,057) declined to comment, saying she would wait for the hearings. Register of Wills Ron Donatucci ($368,000), also seeking re-election, has said he supports DiCicco's effort.

Marge Tartaglione, city commission chairwoman, took a DROP payment four years ago and is seeking re-election.

Some questioned DiCicco's move yesterday. Bill Rubin, vice chairman of the pension board and the elected representative of District Council 33, which represents city blue-collar workers, said DROP was created in part to serve as a management tool so that officials could better plan for retirements. Without the irrevocable commitment, that doesn't work, Rubin said.

"This is an attempt by an individual who's trying to get out of this issue," Rubin said.

Nutter has called on Council to abolish DROP. In August, he released a study from Boston College researchers that said DROP has cost the city $258 million since 1999. Council has sought a review of his study and has not scheduled hearings. A final report from Council's actuary is expected soon.