On Wednesday, the city of Springfield and its Firefighter Pension Board argued over whether a judge should answer a question regarding pensions now or later.
Sangamon County Circuit Judge John Schmidt said he would decide Friday whether the case goes forward.
At issue is whether current firefighters’ holiday pay, or the additional pay they earn for working on a holiday, should count toward their pension benefits. The board is asking the court to decide, while the city contends that the judge could not enforce the ruling.
Don Craven, attorney for the pension board, said Wednesday's arguments did not get to heart of the issue.
“What I refer to as the elephant in the room is the constitutional question of changing the formula for the award of pensions for firefighters who have been on the job for 20 or 25 years,” Craven said.
He has argued that the board could face legal action from current firefighters if it decides to exclude holiday pay. Under the Illinois Constitution, public retirement benefits cannot be diminished.
The Illinois Supreme Court hears cases concerning constitutionality.