Controller O’Connor has announced his intention to discontinue his legal action against the Retirement Board of Allegheny County after officials took steps to improve the Pension Fund’s financial condition.

“As Controller and a Retirement Board Member, I have a duty to protect the interests of taxpayers and retirees,” O’Connor said. “Retirees are owed their pensions for dedicating years of service to the public, and I remain committed to protecting these rights and the health of the Fund with every tool at my disposal.”

In December 2024, the Board approved a resolution to exclude bonuses paid to highly compensated employees from counting in pension calculations, a position O’Connor fought for in a declaratory action filed earlier that year.

“Legal action was required to stop the drain on the Fund, protect retiree benefits, and was a critical step to avoiding insolvency by 2040,” O’Connor said. “While recent changes should be viewed as positive, County and Board officials must continue to secure administrative, organizational, and legislative improvements.”

The Controller has issued recommendations since 2022 aimed at protecting the Fund’s health, planning for future risk, and responding quicker to market changes.

“We must act to strengthen the Fund’s condition because our employees, retirees, and taxpayers deserve no less,” O’Connor said. “I believe the Board now has a better understanding of the seriousness of the funding status and shares some measure of agreement as to the solutions available for the Fund’s stability.”