9-981. Authority to purchase alternative pension and benefit plan

A. In lieu of pension and relief benefits provided for under the provisions of article 3 of this chapter, a city, town or fire district may provide for an alternative pension and benefit program for fire fighters not covered under the provisions of article 3 of this chapter or under the public safety personnel retirement system.

B. The fire insurance premium tax received by the city, town or district under section 9-952, contributions from the city, town or district, and deductions from the salaries or compensation of firemen may be used to purchase a private pension or benefit program for firemen. Firemen not covered under the public safety personnel retirement system may elect to be covered under the provisions of the alternative pension and benefit program upon filing a request in writing with the city, town or district.

C. The terms, conditions, benefits, eligibility requirements and contribution rates of the alternative pension and benefit program shall be established by:

1. For a city or town, by the adoption of a resolution of the city or town council.

2. For a fire district with a board, by the adoption of a resolution of the board.

3. For a fire district without a board, by the adoption of a resolution of the board of trustees of the firemen's relief and pension fund and the approval of the board of supervisors.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, pension and benefit programs authorized under this article shall not be construed to be a contract between the employee and employer and are subject to annual appropriations of the city, town or district.