DuPont, Wash. — The city of DuPont hired retired Lakewood firefighter Greg Hull to be its fire chief in 2010. However, since the city hired Hull as a consultant instead of city employee he kept receiving his state pension that, along with his DuPont salary, had him earning more than $300,000 a year.
An audit by the State Department of Retirement Services has now concluded the Hull received $555,000 in pension over-payments. It's a shock for those living in DuPont.
"That's ridiculous. It shouldn't have happened in the first place," said Tiffany Ek.
Dave Nelsen, the legal and legislative services manager at the State Department of Retirement Services, told KIRO-7 it is the city of DuPont, not Hull, who needs to pay the money back.
"We will collect from the city of DuPont. That's what we do," he said.
Hull is not required to return any of the payments. Hull is now resigning his position and will be able to reapply to continue receiving his pension benefits. South Sound reporter Richard Thompson went to Hull's home in Steilacoom Monday to get his perspective on the situation but the chief was not at home.
However, residents of DuPont had plenty to say about the issue. Those who spoke to KIRO-7 agree with state officials. Star Metterich said if the city mistakenly classified Hull as a consultant and that led to the pension over-payments, then, Metterich said,"Ultimately I think the city of DuPont is responsible for its mistake."
"I believe it's important to understand the facts, implications, and available options before taking action, which includes the possibility of appeal," said DuPont Mayor Michael Grayum.
Grayum has scheduled an executive session of the City Council on Tuesday evening so members can discuss those options.
KIRO
