Prichard files for bankruptcy... again

PRICHARD, Ala. - The City of Prichard has filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection for the second time in 10 years.

Mayor Ron Davis says it's the only solution left, after looking at all other options to help fund it's retirement program.

"After several lawsuits filed by pensioners, it has forced us to come to this decision, one that will protect the city and its residents. I hope that a solution can soon be found that will be fair to all," the mayor said.

Pensioner C.W. Currie worked for the Prichard Fire Department for more than 30 years before retiring as a Captain. He is now 71 years-old and working in the construction field, against his doctor's orders.

Now that Prichard has filed for bankruptcy protection, he won't be able to retire from that job any time soon.

"We have a lot of the guys on pension and ladies on pension that aren't able to work. They can't go out and get a job due to their health. I thought our pension was good for as long as we lived," Currie said.

Currie and his wife built their home 15 years ago. He says it was his dream. Without the pension money he's supposed to be getting, he fears he may lose his dream.

"We're just going to have to consider within the next three or four years my health holds up and I can keep working. We'll have to downsize and move into something a little smaller to compensate for our pension that we won't be getting," he said.

But Currie says he's better off than some pensioners.

"We still have guys that are on pension and owes for their home, and I know several of them that are going to be sure enough hurting. And I feel sorry for them," said Currie.

Currie says he is doubtful he will ever see another pension check. But he hopes, for his sake and for the sake of other pensioners, something changes.

Until then, he'll keep working.