⏩ PENSION CASE COULD BE SETTLED

The town could avoid trial in a suit over a retired controller’s pension benefits.

John Williams, the attorney for retired controller Ray Bolek, said he and town attorneys are working on an agreement that would resolve the case that started when the town reduced Bolek’s pension benefits.

Bolek sued the town two years ago after the town demanded he reimburse Brookfield for $111,000, the amount officials said he had been overpaid in benefits since retiring in 2002.

Unless Bolek paid the money back up front, the town planned to reduce his benefits to about $500 each month for five years, when the amount would be paid back. His monthly payments would then be about $2,650.

Bolek paid the $111,000 in full, but then sued the town to get the money back and restore his benefits to about

$3,200 a month, rather than

$2,650.

Williams had said earlier this year that it was unlikely the town and Bolek would reach a settlement. But he said Monday that the sides are trying to mediate and are likely to be successful.

“I would say the chances are better than even,” Williams said.

A jury trial was originally scheduled for next week, but has been postponed. A trial management conference and trial are now on the docket for December.