Singing River Health System retirees request settlement money from board

Singing River Health System retirees questioned the Jackson County Board of Supervisors on the money received from their recent settlement from an accounting firm.

Multiple retirees spoke out at the board meeting after learning the county would be receiving $16 million from the firm and put that in their general fund.

Board members were urged to remain silent while each pension holder pleaded their case, asking for the money to be added back into their pension plan. Barbara Jones said, “I wanted to come and speak my piece because we’re the ones that have suffered, not anybody in Jackson County. I felt like it was the retirees and the settlement should do all they can to put it back into the pockets of those who have been hurt.”

Irby Tillman said, “I don’t know why they can sue and get money from our fiduciary. I don’t understand. That $16 million would maybe ease that cut where they put our pension back to where it was.”

News 25 reached out to Singing River Health System for a comment, but they declined since they also have pending litigation with the accounting firm.