As Chester tries to work out its financial difficulties and lift itself out of bankruptcy, it’s also facing new challenges from its former employees, writes Justin Udo for KYW Newsradio.

The battle over pension payments has gone to court, and the city is supposed to pay the legal fees of its former employees. Those fees are mounting–about $700,000 so far.

Now the former employees have filed a court motion against the city to get those fees paid.

Chester receiver Michael Doweary said the city has offered to pay $100,000 a month for the legal fees but that it can’t afford more right now.

Alan Davis was a police officer in Chester for 27 years before retiring in 2016 after being shot in the line of duty,

He’s part of the retiree committee and said Chester is backing out of its obligation.  

“It’s very disappointing. The receiver and the city both have paid professionals representing them, and our legal team’s being told they’re not getting paid,” he said.

Retired fire chief Chuck Bolgunas said some pensioners make less than $1,000 a month and are already anxious not knowing if their pensions will be cut off if they’ll lose their healthcare.

Read more about Chester and its former employees at KYW Newsradio.