Worthen resigns from Rathdrum council

RATHDRUM — Mark Worthen quickly learned there are consequences to retiring.

Worthen, who has served on the Rathdrum City Council for 18 years, has resigned from the position effective Aug. 31 so he can start receiving benefits after retiring as a teacher from the Lakeland Joint School District.

Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) rules state members must be resigned at least 90 days from an organization that uses PERSI before they can start receiving benefits from another PERSI employer.

Both the city council and school district are PERSI employers.

"The rule caught me by surprise," said Worthen, who worked for the school district for 25 years, including 20 as a teacher at John Brown Elementary.

"I'm bummed that I'm having to go off of the council, but I plan to seek re-election in November of next year. This will just give more of my former students time to become voting age."

Worthen said he retired from the school district early — at age 60 — due to mobility issues caused by knee problems. When he went to sign up for retirement benefits, he said he was told by PERSI staff that he couldn't receive them until age 62 because of his council position.

"I was excited to focus more on the council after I retired from teaching, so this was a shock," he said.

Applications for Worthen's seat will be accepted at City Hall through Aug. 31.

"I wish we could keep him," City Administrator Leon Duce said, adding it would take legislation to change the rule.

An appointee who will serve until January 2018 is expected to be announced in September. Applicants must be a Rathdrum resident and at least 18 years old.