Ladue (Mo.) City Council plans to hire a consultant to provide a...

Ladue (Mo.) City Council plans to hire a consultant to provide a one-time review of the Ladue Police and Firefighters' Pension Plan to find ways to reduce costs, which are "nearing $1 million,"said George Pelt, city finance director. Mr. Pelt declined to name the consultants that submitted proposals. Higher investment returns could help offset the costs; the $14.5 million plan's investments returned 6.8% in 2004, short of the 7.75% assumed rate of return, Mr. Pelt said. City officials, who did not issue an RFP, will likely make a decision "over the next couple months."