- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Wayne Today
By the People, for the People
Wayne County Overpays Two Judges' Pensions by $1 Million
Recouping funds uncertain as county faces complex legal and ethical challenges
Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:41am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The pension overpayment case casts a somber shadow over the county courthouse, raising questions about transparency and accountability.Wayne TodayWayne County has discovered a $1 million overpayment in the pensions of two retired circuit court judges, Szymanski and Hathaway, due to a miscalculation based on their higher post-retirement salaries. This revelation has sparked a heated debate about justice, fairness, and the consequences of administrative errors within the county's pension system.
Why it matters
The pension overpayment incident highlights the complexities of public pension calculations, the unique status of circuit court judges, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the county's financial management. It raises questions about the impact on the affected individuals and the broader implications for public trust in the system.
The details
The overpayment occurred due to a miscalculation in the judges' pension calculations, which are complicated by the fact that the state pays the majority of their salaries while the county covers the remainder. This arrangement makes it challenging to accurately account for all the nuances in the pension system. The county now faces the dilemma of recouping the overpaid funds, which has led to legal action by one of the judges, Szymanski, seeking to protect his retirement security.
- The pension overpayment was discovered in 2026.
The players
Szymanski
A retired circuit court judge who is seeking legal action to protect his pension after the county discovered a $1 million overpayment.
Hathaway
A retired circuit court judge who was also affected by the $1 million pension overpayment.
Wayne County Commission
The governing body of Wayne County, Michigan, which is responsible for addressing the pension overpayment issue and implementing reforms to prevent similar errors in the future.
Wayne County Retirement Board
The board responsible for managing the county's pension system and overseeing the recoupment of the overpaid funds.
What they’re saying
“I'm not going to just roll over and let them take my pension away. I worked hard for that money, and it's not my fault they made a mistake.”
— Szymanski, Retired Circuit Court Judge
What’s next
The Wayne County Commission and Retirement Board will need to carefully consider the legal and ethical implications of recouping the overpaid funds, while also addressing the broader issues within the pension system to prevent similar errors in the future.
The takeaway
The Wayne County pension overpayment incident underscores the need for greater transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reform within the county's pension system. It highlights the complex interplay of legal, financial, and ethical considerations that public institutions must navigate to ensure fairness and build public trust.
