The City of Easton pays out more than $4 million a year in pensions for retired police, firefighters and non-uniform employees and their beneficiaries, according to a report by the Express Times. The story lists the top 10 city pension earners. 

City pensions came under scrutiny during the recent debate over whether Easton City Council should increase the earned income tax on commuters by .75 percent in order to help fund the pensions. City Council approved the tax increase on non-residents who work in the city earlier this month.

The increase was opposed by Northampton County Council. County Controller Steve Barron said the tax would affect about 800 employees and generate about $250,000. 

Easton Councilman Roger Ruggles was among those who argued that Easton needs to survive for its neighboring communities to prosper. "The city itself is the center for the entire community," he said. "If the city is not a good place, the surrounding communities suffer." 

According to the Express Times, the top annual pensions go to:

1) Former Easton Police Chief Larry Palmer: $63,483

2) Frank Chisesi: $59,528

3) Stephen Mazzeo: $53,774

4) Terry Foulke: $53,600

5) Wayne Unangst: $52,088

6) John Mazzeo Jr.: $51,719

7) John Kichline: $51,196

8) Steven Parkansky: $50,612

9) Edward Zukasky: $50,270

10) Robert Dantinne: $49,235