Philadelphia City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. and City Representative Jazelle Jones, a married couple involved in city politics, are set to receive a combined $750,000 through a controversial Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). The program, designed to encourage early retirement among high-earning city employees, was discontinued for new participants in 2010 due to its impact on the city's budget.
Curtis Jones Jr., 68, who was first elected in 2008 and thus grandfathered into the DROP program, plans to withdraw approximately $350,000 from his account. He intends to retire next year, after the current election cycle. If reelected, his term would end in December 2027, followed by his inauguration for a new term in January 2028, allowing him to continue earning his salary while accessing his DROP funds. Jones cited vision issues, including a 40% vision loss and multiple eye surgeries, as a reason for wanting access to the funds for financial security. He earns an annual salary of $165,000.
His wife, Jazelle Jones, 70, who serves as an ambassador for special events in Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration, arranged to receive a $320,000 DROP payout and an additional $97,000 for accrued sick and vacation time. This was facilitated by an exception granted by Mayor Parker, allowing her to retire for one day in September 2025 and then be rehired. Jazelle Jones's original retirement date was set for September 2024, but she received an additional year of service to increase her retirement benefits. Following her one-day retirement, she was rehired by the administration, and her annual salary was increased to $199,000.
The Philadelphia Administrative Board, overseen by Mayor Parker, approved Jazelle Jones's arrangements. However, reporting indicates that the board's formal approval for her extended service, brief retirement, and subsequent rehiring until March 2026 was not processed according to standard procedure. Mayor Parker defended her decision, stating the essential nature of Jazelle Jones's role necessitated her return to work and called it one of the most important decisions she has made as mayor.
Critics have voiced concerns about the use of the DROP program. Lauren Cristella, president of the government watchdog group Committee of Seventy, stated that rehiring an employee the day after they collect a DROP payout undermines the program's intent, which is to manage workforce transitions rather than provide bonuses to those not intending to leave their positions.