County administrators, after consulting with the actuarial firm, Mercer and Associates, recommended that the County Board's Pension Study Committee pass approval of a controversial "backdrop benefit" employee pension plan designed for employee retention. Once passed, the plan could be advanced to the full County Board. In 2000, the head of the County's Human Resources department testified that, according to the Milwaukee's only daily newspaper, the "backdrop benefit cost estimate was done. County pension consultants from Mercer Inc. do not speak up, though say later they knew the remark was inaccurate." Administrators explained that the proposal was "revenue neutral" and that proceeds from investments would cover any expenses that could occur. After advancing to the full County Board, it was passed.