HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Back to square one for Huntington firefighter Carl Eastham and the city of Huntington.

It's nothing new.

Eastham says he's worked with lawmakers for four years to try to save the city's pension plan for Huntington firefighters. For the second year in a row, a proposal at the legislature failed.

"When a bill like this dies, seems like the government doesn't care," Carl Eastham said.

At-large Huntington City Councilman Steve Williams says a new pension plan is desperately needed. He would like the power to close the existing pension system and choose a new plan.

"If we're not given authority, could hurt city services," Steve Williams said.

State Senator Robert Plymale told WSAZ.com earlier in the week that he supports closing the existing plan and moving new employees into a state-sponsored plan. The unfunded liability could be paid with bonds, which means tax dollars would be used to make the bond payments.

Eastham says the pension issue is a problem across the state. He would like the city to keep the existing plan.

"I have a lot of respect for Carl," Williams said. "Don't see how we can continue this way."

Huntington city leaders will push lawmakers to discuss this in the budget session which begins next month.