Fayetteville Council Approves Consolidation of Police Pension Plan with LOPFI

During the Fayetteville City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, a significant decision was made regarding the consolidation of the Fayetteville Police Pension and Relief Fund with the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI). This move aims to streamline pension administration for eligible police officers, following a successful consolidation of the fire pension plan two years prior.

Chief Financial Officer Stephen Dobson presented the plan, emphasizing that the transition would be smooth, as LOPFI has experience managing multiple local plans. David Clark, the executive director of LOPFI, reassured council members that the previous consolidation process had gone well and expressed confidence in the current plan.

Council discussions included the financial implications of the consolidation, particularly regarding a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees. Dobson confirmed that the necessary funding for the COLA is secured through a property tax designated for pension contributions, ensuring that the city can meet its obligations without additional budget strain.

After a brief public comment period, which yielded no speakers, the council moved forward with the vote. The resolution to consolidate the pension plan passed unanimously, along with an emergency clause to expedite the implementation of the agreement.

In addition to the pension consolidation, the council also addressed a rate study for the city's recycling and trash collection services. Director of Sustainability Peter Nierengarten was set to present findings related to this study, which would inform separate votes on proposed rate increases for 2025. However, technical difficulties with presentation equipment led to a brief recess, allowing staff to resolve the issue before proceeding with the agenda.

The outcomes of this meeting reflect the council's ongoing commitment to enhancing financial stability for city employees while also addressing community services like waste management. As Fayetteville continues to grow, these decisions are crucial in ensuring that both public safety personnel and residents receive the support and services they need.