Kissimmee commissioners ask staff to return April 1 with 457 deferred-compensation plan details

The Kissimmee City Commission directed staff to return to the commission on April 1 with a written proposal and presentation on using the city’s existing 457 deferred-compensation plan as the primary retirement vehicle for commissioners, City Manager Jack Espinosa said during a presentation.

Espinosa told commissioners that the plan already exists for city employees and “the City Charter allows commissioners to receive a retirement benefit.” He said converting the existing 457 program for commissioners would be straightforward and would require transferring funds to cover the city match, which he described as approximately 21 percent of salary.

The directive follows earlier discussions and workshops by the previous commission, Espinosa said, and was raised again as several commissioners asked for clarity. Commissioners asked that details be provided in writing and that the presentation explain what the 21 percent match would mean for individual commissioners and for the budget.

No formal vote was taken to adopt changes to commissioners— retirement benefits at the meeting; instead, the commission agreed there was sufficient interest to schedule the matter for the April 1 meeting. City staff said human resources would prepare the program materials if the commission votes to implement the change in a future meeting.

In other business, the commission approved the consent agenda by motion. Commissioner Martinez moved to approve the consent agenda; Vice Mayor Eady seconded. The chair called for the ayes and the motion carried.

The meeting also included ceremonial proclamations. The commission proclaimed March 2025 as Women—s History Month and named March 31, 2025, as Cesar Chavez Day for the city. Osceola Arts representatives, including Marilyn Corteselato and public arts coordinator Diana Colon, joined commissioners for the Women—s History Month proclamation. Yolanda Bernard of the Psaki community addressed the commission and spoke in support of honoring Cesar Chavez—s legacy.

City Manager Espinosa reminded the commission that the Cowtown Festival, marking the city—s birthday, is scheduled Saturday, March 22, at Lakefront Park. Vice Mayor Eady and other commissioners also congratulated the city manager on the selection of the new police chief, who will be sworn in at the next commission meeting to be held at the civic center, the vice mayor said.

The commission adjourned after brief additional remarks and local announcements.