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County discusses actuarial study to consider hazardous‑duty retirement supplement for public safety officers
Summary
Commission reviewed Resolution 202504‑822 to authorize an actuarial study required by a new state law that would allow a hazardous‑duty supplemental benefit for qualifying law enforcement officers and firefighters; county staff said the study would cost about $400 and a second resolution would be required to accept any resulting liability.
County commissioners on the work‑session agenda reviewed Resolution 202504‑822, which would authorize an actuarial study to determine the fiscal impact of a new hazardous‑duty supplemental retirement benefit created by state law taking effect Jan. 1, 2025.
The study is required before local governments may approve the supplemental benefit; county staff said the study would cost roughly $400. The commission heard that, if the study is completed, a second resolution accepting liability would be required before the county could implement the benefit.
The measure matters because the state law would allow an added supplement to retirement benefits for certain public safety officers. "It was for law enforcement, firefighters only right now," the sheriff said during the discussion. The sheriff explained eligibility: "It's hazardous duty for people that's been in law enforcement or firefighters for at least 20 years, and you gotta be at least 60 years old and 20 years of service to be able to qualify for it." The sheriff added the supplement would continue until the officer dies or begins receiving Social Security benefits.
Commissioners asked whether the county already met funding thresholds required by the law. A staff response stated that the actuarial study is needed to determine the amount and whether the county would qualify.
The commission did not record a formal vote on Resolution 202504‑822 during the work session; the packet notes the two‑step process (study, then acceptance of liability) required to implement the benefit.
Clarifying details discussed included the approximate study cost of $400 and the stated qualification requirements of 20 years' service and age 60 for eligibility. Commissioners and staff also referenced MTAS's role in drafting and advancing the legislation.
The commission moved on to other agenda items without taking a recorded final action on Resolution 202504‑822.
