County auditor urges employees to 'start now' as board proclaims National Retirement Security Month

Cass Cook, Tulare County Auditor‑Controller‑Treasurer‑Tax Collector, told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 that county employees should begin retirement saving early and make use of three primary sources of retirement income: the pension, deferred compensation (457 plan) and Social Security.

"I like to call them the three pillars of retirement," Cook said, describing how a defined‑benefit pension provides a predictable base, a 457 deferred compensation account is portable and can compound over time, and Social Security supplements income at retirement. Cook gave examples showing how starting savings earlier — even modest payroll contributions — can materially increase retirement balances.

Cook noted benefits available to county employees, including a 25 percent employer match (described in his presentation) on certain deferred compensation contributions, access to a free certified financial planner through the county, and online tools such as myTessera and Social Security's website for benefit estimates. He encouraged employees to use percentage‑based contributions rather than flat amounts so savings grow with overtime and raises.

After the presentation, the board read a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as National Retirement Security Month in Tulare County; the proclamation document is dated Sept. 23, 2025 and is signed by the chair and members of the board. Supervisor Dennis Townsend and other board members publicly praised the county's retirement programs and financial counseling resources.

Cook invited employees to a county health fair Oct. 1 where retirement vendors and plan staff will be available for questions, and he reiterated that early participation yields the largest long‑term gains.

Action: the board issued a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as National Retirement Security Month in Tulare County (dated 09/23/2025).