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Commissioners approve reopening defined-benefit option for certain law-enforcement employees
Summary
After a closed-session presentation, the county commission voted to open a defined-benefit pension option to specified public-safety employees with a 2% multiplier and a 5% defined-contribution match; the board approved pursuing the change and directed legal and administrative follow-up.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners voted to open the county's defined-benefit pension plan to specified public-safety positions and pair it with a defined-contribution (DC) match. The motion followed a closed-session briefing on plan design and cost estimates and was debated in open session before a roll-call vote.
What passed: The board approved a plan to open the defined-benefit plan for sheriff deputies (including command and corrections), 9-1-1 staff, youth center staff, and the prosecutor's office, applying a 2% multiplier with a 5% employer match to the DC plan. Commissioner Levent (motion maker) presented the proposal; another commissioner moved to amend to continue exploring details with legal counsel, but the amendment was rejected. The main motion passed on a roll call.
Discussion highlights: Supporters said restoring a defined-benefit option is needed to recruit and retain trained deputies—county leadership said Monroe is down roughly 20 deputies and faces competition from neighboring jurisdictions. Opponents and some commissioners asked for more time to consult legal counsel and review cost modeling; two commissioners abstained citing the need for further review.
Vote and implementation: Recorded votes included yes votes from Commissioners Heinzerling, Lamour, Venzl, Swartout, Levent (Levins), and Hoffman; Commissioners Moore and Asper recorded abstentions. The tally was six yes, two abstentions. The board directed county legal counsel and administrative staff to continue work on implementation details and report back.
Budgetary note: Board members said the closed-session materials included cost estimates; in open session commissioners said the additional benefit would be "comparable" to existing compensation levels, but no specific new appropriation was approved at the meeting. Staff will return with precise cost and implementation details.
