Sebastian council approves first readings on new general-employee retirement plan, creates trustees board

The Sebastian City Council voted to approve first readings of two linked ordinances to establish a defined-benefit retirement plan and a board of trustees for the city’s general (non‑police) employees, with council members directing staff to use reserves to cover upfront funding if needed and adding changes to payout timing and trustee selection.

Council member Dodd moved approval of ordinance O‑25‑13, which would adopt a Florida League of Cities Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund (FMPTF) defined‑benefit plan for general employees and set plan start date of Oct. 1, 2025; the motion, as amended, directs that any city contribution to 401(a) accounts for CWA employees with less than five years’ service who choose the 401(a) be deposited on the fifth‑anniversary date when they would vest in the dissolved CWA plan, and authorizes the city manager and chief financial officer to use reserve funds to fund the advance payment and makeup obligations. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Council member Dodd, Council member Nunn, Mayor McPartland and Vice Mayor Jones recorded in favor. The council set the second reading for Sept. 10, 2025.

The council then considered ordinance O‑25‑14 to create a five‑member Board of Trustees to administer the new plan. After discussion and amendments the council approved a revised board…