Commission declines to add hazardous-duty TCRS benefit to initial budget; staff to keep option for future amendment

City staff told commissioners the draft fiscal-year budget as prepared does not assume any change to Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) hazardous-duty benefits.

Staff said the only other locality that had taken action so far was Montgomery County and that most cities awaiting actuarial studies were on a similar timeline. Staff advised that the commission could amend the budget later if new information arrives, but adding the benefit in the present budget cycle would require a decision now to include assumed costs.

Commissioners expressed differing views. Some said the benefit was not clearly an effective recruiting tool and were concerned about uncertain long-term payout obligations; others argued the benefit recognizes public-safety sacrifices and could help retention. Commissioners noted Brentwood's sales-tax–dependent revenues and the uncertainty of retail sales given economic conditions as reasons to exercise caution.

Given those factors, staff said it would prepare the budget without an assumed change to TCRS hazardous-duty benefits but that the commission could revisit the decision later or amend the budget if evidence or a broader regional approach emerges.

Ending: Staff will draft the budget without the hazardous-duty benefit change and monitor other jurisdictions and actuarial findings for potential midyear or next-year reconsideration.