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Midland mayor, firefighters report progress toward pension change that would add a city lump‑sum infusion
Summary
City and firefighter representatives told the PRB they have matching council and board resolutions and are educating members ahead of a vote on a package that includes a lump‑sum city infusion tied to a 5% equivalent change for firefighters.
Officials from the City of Midland and Midland fire representatives briefed the Pension Review Board on ongoing negotiations and member education related to a proposed change to the city’s fire pension.
Mayor Laurie Blonde said the city council and the firefighters’ board each adopted corresponding resolutions to allow a package that would include a 5% equivalent change (subject to the members’ vote) and a city side lump‑sum payment intended to move the fund toward a 30‑year amortization schedule. The mayor said both bodies approved the resolutions unanimously and that the city stands ready to make a lump‑sum payment if the members approve the proposed change.
Firefighter representative Justin Graham said the membership education process is underway, including a second round of meetings aimed at ensuring members understand the proposal before they vote. "We are looking at doing a vote that will pass," Graham said, adding the goal was to hold a membership vote in the first quarter of the next year if not sooner.
Why it matters: The city’s proposed infusion and an approved member vote would change the pension’s funding profile and avoid a potential FSRP trigger that could otherwise affect Midland Fire’s long‑term funding obligations.
Board and staff follow‑up: PRB members said timing matters and urged Midland to complete education and scheduling promptly so funding can be available as soon as a member vote succeeds. Board members offered PRB staff help and asked to be kept informed of the timeline.
Operational details: Graham said Midland has about 250 members who will be eligible to vote; the board and city are building ballots and vetting timing, with some trustee elections overlapping the education process. City staff and Midland’s investment consultant are preparing to manage a receipt of funds and to reduce illiquid holdings if a general fund infusion occurs.
Ending: Both the mayor and firefighter representative thanked the PRB for assistance and said they would provide updates. PRB members reiterated that time is a factor and asked staff to monitor the onboarding of any lump‑sum funding.
