Vanderburgh County officials on Oct. 30 discussed a request from Sheriff Nora Robinson to transfer $140,000 from the sheriff’s commissary fund into the Vanderburgh County Police Pension Fund and agreed to vote next week on whether to hire an outside actuary to review the pension’s financial health.

In a letter read to the Personnel and Finance Committee, the sheriff asked the council to "distribute $140,000 from the sheriff's office commissionary fund to the Vanderburgh County Police Pension Fund," signing the request, "Sincerely, Nora Robinson Sheriff." Council members said the transfer, together with other planned actions, would help the county meet the actuarially determined contribution (ADC) minimum for 2024.

The central debate was whether to hire an independent actuarial consultant to validate the pension plan’s liabilities and assumptions. Staff presented an engagement estimate range of $10,000 to $20,000; members asked for a clearer breakdown of hours and rates. One council member urged caution about spending on studies, saying, "If we're gonna spend money, I'd rather take that 20 k and put it directly into the pension." Supporters countered that an independent review could clarify a pension shortfall and the plan’s long-term funding needs.

Council members also described uncertainty in the reported shortfall: members referenced figures "anywhere over time 4 and a half to probably 6 or 7,000,000" and said they had heard numbers "all the way up to 8,000,000," underscoring the reason given for an outside review. A council member who spoke with the prospective consultant described him as formerly employed by a private actuarial firm and said the consultant would look at funding options and future plan health rather than re-litigating past valuations.

President Jill Hahn clarified the next procedural step: "next week, we are only as a council going to be, voting for the letter of engagement." The engagement vote would authorize staff to hire the consultant; any appropriation or funding source for the review would be addressed separately and discussed at the council meeting that follows.

Council members also discussed possible commissioner involvement and funding sources: commissioners may contribute through contractual services or riverboat funds, according to remarks made during the meeting. Several members requested a more detailed scope and cost breakdown from the consultant before approving work beyond the letter of engagement.

The committee scheduled the actuary presentation for new business next week and several members offered to meet the consultant for a "deeper dive" before that meeting. The council did not approve the transfer or hire at the Oct. 30 meeting; formal votes are expected at the follow-up sessions.

What’s next: The council will consider the letter of engagement at its next meeting; if approved, the actuary’s scope and final cost will be presented before any appropriation is made.