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Council approves raise in firefighter pension payout; staff says relief fund remains above 100% funded
Summary
Willmar council voted to raise the firefighter relief payout level from $6,000 to $7,500 per year. Fire Chief Frank said the relief association’s fund would remain about 113% funded under the proposed increase, and the change passed unanimously.
The Willmar City Council on Oct. 3 approved a resolution raising the firefighter relief association payout level from $6,000 per year to $7,500.
Fire Chief Frank told council the relief association’s board and the full fire department reviewed options and recommended the increase; the packet included a PERA cost analysis showing the fund would remain about 113% funded even after the change. Frank said the association had been asked to review levels every two years and that last year they had declined to request an increase because the fund was weaker; this year the fund balance supports the request.
Council members asked how the city compares to other departments in the PERA system and about the review process; Frank said the department ranks near the top of PERA relief associations and explained that the relief‑board and department members participated in the analysis. Council approved the resolution by roll call, 7 ayes, 0 nos.
Chief Frank said the increase is intended to aid recruitment and retention and that the city historically has not had to make direct contributions to the relief association unless the fund falls to about 75%.
