Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County to consider pension 'accelerator' to help retain deputies, EMS staff
Summary
Staff proposed adopting a VRS Accelerator multiplier for public-safety employees that would modestly increase the county's VRS contribution (estimated $29,000 annually) to improve retention. The board agreed to place the item on the September agenda and explore adding animal control for an October vote.
County staff proposed that the board consider adopting the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Accelerator to raise the retirement multiplier for public-safety positions from 1.7 to 1.85. Staff said the change would increase the county’s VRS contribution from 10.68% to 11.44% and carry an estimated annual operating impact of about $29,000; if adopted it would apply to current and future public-safety positions and take effect one month after passage.
Sheriff Hodges described the proposal as a retention tool rather than a salary increase, saying it could help persuade mid‑career officers to stay by improving long‑term retirement value. Hodges told the board he faces several upcoming retirements and has lost officers to neighboring localities that offer higher starting pay and more competitive retirement packages.
Board members asked about scope and timing. Staff said the resolution could be placed on the September agenda for formal consideration; staff also offered to research adding animal-control positions to the program and, if included, to move the item to October. Several members urged balancing retention incentives with budget constraints and requested follow-up materials showing projected budget impacts and implementation mechanics.
Next steps: the board agreed to include the VRS Accelerator resolution on the September agenda and asked staff to return with a detailed fiscal impact analysis and, separately, an assessment of adding animal control in October.
