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North Port trustee outlines pathway for firefighter Kyle Dawson to buy back prior service; board seeks documentation
Summary
The board discussed whether firefighter Kyle Dawson can buy back prior service credited at Southern Manatee. Attorney and actuary said buyback may be possible if Mr. Dawson proves full‑time, certified service; he was asked to provide payroll records, plan documents or a notarized affidavit. No formal decision was made.
A trustee reported to the City of North Port Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund board on Dec. 18 that firefighter Kyle Dawson is seeking to buy back prior credited service performed for Southern Manatee, and the board discussed whether the pension ordinance allows it.
Trustee (Paul) summarized the plan's buyback provision (ordinance section 2‑330) and read that prior service may be credited when a person "previously served as a full time firefighter" or provides proof that the service is equivalent under chapter 175. Paul said the ordinance language is ambiguous in places but, after reviewing Mr. Dawson's records, the trustee concluded "he may well be eligible to buy back that time" if he can show the service was full time and the certifications match.
Why it matters: Buying back prior service increases credited years for retirement calculations and is typically handled so that the member pays the full actuarial cost. The actuary present said his role would be to calculate the amount the member must deposit so that there is no immediate funding impact to the plan. "We project benefits out before and after the purchase of service, and we give an opinion today as to the amount that would need to be deposited into the trust fund to pay for those additional years of service," the actuary said.
Mr. Dawson spoke briefly and confirmed he is working to collect payroll records and plan statements from Southern Manatee. The board asked for evidence that he worked full shifts (examples suggested included pay stubs, Southern Manatee pension plan documents showing full‑time coverage, or a notarized affidavit describing shift patterns and certification). The board also noted past meeting minutes may show whether the request had previously been considered; trustees said they found no clear denial in the record and that prior follow‑up had not been completed.
Next steps: The board directed staff to accept documentation from Mr. Dawson and asked the actuary to prepare a buyback cost calculation if he demonstrates eligible prior service. Trustees agreed no decision needed to be made today and emphasized the burden is on the member to provide sufficient proof. The board did not vote to approve a buyback at this meeting.
