Board approves change to VICERA bylaws removing 1999 disability hearing procedures
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Summary
After extensive public testimony from retirement board members, labor representatives and county staff, the supervisors approved amended VICERA bylaws to detach the 1999 Disability Hearing Procedures so the retirement board can update procedures without needing Board of Supervisors approval.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the VICERA bylaws that remove the 1999 Disability Hearing Procedures (DHPs) from the bylaws and allow the retirement board to set its own administrative procedures.
Speakers at the public hearing included multiple members and chairs of the VICERA Board of Retirement. Amy Herron, retirement administrator for VICERA, argued the change corrects a governance imbalance that gives the Board of Supervisors veto authority over retirement‑board administrative rules and is inconsistent with the California Constitution’s grant of plenary authority to retirement boards. VICERA board members and union representatives testified in support, saying the removal would modernize governance and speed needed updates.
County risk management staff explained their objections: historically the DHPs provided the county with a role and visibility into disability retirement proceedings and helped preserve fiscal protections for the employer. County staff cautioned that removing the procedures could limit the county’s formal participation in disability investigations and decision‑making.
After question and public testimony, supervisors approved the amended bylaws unanimously. County staff and retirement board members said they expect continued coordination on individual cases and that public avenues remain for employer input, though the retirement board will have the authority to update its procedures going forward.