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County told employer contribution rate for TCDRS 2026 will be 14.49%; court accepts plan presentation
Summary
A TCDRS representative presented the county's actuarial valuation and reported a required employer contribution rate of 14.49% for 2026 (elective rates discussed); the commissioners accepted the presentation and recorded a motion to proceed. Staff noted the county is about 87% funded and that paying an elective higher rate would accelerate funded status.
A representative of the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) told the Chambers County Commissioners Court on Dec. 9 that the county's actuarial valuation (based on year-end 2024) sets a required employer contribution rate of 14.49% for 2026.
The presenter described plan features: a 7% employee deposit rate, a 250% employer match (adopted earlier), an eight-year vesting period and the "Rule of 75" retirement eligibility. The presenter said the county's funded ratio is about 87% and that favorable investment returns in recent years (presenter cited ~9.7% year-to-date) have helped lower required rates from recent highs. He recommended the county consider voluntarily paying a higher elective rate (examples given included 14.53% and a total rate with group-term life of roughly 14.67% if the elective and life insurance rates were elected) to reduce unfunded liabilities faster.
The presenter noted that plan changes are due by Dec. 15 and that submitting an elected higher rate is voluntary. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the presentation/action by voice vote.
"Your required rate for this coming year is gonna be 14.49%," the presenter said. "By paying that elected rate, you're really driving your rates downwards just by paying that elected rate. I would encourage you, if you can, to continue to do so. Again, it's not required. It's just completely voluntary."
The court recorded the motion as carried; the transcript does not include a numeric roll call. The next administrative step is for county staff to submit any election paperwork to TCDRS (the presenter said he would prepare an agreement and get the judge's sign-off if the county elects to change rates).
