Council adopts court‑ordered pension amendments; retro checks to go out
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Summary
Council approved three ordinances implementing federal‑court changes to GERS and related retirement systems that finalize benefit enhancements and protections; administration and pension counsel said retroactive checks will be issued to eligible retirees and safeguards limit the city's long‑term exposure.
On second reading the council adopted three ordinances implementing amendments to the General Employees Retirement System (GERS) and related retirement provisions tied to a federal court settlement.
Retirement counsel John Clark, who represented the city through litigation and settlement, summarized the amendments as restoring some supplemental benefits while protecting the city from open‑ended liability. Clark said the changes expand benefit classes in certain cases and that multiple law firms and retirees’ counsel reviewed the ordinances.
Clark told the council retroactive benefit checks and direct deposits are being processed and that the enhanced monthly benefit will be reflected in the upcoming payment cycle. Mayor McGinnis and councilmembers thanked staff and retirement system personnel for expediting implementation.
Council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinances at second reading and the administration said it will continue coordinating with the GERS staff to finalize payments and required administrative steps.
