Hatfield adopts changes to borough defined‑contribution plan, sets manager contribution at 7%

Hatfield Borough Council voted June 19 to adopt Ordinance No. 553, revising contribution levels for the borough’s defined‑contribution retirement plan. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote; the chair called for “Aye,” and there were no opposed votes.

Solicitor explained that the ordinance updates contribution levels and is retroactive to Jan. 1 to match the borough budget and the pension administrator’s requirements. “What it does is revises contribution levels,” the solicitor said, adding that the ordinance sets a 4% contribution for employees “except the manager who gets 7%.”

Council opened a public hearing on the ordinance earlier in the meeting and staff confirmed that the revised ordinance was advertised and that supporting exhibits (the ordinance text and related materials) were placed in the record. No substantive public comments were raised during the hearing on the pension changes.

The adoption completes the formal amendment process the council began when it directed staff and legal counsel to draft the revisions. The solicitor noted she removed a provision that would have allowed future changes by resolution, saying council members preferred to advertise any future contribution changes via ordinance.

The ordinance is effective retroactively on Jan. 1, 2024, to match the borough’s budget and pension‑administrator guidance. The council did not record a roll‑call tally in the minutes; the motion passed by voice vote.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 17, when follow‑up items including a resolution related to internal investment repayments will be considered.