Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pensions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chicopee Retirement Board votes 3% COLA on first $18,000 for eligible retirees, effective July 1
Summary
On March 25, 2026, the Chicopee Retirement Board voted unanimously to adopt a 3% cost-of-living adjustment on the first $18,000 for eligible retirees and survivors, citing PERAC guidance and M.G.L. Chapter 32, Section 103(c); the director will notify PERAC, the mayor, and City Council.
The Chicopee Retirement Board voted unanimously March 25 to increase the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to 3% on the first $18,000 for all eligible retirees and survivors, effective July 1, 2026. The change follows the Social Security Administration's announced COLA of 2.8% this year and was moved and seconded during a special meeting at City Hall's Auditor's Conference Room.
Board member Timothy O'Shea moved the measure, and Debra Boronski seconded. The motion specifies the increase is made "as allowed by M.G.L. Chapter 32, Section 103(c)." Executive Director Ana P. Gomes was present and was directed to notify the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC), the mayor, and the Chicopee City Council of the board's vote.
The board's minutes list five members present: David Ference, Paul Mailhott, Debra Boronski, Tiana Steffenhagen and Timothy O'Shea. The motion passed with all members voting in favor. The meeting lasted about five minutes; a separate motion to adjourn was made by Tiana Steffenhagen, seconded by David Ference, and carried immediately.
Why it matters: The board's 3% adjustment will apply only to the first $18,000 of annual retirement allowance for eligible retirees and survivors, as permitted under state statute, and will take effect at the start of the next fiscal adjustment period on July 1. The director's notification to PERAC and city officials completes the action required to implement the change.
Next steps: The director will inform PERAC, the mayor, and the City Council of the vote; the board's minutes record the approval and the meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m.
