Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pensions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chicopee Retirement Board approves 3% COLA on first $18,000 for 2026 retirees
Summary
At a five-minute special meeting on March 25, the Chicopee Retirement Board voted unanimously to apply a 3% cost-of-living increase, effective July 1, 2026, on the first $18,000 of pension benefits for eligible retirees and survivors under M.G.L. Chapter 32, Section 103(c).
The Chicopee Retirement Board voted unanimously on March 25 to raise the cost-of-living adjustment for eligible retirees and survivors to 3% on the first $18,000 of benefits, effective July 1, 2026.
The action came during a short special meeting called to order at 8:30 a.m. The board reviewed PERAC Memo #5/2026 and noted the Social Security Administration's announced 2.8% COLA for 2026. "I move to increase the Cost-of-Living Adjustment effective July 1, 2026, in the amount of 3% on the first $18,000.00 for all eligible retirees and survivors as allowed by M.G.L. Chapter 32, Section 103(c)," said Timothy O'Shea, a member of the board, who made the motion. Debra Boronski seconded the motion, and it was adopted with all members voting in favor.
Ana P. Gomes, the board's executive director, was directed to inform the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC), the mayor, and the Chicopee City Council about the vote. The board recorded five members in attendance: David Ference, Paul Mailhott, Debra Boronski, Tiana Steffenhagen and Timothy O'Shea.
Following the vote, Member Tiana Steffenhagen moved to adjourn; the meeting ended at 8:35 a.m. There were no further agenda items or public comments recorded in the minutes.
The adjustment is limited to the first $18,000 of retirement benefits and is authorized under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 32, Section 103(c). The minutes reference PERAC Memo #5/2026 and the Social Security Administration's announcement as context for the board's action.
