Commissioners weigh reopening pension vs. boosting 401(k) match; staff cites manageable first‑year cost

County staff detailed two primary retirement pathways for commissioners to consider. Sonia Conroy summarized staff estimates, saying reopening the defined benefit plan would likely require a first‑year county contribution that ACCG estimated could be about "$5,500,000" in the presentation materials and emphasized that the cost is amortized over a multi‑decade schedule. She said a preliminary actuarial 'spitball' suggested the ongoing DB contribution could be around $4.5M and that staff would return with a full actuarial valuation.

Staff described the tradeoffs: reopening a defined benefit plan creates an irrevocable obligation for employees who join it ("the negative to that is that it is forever," a staff speaker said), while increasing the DC core match (doubling the 2% core to 4%) would cost the county considerably less in the first year (staff estimated roughly an additional $400,000). Staff recommended more employee education and indicated the earliest practical rollout would be the fall, with a preferred effective date of January 1 if the board moves ahead.

Commissioners asked whether forfeited 401(k) funds could offset start‑up costs; staff said about $340,000 is available in forfeitures to help offset an initial contribution. No formal action was taken; staff was asked to return with updated actuarial numbers and an implementation timeline.