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Council opts to raise PERA benefit level for volunteer firefighters
Summary
Council approved Resolution 2025-21 to increase the PERA benefit level for volunteer firefighters from $5,000 to $6,000 per member per year; staff said the fund would remain above 100% funded and this provides a cushion, but two council members abstained from the vote.
The City Council voted to adopt Resolution 2025-21, increasing the PERA benefit level for firefighters invested in the statewide volunteer firefighter plan from $5,000 to $6,000 per member per year.
City staff presented funding metrics showing the current fund status at roughly 129% funded at the $5,000 level; raising the benefit to $6,000 would reduce that funding percentage estimate to about 113.94%, leaving a cushion above the 100% threshold staff said is needed to avoid an assessed bill from PERA.
Council debated timing given market volatility. One council member said the city should be cautious not to lower funding to the point where additional levies would be required; staff noted the city generally has three years to make up any shortfall. The resolution passed by recorded voice as "Passes 3 0 2," with three ayes and two abstentions.
Council asked staff to monitor funding levels and trigger additional discussion or a special workshop if funding falls toward a lower trigger percentage.
