PERAC Memo #13 - 2011: Systems Increasing COLA Base Pursuant to G.L. c. 32, §103(j)

Systems Increasing COLA Base Pursuant to G.L. c. 32, §103(j)

Summary

This memo reminds boards of the process under G.L. c. 32, §103(j) for increasing a system's COLA base (a board vote by majority, followed by legislative body approval), as previously summarized in PERAC Memo #33/2010. It emphasizes that an increase is not effective until certification of both the board vote and legislative body approval is filed with PERAC—so boards that have taken steps to increase their COLA base but have not yet filed certification should do so promptly to make the change effective.

Full Text

MEMORANDUM #13, 2011 R. Mennis M E M O R A N D U M TO: All Retirement Boards FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director RE: Systems Increasing COLA Base Pursuant to G.L. c. 32, §103(j) DATE: March 1, 2011 Over the past few months, several retirement systems have asked for estimates of the costs associated with increasing their COLA base. Also, we have learned that at least 20 retirement systems may have taken steps to increase the COLA base. The steps that must be taken to increase the COLA base are outlined G.L. c. 32, § 103(j) and were summarized in PERAC Memo #33/2010. This section provides that the board of any system that establishes a schedule pursuant to section 22D or 22F, may increase the maximum base amount on which the cost-of-living adjustment is calculated, in multiples of $1,000. Each increase in the maximum base amount shall be accepted by a majority vote of the board of such system, subject to the approval of the legislative body. In the case of a city the legislative body is the city council, in a town it is the town meeting, in a district it is the district body and in an authority it is the governing body. In a county or region acceptance will be by the county or regional retirement board advisory council. Acceptance of an increase in the maximum base amount shall be deemed to have occurred upon the filing of the certification of such vote with the commission. At this time, five systems have filed the necessary certification with PERAC to increase the COLA base. The purpose of this memo is to remind systems that until the certification of the vote of the Board and the legislative body is filed with PERAC, the increase in the COLA base is not effective. If you have any questions concerning this matter, do not hesitate to contact this office.