The Mission of CMERA

For as long as anyone can remember, informal groups of retried municipal employees would occasionally gather to renew their on-the-job friendships and share their stories about retirement.  It wasn’t until 1979, however, until one group comprised of retirees from Highway Maintenance decided to formalize these meetings.  Yes, social interaction would remain but the organized group would also attend meetings at City Hall and seek improved pensions and benefits for retirees.  By 1980, the group had filed papers with the State of Ohio and became a legal we now know as the Cincinnati Municipal Employees Retirement Association (CMERA).  It mission then was to: “assist all retired members of the City of Cincinnati Retirement System achieve independence and dignity.”  While CMERA has always striven to advocate the interest of all retirees, its mission has expanded in recent years.  Today, CMERA works to enhance the quality of life for all retired members of the Cincinnati Retirement System (CRS) by:

  • Advocating for the interests of all retirees.
  • Offering information and education for retirees on their retirement benefits, rights, and other topics of interest.
  • Monitoring implementation of the 2015 Collaborative Settlement Agreement (CSA)
  • Partnering with the CRS Board of Trustees, CRS administration, and all other stakeholders to assure long-term stability of the CRS.

The Structure of CMERA

CMERA is a not-for-profit charitable organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.  As such, it cannot be involved in politics, but it can educate members on matters that impact their retirement.

CMERA is governed by its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.  Together, these two groups comprise the Governing Board of CMERA.  The Executive Committee consists of the elected officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary), and the immediate Past President.  The Board of Directors is a group of CMERA Active members appointed by the Executive Committee.  The President may appoint committees to fulfill the purposes and functions of CMERA.  All Officers and Directors volunteer their time to enhance the lives of all retirees.  See the Governing Board tab for more information.

The documents administering CMERA (Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and Bylaws), are referred to as the Governing Document.  Refer to the tab on Governing Documents for access to those documents.

Who Can Join?

CMERA considers any pensioner or beneficiary of the Cincinnati Retirement System to be a member.  Its meetings, on-line chatroom,  and website are open to all retirees.  An “active” member is one who submits a membership application and remains current with their dues.  Only active members receive a newsletter and are eligible to vote and/or hold an office within the organization.  To become and active or full member of CMERA, however, only those who have completed a membership application and are current with their dues are considered “Active” members and can vote or hold office.  

How Much Are Dues?

Dues are currently $10 for a year.  

Memberships expire at the end of a calendar year.  

Notes:

  • If you are a new member and pay your initial dues prior to May 1, your membership will expire at the end of current calendar year.  
  • If you are a new member and pay your initial dues on or after May 1, your membership will expire at the end of the next calendar year.  
  • Dues paid after the expiration date will apply first to the year(s) in arrear, then to any future year.