CMERA Chronicle – August 2024

Pension & Health Care Trust Funds Update

The month of July is typically when City Council does not meet, so formal discussions and legislation also take a vacation.  The Retirement Board of Trustees, however, did meet on July11.  At that meeting the members had an opportunity to review the annual status report on the Pension and Health Care Trust funds.  The report was dated June 6, 2024, and it reflects the status of the funds as the end of last year.

Not surprisingly, the report indicates that the Health Care Trust fund is more than 100% funded.  The Pension Trust fund, unfortunately, remains about 30% short of where it should be if the fund is to be at the 100% level by the end of 2045 (per the Collaborative Settlement Agreement).  For additional information, go the following City website: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/retirement/crs-financial-information

The City has agreed to increase its contribution next fiscal year.  This will not eliminate the projected shortfall, but it is a step in the right direction.

CMERA Website

Work continues on making updates to CMERA’s website.  Most of the text has been updated.  The next step is getting credit card acceptance.

CMERA Election

The positions of Vice President and Secretary are up for election.  If you have an interest in running for a position, notify me at [email protected].  The deadline for applications has been extended until August 8.

Fall Meeting

At CMERA, we strive to present relevant information to our members expeditiously.  This usually means using our website, newsletter, and/or chatroom.  We also find that scheduling at least two in-person meetings each year provides an effective exchange of information and socialization with fellow retirees. 

The next General Meeting of CMERA is Saturday, October 12.  If you have never been to a meeting, here is some information for you.

The Church is at the corner of Reading Road and Linton Avenue.  There is parking lot across the street with an entrance off Linton Avenue.  Once you enter the Church, there will be volunteers at tables to greet you, record your attendance, update any of your personal information, and/or collect dues/donations.  If you arrive before the actual meeting at 10:00 a.m., you will have time to grab a donut and a cup of coffee in the adjacent meeting area.  We try to start the meeting promptly with a general greeting, pledge of allegiance, overview of the agenda, and introduction.  After the conclusion of the presentations, the floor is open for Q&A.  We try to answer the questions to the best of our ability.  The meeting is recorded so that those members who live outside of the region can receive the same information.  Be sure to take a few minutes to look at the beautiful woodwork and stain glass windows of the Church.  We hope you return for many future meetings.

Newsletter

Work is underway on the Fall newsletter.  If you have an idea or want to submit a brief article, please e-mail me ([email protected]).  Note: submissions are subject to context eligibility and editing by Executive Committee.

Back to School

Schools will be back in session soon so be on the lookout for kids.  

Until next month