September 2024
Member Direct
The City’s Retirement Office recently mailed everyone a Retirement Matters newsletter announcing a new on-line program called Member Direct. This program is optional. There is no requirement at this time to enroll. If you do not enroll in the program, you will still receive your notices from the Retirement Office, but they will be mailed to you as currently done.
Should you take advantage of this program, however, you will be able to view your beneficiaries, health care coverage, benefit information, etc. anytime You will also be able to view and print your monthly pension pay advice (the new word for pay stub) as well as your annual 1099-R form. The Retirement Offices has told me that an e-mail will be sent to those in the program annually informing them of the availability of the 1099-R form. This may allow you to file your tax return earlier. The pension information will remain available on-line for five (5) years from the date of enrollment. If you have any questions about Member Direct, contact the Retirement Office.
Elections
There were only two names submitted (one for each office of Vice President and Secretary) for the offices that will expire by the end of the year. As a result, the election scheduled for this fall has been cancelled. Both Steve Dietrich (Vice President) and Jane Kettlehake (Secretary) will now serve another two-year term in their respective office.
New Pension Check Deduction – FOR THOSE WHO RETIRED AFTER JUNE 2011.
The Collaborate Settlement Agreement of 2015 was made among the City and several groups (or classes) of people. Each of those classes had attorneys working for them. One class, called the Retiree Class, collected donations from retirees to pay for their legal fees. For the group called the Current Employee class, their legal fees were paid by the Retirement System with the understanding that those funds would be repaid in the future. Earlier this year, the parties came to an understanding about how and when the repayment would be made. Once retired, those who were in the Current Employee class would have a deduction from their monthly pension check effective August 1. The amount would depend on rather or not medical benefits were included. Once the legal fees have been repaid, the deduction will end.
Website
The text changes to the CMERA website have been completed. The next project is acquiring a PayPal account to allow credit card payments in the future.
Newsletter
The Fall newsletter is currently under editing and final design. The newsletter should be in your mailbox (assuming you are an active member of CMERA) by the end of September.
Fall General Meeting
Presentations for the Fall General Meeting are being drafted. The following topics are planned (subject to change:)
- Overview of 2024 goals and accomplishments
- Goals for 2025
- Operating budget for 2025
- Presentation on Senior Scams
- Information on new dental insurance options for 2025
- Dental Insurance for 2025
Until next month