Social Security
As I reported in the CMERA chatroom, Congress repealed the WEP and the GPO. The President is scheduled to sign the legislation on January 6. Once signed, City retirees who also qualify for Social Security benefits, will no longer have those benefits reduced because of their City retirement pension. The amount of Social Security you will now receive will be calculated like everyone else. That amount will vary with each individual. The increase is retroactive to January 2024.
Keep in mind that:
- As your Social Security income increases, so too may your income tax liability.
- Should your gross taxable income exceed certain thresholds, your monthly Medicare deduction may also increase.
Ohio Police and Fire Pension
Several months ago, the pension boards for the State of Ohio Police and Fire pension funds asked the State to pass legislation that would mandate local governments contribute more to the funds. This could result in less money for the City to support our pension fund. The House passed the bill, but the Senate did NOT. So, the current percentage paid by the City to the State will not increase in 2025. I would not be surprised if the State explores this issue again in the new year.
Christmas in Review
The holiday shopping season was a little shorter last year because Thanksgiving fell later in the calendar than usual. I can tell my grandkids are learning to use technology. I received Christmas Wish Lists from them as e-mail attachments.
City Council
In December, City Council was focused on routine business, housing, and ways to assist downtown traffic with the closure of the I-471 Bridge. Remember, 2025 is an election year for City Councilmembers.
Retirement Board
At the December 5, 2024, meeting, the Retirement Board reviewed several reports including the October financial report from its account manager. The report reflects a positive increase in results for the year to date. Director Solstrom stated that he has received no updates about the Futures Commission.
The World In Which We Live In
It seems every week I receive a notice of changes in an app or service I use. Usually, the notice indicates that the changes will take place on a certain date in the near future and that ,if I don’t like the changes, I can stop using the app or the service. Nearly every such notice comes with one of the following statements:
“…the new technology replaces traditional service and payment methods with a fully automated platform designed to expedite the process and offer new features to improve the customer experience.”
OR
“To maintain the high standard of care and services you expect from us, we periodically review our pricing structure to ensure that it aligns with the level of quality and value we strive to deliver.”
Do You Use Windows 10?
If you use Windows 10 as your PC operating system (OS), Microsoft will stop supporting that OS on October 14, 2025. Your computer will run, but there will new no new upgrades or fixes.
2025 CMERA Budget
The Executive Committee approved the 2025 operating budget. The total for this year is $8,950, an increase of $100 from last year. Dues remaining at $10 annually for 2025. Donations are always accepted and appreciated.
Michell Burns
I was recently contacted by Michelle Burns, an active member of CMERA. She asked about becoming more involved in the organization. After discussing her offer to assist, she agreed to be nominated as an Associate Director. The Executive Committee will vote on her nomination later this month.
The Spring 2025 General Meeting
The CMERA Spring General Meeting will be on May 10, 2025, at the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, Reading Road and Linton Avenue. Social hour starts at 9:00 a.m.
Until next month
Note: The statements and opinions expressed in the CMERA Chronicles are my own (Chuck Cullen) and may or may not reflect the views of the Governing Board of CMERA.