To All Active and Retired Employees,
This is to address some of the concerns which I have received from current and retired DeKalb County employees. There is a lot of 'information' which has been circulating and I do not think the information that everyone is referring to is accurate. I spoke to Gale Waldorff and Chairman Ed Wall yesterday in reference to your concerns and they both said that the discussion with the county commissioners was in reference to the medical insurance increases. Just as a point of information, your medical insurance county co-pay is not a guaranteed pension benefit. The County can stop their payment at anytime for active and retired members, this co-pay comes from the county not the pension. As far as the pension, once you are retired, your benefit is locked in place and can not be reduced. For active employees, your pension benefit can not be reduced for your years of service to this point, but the commissioners (not the Pension Board) can make changes to benefits and/or contribution amounts from any point forward. The Pension Board has no control over this. As far as the COLA for retirees (see below), I have been asking for a COLA for four years, but with the underfunded status of the pension it has not been prudent, nor financially feasible, to vote a COLA in. Please understand we as Pension Board Trustees must first meet our fiduciary responsibilities, and protect the fund. On a personal note, I have been retired for five years without a raise, so I understand our pain. As far as reduction in benefits, it is my understanding that there is a lot discussion about new and active employee pension benefits being considered by the commissioners. This is still up in the air as to what is going to happen. As to the concern about the county borrowing from the pension fund to balance the budget, the Pension Board has not had any discussion on this matter. I would not vote for this, nor do I believe the other members would vote for this. I will keep you updated as to any discussion that comes up.
Please keep me updated on anything else you hear or any other questions you have.
Robbie Robertson Retiree Representative
1999: 10% COLA
2001: 3% COLA
2008: 2% COLA to annuitants with 10+ years of service who retired in June 2002 or earlier.
DeKalb County Employees Retirement Plan
| 2011-09-13_itemi7-1.pdf |
Click on the below link to see
Proposed 2012 Health Care Plan
The rates you see are for the "total" cost to the county.
CIGNA only reflects the "administration fee" not the cost of the insurance.
Remember the County pays part and you pay part.
Your cost will be known at open enrollment.
Proposed 2012 Health Care Plan
The rates you see are for the "total" cost to the county.
CIGNA only reflects the "administration fee" not the cost of the insurance.
Remember the County pays part and you pay part.
Your cost will be known at open enrollment.
Please check your spam filters on your email account -
I'm getting back notices from 17 people that your account thinks the email I send from DCFDRetirees.org is spam.
I'm getting back notices from 17 people that your account thinks the email I send from DCFDRetirees.org is spam.
May Pension Board Meeting
The Board designated a money manager to draw money from to pay benefit payments for the next three months.
The staff demonstrated the New DeKalb County Pension Website. This site is run independently from the county by the pension board staff. The intent of the board and this site is to provide better communication and information to all employees and retirees.
The website site address is: www.dekalbpension.com Please visit the site.
The Segal Company updated the board in reference to the DeKalb County Commissioners request for different pension options. Please remember the pension board does not have any control over the benefit options, or contributions, the Board of Commissioners solely controls this.
Patricia Kessler, legal counsel for the pension board, updated the board on pension legislation that the Georgia General Assembly is considering.
The Board reviewed and selected a location for the annual pension board retreat scheduled for July 2011.
The Board approved normal requests from rehired employees to repay contributions withdrawn from the pension plan from prior employment and military service. These were all normal request that were received in the proper time line.
The Board reviewd one disability pension request.
Meeting Adjourned
Thank you for your support,
Robert “Robbie” Robertson
Retiree Representative
DeKalb County Pension Board
The staff demonstrated the New DeKalb County Pension Website. This site is run independently from the county by the pension board staff. The intent of the board and this site is to provide better communication and information to all employees and retirees.
The website site address is: www.dekalbpension.com Please visit the site.
The Segal Company updated the board in reference to the DeKalb County Commissioners request for different pension options. Please remember the pension board does not have any control over the benefit options, or contributions, the Board of Commissioners solely controls this.
Patricia Kessler, legal counsel for the pension board, updated the board on pension legislation that the Georgia General Assembly is considering.
The Board reviewed and selected a location for the annual pension board retreat scheduled for July 2011.
The Board approved normal requests from rehired employees to repay contributions withdrawn from the pension plan from prior employment and military service. These were all normal request that were received in the proper time line.
The Board reviewd one disability pension request.
Meeting Adjourned
Thank you for your support,
Robert “Robbie” Robertson
Retiree Representative
DeKalb County Pension Board
Pension Board Minutes from March 2011
Here are the minutes from the March 2011 - some very interesting reading.
| pension_board_meeting_results_2011-03-03-1.pdf |
March 3rd, 2011 DeKalb County Pension Board Meeting
Approved the Minutes of the January 13th and Special Called Meeting of February 10th, 2011.
Approved payment of invoices for Money Managers, Legal, and Professional Services. All payments were normal expenditures.
Reviewed Callan Associates’ report on all pension investments. Callan provided information on all recommended money managers to board members in reference to the Mega Large-Cap search.
The Board reviewed administrative cost and compared cost to previous years expenses. Staff is developing a budget for approval of the board.
The Board discussed with the Pension Fund administrators the status of the Pension Board website. This site is to be operational within 30 days based on the motion that was made and approved. The intent of the Board is to provide better communication and information to all employees and retirees.
The Board approved normal requests from rehired employees to repay contributions withdrawn from the pension plan from prior employment and military service. These were all normal request that were received in the proper time line.
The Board approved one disability pension request.
The Board approved a special called Pension Board meeting for March 31st, 2011 to approve 2011 pension board
Meeting Adjourned
Thank you for your support,
Robert “Robbie” Robertson
Retiree Representative
DeKalb County Pension Board
Demotions, Suspensions From DeKalb Firefighter Drinking Investigation
Fire Chief: "They Let Everyone Down"
Fire Chief: "They Let Everyone Down"
The Department of Voters Registration has certified the results of the
Pension Board Election.
The new Pension Board Members are:
* Thomas Brown -Sheriff's Office
* Anthony McBride - Sanitation
The new Pension Board Members are:
* Thomas Brown -Sheriff's Office
* Anthony McBride - Sanitation
January 6th, 2011 DeKalb County Pension Board Meeting
Approved the Minutes of the November 4th, 2010 Pension Board Meeting.
Approved payment of invoices for Money Managers, Legal, and Professional Services. All payments were normal expenditures.
Reviewed the December, 2010 investment committee meeting.
Approved Callan conducting a Mega Large Cap Value Manager search to meet the rebalancing needs of the fund.
Approved terminating Fixed Income Manager Mesirow, due to poor performance and to transfer the funds to Fixed Income Manager JP Morgan.
Reviewed Callan Associates’ report on all of the pension investments. Through December 30th, 2010 the pension had returns of 14.66%.
The Board heard presentations from Castleoak Securities and Knight Capital Group on transition management and commission recapture. The board approved using State Street, Castleoak and Knight Capital for all transitions and commission recapture. When needed, each firm will bid on the transition and provide pre and post transition reports.
The Board discussed and reviewed all manager fees.
The Board heard an update from the board of elections in reference to the postponed employee representative elections. The election was postponed due to the severe weather. The new date was set for February 1, 2011. The Board approved the closing date for the paper ballot amendment changes to the Pension Code.
The Board approved that the Pension Fund administrators will develop and operate a Pension Board website separate from DeKalb County. This site is to be operational within 90 days based on the motion that was made and approved. The intent of the Board is to provide better communication and information to all employees and retirees.
The Board terminated one Securities Litigation Law firm for lack of communication.
The Board heard a presentation from the Segal Company in reference to benefit options for future hires. The Board tabled this discussion until the next meeting. The Board is also working on trying to figure out a cost of living raise for the retirees.
The Board approved normal requests from rehired employees to repay contributions withdrawn from the pension plan from prior employment and military service. These were all normal request that were received in the proper time line.
The Board approved a special called Pension Board meeting for February 10th, 2011.
Meeting Adjourned
Thank you for your support,
Robert “Robbie” Robertson
Retiree Representative
DeKalb County Pension Board
Approved the Minutes of the November 4th, 2010 Pension Board Meeting.
Approved payment of invoices for Money Managers, Legal, and Professional Services. All payments were normal expenditures.
Reviewed the December, 2010 investment committee meeting.
Approved Callan conducting a Mega Large Cap Value Manager search to meet the rebalancing needs of the fund.
Approved terminating Fixed Income Manager Mesirow, due to poor performance and to transfer the funds to Fixed Income Manager JP Morgan.
Reviewed Callan Associates’ report on all of the pension investments. Through December 30th, 2010 the pension had returns of 14.66%.
The Board heard presentations from Castleoak Securities and Knight Capital Group on transition management and commission recapture. The board approved using State Street, Castleoak and Knight Capital for all transitions and commission recapture. When needed, each firm will bid on the transition and provide pre and post transition reports.
The Board discussed and reviewed all manager fees.
The Board heard an update from the board of elections in reference to the postponed employee representative elections. The election was postponed due to the severe weather. The new date was set for February 1, 2011. The Board approved the closing date for the paper ballot amendment changes to the Pension Code.
The Board approved that the Pension Fund administrators will develop and operate a Pension Board website separate from DeKalb County. This site is to be operational within 90 days based on the motion that was made and approved. The intent of the Board is to provide better communication and information to all employees and retirees.
The Board terminated one Securities Litigation Law firm for lack of communication.
The Board heard a presentation from the Segal Company in reference to benefit options for future hires. The Board tabled this discussion until the next meeting. The Board is also working on trying to figure out a cost of living raise for the retirees.
The Board approved normal requests from rehired employees to repay contributions withdrawn from the pension plan from prior employment and military service. These were all normal request that were received in the proper time line.
The Board approved a special called Pension Board meeting for February 10th, 2011.
Meeting Adjourned
Thank you for your support,
Robert “Robbie” Robertson
Retiree Representative
DeKalb County Pension Board
Pension Ballot Update
This is just a quick update to address some concerns.
I know there have been a lot of questions in reference to the Amendments to Section 921, Investment of Funds, to the Pension Code. It was brought to the board’s attention by our consultant, Callan Associates, that some of the investment strategies as related to mortgage backed securities that were held as underlying positions by some of our managers may be in conflict with Georgia Law.
After seeking the advice of legal counsel, the board made a motion at the July 2010 meeting to address the issue. The motion was to update the code. There is nothing to be concerned about. The board is just taking measures to ensure that the fund is in compliance with Georgia law.
I would recommend that you vote in favor of this amendment.
The next Pension Board meeting is scheduled for January 13th, 2011.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All,
Robbie Robertson
Vice-Chairman
DeKalb County Pension Board
From the DeKalb Police Officers Blog
Loflyer Speaks To Pension Board Member Robert Robertson
Loflyer sat down with Robert Robertson, a representative of our Pension Board.
Click here for some insightful reading.
Loflyer Speaks To Pension Board Member Robert Robertson
Loflyer sat down with Robert Robertson, a representative of our Pension Board.
Click here for some insightful reading.
If you are 65 or older , the cost of the insurance is going up.
DeKalb approves 40 percent increase.
DeKalb approves 40 percent increase.
2o11 Open Enrollment
DeKalb Retiree Insurance
DeKalb Retiree Insurance
| 2011_retiree_insurance_packet.pdf |
DeKalb County Pension Board Meeting July- 2010
| pension_board_july_2010.pdf |
DeKalb County Pension Board Meeting Mar 4 2010
| dekalb_county_pension_board_meeting_mar_4_2010.pdf |
Employee & Retiree Group Health and Dental Benefits for 2011
| employee__retiree_group_health_and_dental_benefits_for_2011.pdf |
News Items
Some DeKalb elected officials gave staff raises
DeKalb considers abolishing CEO position
DeKalb Firefighter Wins Job Back
DeKalb firefighter still on job after guilty plea to DUI
Rural Metro Ambulance is in full service
DeKalb CEO visited headquarters of ambulance firm hired by county
DeKalb hires new ambulance company
DeKalb pays former fire chief $93,000 severance.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Report: Second Fired DeKalb Fire Fghter Wins Back Job
The County is 0 for 2 in the two merit appeal hearings. Seems a pattern is being set.
By Staff
For the AJC
A second DeKalb County firefighter dismissed after a fatal Dunwoody fire has won back his job, WSB-TV is reporting.
A hearing officer ruled for William Jeffrey Greene when he appealed his termination last week, according to reports. Greene was one of the five firefighters fired when a blaze killed 74-year-old Ann Bartlett, hours after the firemen responded to a 911 call and left because they saw no signs of a fire.
The county intends to appeal the ruling, as it has when fired fire Capt. Tony Motes was reinstated last month, according to reports.
Firefighter Gets job Back
WSB - Firefighter Reinstated
AJC-DeKalb firefighter reinstated
Video on the Houghton Court Incident.
2 of 5 Firefighters Fired Claim They are Scapegoats.
DeKalbOfficersSpeakBlog
Each of us view situations from a different perspective.
Let's remember that we sometimes can't see the whole picture.
Please pray for wisdom, healing, peace and strength for all of the families that are involved in this situation.
PENSION BOARD NEWS
From DeKalb Officers Blog
May 26, 2010 Pension Board Meeting Minutes
Two new pension board members took the oath of office, Gale Walldorff and Ms Simons.
Minutes of the March, 4 2010 were approved.
Amended minutes of the May 8, 2009 were approved.
Ratification of payment of 17 invoices was approved.
Callan Associates reviewed 1st quarter of 2010 investments. Returns for 1st quarter ending March 31, 2010 were 4.44%. Last year returns were 39.09%.
Securities litigation law firm Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, LLP was hired.
Two lawyers were interviewed to represent the DeKalb County Pension Fund. Patricia Keesler, P.C. of the Benefits Law Group was hired.
Review of the early retirement incentive results by The Segal Company were discussed.
Request from 4 employees to repay contributions withdrawn from the pension plan were approved.
Request from 1 employee to pay contributions for employment on leave without pay was approved.
Request from 2 employees for disability pensions were approved.
Pension Board annual 2010 budget was discussed.
The new “Pension Estimator” was viewed and will be on the county website soon. This is a tool for employees to use to input there information and receive a estimate of the future pension payout.
Pension Board had a discussion of early retirement incentive retirees who might be rehired on a part time basis without benefits. This will have no impact of the pension fund!
International money manager T Row Price was hired.
I want to thank all of the employees who have supported me while on the Pension Board. This is my last day of employment with DeKalb County and I have resigned form the Pension Board. Thank you for the opportunity to service you. I wish all the employees of DeKalb County a great future and much prosperity.
James Butler
==========================================================
Retirees:
There has been a lot of concern expressed about the early-out window and the loan from the Pension Fund to DeKalb County in order to fund the annual leave payout. First of all let me start out by saying, the pension board members and the county have been discussing this for several months, working out the details. The pension fund is making a loan to Dekalb County to be amortized and paid back with interest at a actuarial rate of 7.75%. The board is protecting the fund by having the Board of Commissioners adopt a "Home Rule Amendment" that is added to the county code, which is the governing code for the county. As fiduciaries of the fund, the board is only interested in the integrity of the fund and its investments, not the politics within county government. So rest assured, we as board members are consulting with our investment professionals to make the best "Prudent Person" decisions. As your elected retiree representative, over the last ten years I have attended numerous educational pension industry events in order to better represent you and the fund. To further explain, this has been AT NO COST TO THE FUND. For those of you worried about your pensions and pension fund investments, we have a Defined Benefit Pension Plan. This means an employer commits to paying its employee a specific benefit for life beginning at his or her retirement. Your retirement is a benefit and will not go away. The fund is sound and ranks in the top quartile of all Georgia pension funds, based on funded levels. The County can do away with the benefit for new hires at anytime, but for those currently in the plan the benefit will remain in effect. Just as an update, the pension board members are trying to figure out a way to give a cost of living raise to the retirees. A point of information that many of you may not realize is the Pension Board in 2008 (prior to me being back on the board) gave a cost of living raise to 50% of the retirees, so those of us who were in the newly retired tier received nothing. I retired in June of 2006, so I have not had a raise since my retirement. Understandably times are tough, so please be assured that the board is concerned about the employees and retirees and is trying to look after your best interests at all times.
Enjoy Retirement,
Robbie Robertson Retiree Representative DeKalb County Pension Board
================================================================
From Robbie Robertson
Pension Board (PB) meeting on 3-4-2010.
Robbie Robertson was elected as Vice-Chairman.
Normal ratification of 15 invoices was approved.
Normal request from 1 employee to repay contribution withdrawn from the pension plan, so as to receive accredited service for prior employment was approved.
Normal request from 1 employee to pay contributions for employment on leave without pay, so as to receive accredited service for that employment was approved.
Home Rule Ordinance – Annual Leave Payout from Pension Fund as an amortized loan, repaid with interest (7.75% or actuarial rate of return) was approved by PB and will go to the BOC.
2010 Pension contribution rates were discussed. Any changes in the rates will be up to the BOC. The suggestion by the actuary is an increase of .5% for the employee and .5% for the county for 2010.
PB discussed replaceing the county attroney with a new lawyer, we held one interview.
Had a presentation of brokerage commissions recapture program.
Designated money manager to distribute April 2010 – June 2010 benefit payments.
Held interviews for (3) Small Cap & (3) International money managers.
=================================================================================
Januray 2010 Pension Meeting Minutes
We held our Pension Board meeting on 1-7-2010.
An Election of Pension Board Officers was held with the following results: Chairman – Ed Wall, Secretary – Andrella Kenner, Clerk – Jelani Hooks and Vise-Chairman was deferred until the next meeting.
Ratification of 5 invoices was approved.
Review of 4th quarter market results by Callan revealed a good 4th quarter with a good rebound for the year 2009. Callan introduced 2 new representatives that will be handling our account.
Segal reviewed the early retirement incentive program and contribution projections.
Once approved by the BOC county employee contribution into the pension plan will go from 4.5% to 5%, this is the ½% increase discussed in previous emails. The split between county and employee contribution will be 10% county / 5% employee for 2010.
The early retirement incentive program is moving forward. Once the BOC makes a decision the exact details will be disclosed.
A Home Rule Ordinance changing the disability pension guidelines was approved and will be sent to the BOC for final approval. The changes are to require an employee be vested in the pension plan before he can receive a disability pension (excluding on the job injuries) and require the employee to be unable to engage in any occupation with the county for which he is or becomes reasonably qualified by education, training, or experience.
Requests from 5 employees to repay contribution withdrawn form the pension plan, so as to receive accredited service for prior employment were approved.
Requests from 2 employees to pay contributions for employment on leave without pay, so as to receive accredited service for that employment were approved.
Disability pensions for 3 employees were approved.
Disability pensions for 2 employees were denied.
Please post this and attachment for all employees that do not have email.
Please no emails on early retirement program. I will keep you posted as new info becomes available.
James Butler
Pension Board Member
Link to Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund