02
Dec
2019
Dec
2019
Save It for a Rainy Day: Address growing pension liabilities by setting aside funds
Categories: California Developments,OPEB/GASB 45/75,PARS News,Pension Rate StabilizationSetting aside money (prefunding) into an Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 115 trust is a proven, effective way to proactively address growing pension contribution rates and liabilities.
The PARS Pension Rate Stabilization Program (PRSP) allows public agencies to securely set aside funds, separately and apart from their retirement system, in a tax-exempt funding vehicle to mitigate long-term contribution rate volatility. Participating agencies can use assets at any time to pay pension obligations to the retirement system, and it creates a rainy-day fund that can reimburse an agency for its ongoing pension costs, especially in a tough budget year.
Why use the PARS PRSP as a fiscal tool?
- DIVERSIFIED INVESTMENTS
Potential greater returns over time than general fund. - STABILIZE COSTS
Easily access funds to offset rising pension contribution rates. - LOCAL CONTROL
Autonomy over your assets, contributions, disbursements, timing and risk tolerance of investement. - LONG TERM PLANNING
Prudent option to manage ongoing liabilities, which are now on your financial statements. - FIRST PRIVATE LETTER RULING
PARS holds an exclusive and first of its kind Private Letter Ruling (PLR) from the IRS on this concept. - OPTION TO PREFUND OPEB
This Program is designed to also allow prefunding OPEB/retiree health in the same trust. Each is accounted for separately, with assets aggregated for lower fees.