California Developments

For the past several years, the City of Sausalito considered its rising pension obligations very seriously and continually examined all options to reduce pension liabilities and annual costs. Consequently, Sausalito implemented several policies for reform that focused on the variables that the city could control. But even all those improvements could not mitigate the rate and unfunded liability volatility from one CalPERS actuarial report to the next; there were just too many variables outside the city’s control. To stabilize rates charged to the city’s General Fund, the city’s Finance Committee looked at developing a pension funding methodology.

The city of Palo Alto’s unfunded pension liability has increased by 4.7% to $476 million. However, that doesn’t reflect the city’s effort to hedge against the liability by putting money into a side trust for pensions. Formally known as a PARS Section 115 Trust Fund, it aims to pay off 90% the city’s unfunded pension liability in 15 years.

PARS has a long-standing successful track record of implementing over 1,000 Voluntary Separation Incentives to more than 350 school districts, community colleges, and educational agencies nationwide. These incentives have helped districts reduce labor costs, restructure their workforce, and avoid/reduce the need for layoffs.

The start of the year brings with it new goals, new ideas, and new CAFR reports. With updated CAFR results now published, local governments can make decisions on how to use potential surplus and/or reserve funds in planning  for the next fiscal year. One highly recommended use of additional money is to set aside funds in a trust to prefund long term liabilities such as pension (Pension Rate Stabilization Program - PRSP) and retiree healthcare (OPEB).

The start of the New Year brings with it new goals, new ideas, and new opportunities. It is also a time to look for creative ways to save money. As you continue to review your district's finances over the coming weeks, consider having PARS help you analyze whether an early retirement incentive can create fiscal savings for your district in 2020 and beyond.