Headline: No more Pensioners’ bonus money – County runs out of funds for checks retirees received for nine years (print title)
Publication: The San Diego Union-Tribune
Article Date: Sep 2, 2016
Article Author: Lauryn Schroeder
Article Commentary by Chris Heiserman, RESDC Editorial Committee Chair
This Watchdog Report is wrong on the facts in several instances:
1. There were no extra checks – the benefit was included in retirees’ monthly disbursement.
2. Characterizing this benefit as a “bonus” is misleading – the fund was created when Tier A employees lost retiree health care benefits afforded longer term workers.
3. There are 8,600 Tier A retirees but not all of them were eligible for the benefit – only those with more than 10 years County service.
4. Many Tier A employees were hired before 2002 and opted into the Tier A category for higher pension benefits.
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