HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02252014 - D.3RECOMMENDATION(S):
CONSIDER accepting actuarial valuation of future annual costs of potential changes to Retirement Benefits, changing the pension COLA for employees in
various bargaining units who become members of the CCCERA on or after July 1, 2014, as provided by Buck Consultants.
FISCAL IMPACT:
As shown in the valuations and the chart below, the result of the retirement changes described herein for employees would result in a savings of annual
pensionable pay with the first hire in year one. Future valuation results will change with demographic and cost updates. These projections do accurately measure
the direction of the proposed plan change costs. Over time, as more employees are hired into the new PEPRA tier at a 2% COLA, the savings will become more
significant. It should be noted that the figures presented in this report represent the savings associated only with the negotiation of a 2% COLA. The actual savings
from both the new State law and the negotiated change beginning July 1 is the savings between the new PEPRA tier with a 2% COLA and Tiers A and III with a
3% COLA. When considering the difference between these tiers the total savings is closer to 5.0%.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 02/25/2014 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
ABSENT:Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Lisa Driscoll, County Finance
Director, 335-1023
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the
minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: February 25, 2014
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: June McHuen, Deputy
cc: Robert Campbell, Auditor-Controller
D.3
To:Board of Supervisors
From:David Twa, County Administrator
Date:February 25, 2014
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Government Code 7507 Compliance - Retirement Benefits - Various Bargaining Units
BACKGROUND:
Government Code, Section 7507 requires with regard to local legislative boards, that the future costs of changes in
retirement benefits or other post employment benefits as determined by the actuary, shall be made public at a
public meeting at least two weeks prior to the adoption of any changes in public retirement plan benefits or other
post employment benefits. The code also requires that an actuary be present to provide information as needed at
the public meeting at which the adoption of a benefit change shall be considered.
Assembly Bill 340 (AB340), known as the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA),
took effect January 1, 2013. Generally, for employees who become miscellaneous members of the Contra Costa
County Employees’ Retirement Association (CCCERA) on or after January 1, 2013, PEPRA requires a pension
formula of 2% at age 62, 36 month final compensation averaging, and a maximum salary amount used for
pension calculation of $110,100 (plus CPI). Under PEPRA the safety retirement benefit is generally 2.7% at age
57, 36 month final compensation averaging, and a maximum salary amount used for pension calculation of
$132,000 (plus CPI). PEPRA does not address Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs).
In the future, the Board of Supervisors may consider and may take formal action with respect to a proposed
change in the COLA to the pension benefit. The Board of Supervisors is taking no action today other than
accepting the reports. Should an agreement be negotiated in regards to this and other bargaining issues, the Board
of Supervisors will be able to more quickly adopt the resulting Memoranda of Understanding, without an
additional two week delay for compliance with Government Code Section 7507.
Six 7507 reports from Buck Consultants are attached:
Professional and Technical Engineers IFPTE, Local 21 (dated February 12, 2014)
Public Employees Union Local One (dated February 13, 2014)
SEIU, Local 1021 (dated February 14, 2014)
District Attorney Investigators Association (dated February 17, 2014)
Western Council of Engineers (dated February 18, 2014)
Professional and Technical Engineers AFSCME 512 (dated February 19, 2014)
The reports explain that this change affects only future employees; it will have no effect on the unfunded actuarial
accrued liabilities of CCCERA. The expressed savings are in annual dollar amounts and as percentages of
covered payroll for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. For calendar year 2014, the start date is assumed
to be July 1, 2014; therefore the savings are shown for a six month period. The savings shown are combined
employee and employer normal costs. The savings are equal to the excess of the normal cost for the PEPRA
structure and a 3.00% COLA to the pension benefit over the normal cost of a PEPRA structure and a 2.00%
pension COLA.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Possible delay in the adoption of memoranda of understanding and in the future implementation of the pension
COLA reduction, resulting in loss of savings.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
None.
ATTACHMENTS
7507 Report for Local 21 dated February 12, 2014
7507 Report for Local 1 dated February 13, 2014
7507Report for Local 1021 dated February 14, 2014
7507 Report for DAIA dated February 17, 2014
7507 Report for WCE dated February 18, 2014
7507 Report for Local 512 dated February 19, 2014
3200 N. Central Ave., Suite 2200 • Phoenix, AZ 85012-2425
602.864.3500 • 602.864.3535 fax
February 12, 2014
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
Finance Director
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, 10th floor
Martinez, CA 94553
Re: Complying with California Government Code Section 7507 Regarding Changes to
Pension Benefits of Professional and Technical Engineers IFPTE as of July 1, 2014
Dear Ms. Driscoll:
We have been asked to estimate the effect on the County’s current and future unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities and Annual Required Contributions resulting from a new tier of
benefits in the structure of Assembly Bill 340 (AB340) with a 2.00% Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA). July 1, 2014 was used as the effective date for the proposed change for
the members of the Professional and Technical Engineers IFPTE, Local 21. We are
comparing this benefit structure to the AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA which the plan
currently provides.
Because this change affects only future employees, it will have no effect on the unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities of Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association
(CCCERA) as of July 1, 2014. We show the cost impacts on the enclosed charts per one
hire per year. The costs shown are combined employee and employer normal costs. By
going from a 3.00% COLA to a 2.00% COLA, the County will realize a savings. The savings
are equal to the excess of the normal cost for an AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA over
the normal cost of an AB340 structure with a 2.00% COLA.
We have expressed the savings in annual dollar amounts and as percentages of covered
payroll for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. These results are merely illustrative
and the actual impact will depend upon the actual demographic characteristics of the
employees as well as the pattern of future hiring.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 12, 2014
Page 2
Future actuarial measurements may differ significantly from the current measurement
presented in this report due to such factors as: plan experience different from that
anticipated by the economic and demographic assumptions; increases or decreases
expected as part of the natural operation of the methodology used for these measurements;
and changes in plan provisions or applicable law. Due to the limited scope of this report, an
analysis of the potential range of such future measurements has not been performed.
The methods and assumptions used are the same as those used in the December 31, 2012,
actuarial valuation of CCCERA. Information on our new entrant profile is given in Note 2 of
the enclosed projections.
The report was prepared under the supervision of Charlie Chittenden, an Enrolled Actuary, a
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries,
who met the Qualification Standards of the American Academy of Actuaries to render the
actuarial opinions contained in this report. This report has been prepared in accordance with
all Applicable Actuarial Standards of Practice. I am available to answer any questions on the
material contained in the report, or to provide explanations or further details as may be
appropriate.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Chittenden Joseph Son
Principal and Consulting Actuary Senior Consultant, Retirement Actuary
Enc.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 12, 2014
Page 3
Professional and Technical Engineers IFPTE, Local 21
Notes:
1. The methods and assumptions used to determine the savings were the same as those used for the
December 31, 2012, valuation.
2. The county is assumed to hire one active employee at July 1 of each projection year. The annual
valuation pay amounts at entry are assumed to be $71,400, $73,900, $76,500, and $79,200 for the
2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 hires, respectively. The age at entry for new hires is assumed to be 37.
3. The maximum compensation limit for the retirement benefit is $115,064 for 2014 and it is expected to
grow 2.00% per year.
4. In the AB340 benefit structure, the multiplier is 2% at 62. The multiplier increases by 0.1% for ages
above 62 to a maximum of 2.5% at 67. It decreases by 0.1% for ages below 62 to a minimum of 1.0%
at 52.
Calendar Year 2014 2015 2016 2017
Valuation Pay $32,100 $99,900 $170,300 $243,500
Annual Cost
AB340 with 3.00% COLA
i) $$5,100 $15,700 $26,700 $38,100
ii) % of Pay 15.9%15.7%15.7%15.6%
AB340 with 2.00% COLA
i) $$4,600 $14,200 $24,100 $34,400
ii) % of Pay 14.3%14.2%14.2%14.1%
Saving/(Cost)
i) $$500 $1,500 $2,600 $3,700
ii) % of Pay 1.6%1.5%1.5%1.5%
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Contra Cost County -AB340 with 3.00 COLA vs. AB340 with 2.00 COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year ($)
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year (% of Pay)
3200 N. Central Ave., Suite 2200 • Phoenix, AZ 85012-2425
602.864.3500 • 602.864.3535 fax
February 13, 2014
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
Finance Director
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, 10th floor
Martinez, CA 94553
Re: Complying with California Government Code Section 7507 Regarding Changes to
Pension Benefits of Public Employees Union Local One as of July 1, 2014
Dear Ms. Driscoll:
We have been asked to estimate the effect on the County’s current and future unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities and Annual Required Contributions resulting from a new tier of
benefits in the structure of Assembly Bill 340 (AB340) with a 2.00% Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA). July 1, 2014 was used as the effective date for the proposed change for
the members of the Public Employees Union, Local One. We are comparing this benefit
structure to the AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA which the plan currently provides.
Because this change affects only future employees, it will have no effect on the unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities of Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association
(CCCERA) as of July 1, 2014. We show the cost impacts on the enclosed charts per one
hire per year. The costs shown are combined employee and employer normal costs. By
going from a 3.00% COLA to a 2.00% COLA, the County will realize a savings. The savings
are equal to the excess of the normal cost for an AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA over
the normal cost of an AB340 structure with a 2.00% COLA.
We have expressed the savings in annual dollar amounts and as percentages of covered
payroll for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. These results are merely illustrative
and the actual impact will depend upon the actual demographic characteristics of the
employees as well as the pattern of future hiring.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 13, 2014
Page 2
Future actuarial measurements may differ significantly from the current measurement
presented in this report due to such factors as: plan experience different from that
anticipated by the economic and demographic assumptions; increases or decreases
expected as part of the natural operation of the methodology used for these measurements;
and changes in plan provisions or applicable law. Due to the limited scope of this report, an
analysis of the potential range of such future measurements has not been performed.
The methods and assumptions used are the same as those used in the December 31, 2012,
actuarial valuation of CCCERA. Information on our new entrant profile is given in Note 2 of
the enclosed projections.
The report was prepared under the supervision of Charlie Chittenden, an Enrolled Actuary, a
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries,
who met the Qualification Standards of the American Academy of Actuaries to render the
actuarial opinions contained in this report. This report has been prepared in accordance with
all Applicable Actuarial Standards of Practice. I am available to answer any questions on the
material contained in the report, or to provide explanations or further details as may be
appropriate.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Chittenden Joseph Son
Principal and Consulting Actuary Senior Consultant, Retirement Actuary
Enc.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 13, 2014
Page 3
Public Employees Union, Local One
Notes:
1. The methods and assumptions used to determine the savings were the same as those used for the
December 31, 2012, valuation.
2. The county is assumed to hire one active employee at July 1 of each projection year. The annual
valuation pay amounts at entry are assumed to be $48,600, $50,300, $52,100, and $53,900 for the
2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 hires, respectively. The age at entry for new hires is assumed to be 39.
3. The maximum compensation limit for the retirement benefit is $115,064 for 2014 and it is expected to
grow 2.00% per year.
4. In the AB340 benefit structure, the multiplier is 2% at 62. The multiplier increases by 0.1% for ages
above 62 to a maximum of 2.5% at 67. It decreases by 0.1% for ages below 62 to a minimum of 1.0%
at 52.
Calendar Year 2014 2015 2016 2017
Valuation Pay $21,900 $68,000 $115,900 $165,700
Annual Cost
AB340 with 3.00% COLA
i) $$4,700 $14,700 $25,100 $35,900
ii) % of Pay 21.5%21.6%21.7%21.7%
AB340 with 2.00% COLA
i) $$4,300 $13,300 $22,700 $32,500
ii) % of Pay 19.6%19.6%19.6%19.6%
Saving/(Cost)
i) $$400 $1,400 $2,400 $3,400
ii) % of Pay 1.9%2.0%2.1%2.1%
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Contra Cost County -AB340 with 3.00 COLA vs. AB340 with 2.00 COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year ($)
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year (% of Pay)
3200 N. Central Ave., Suite 2200 • Phoenix, AZ 85012-2425
602.864.3500 • 602.864.3535 fax
February 14, 2014
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
Finance Director
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, 10th floor
Martinez, CA 94553
Re: Complying with California Government Code Section 7507 Regarding Changes to
Pension Benefits of SEIU Local 1021 as of July 1, 2014
Dear Ms. Driscoll:
We have been asked to estimate the effect on the County’s current and future unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities and Annual Required Contributions resulting from a new tier of
benefits in the structure of Assembly Bill 340 (AB340) with a 2.00% Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA). July 1, 2014 was used as the effective date for the proposed change for
the members of the SEIU, Local 1021. We are comparing this benefit structure to the AB340
structure with a 3.00% COLA which the plan currently provides.
Because this change affects only future employees, it will have no effect on the unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities of Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association
(CCCERA) as of July 1, 2014. We show the cost impacts on the enclosed charts per one
hire per year. The costs shown are combined employee and employer normal costs. By
going from a 3.00% COLA to a 2.00% COLA, the County will realize a savings. The savings
are equal to the excess of the normal cost for an AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA over
the normal cost of an AB340 structure with a 2.00% COLA.
We have expressed the savings in annual dollar amounts and as percentages of covered
payroll for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. These results are merely illustrative
and the actual impact will depend upon the actual demographic characteristics of the
employees as well as the pattern of future hiring.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 14, 2014
Page 2
Future actuarial measurements may differ significantly from the current measurement
presented in this report due to such factors as: plan experience different from that
anticipated by the economic and demographic assumptions; increases or decreases
expected as part of the natural operation of the methodology used for these measurements;
and changes in plan provisions or applicable law. Due to the limited scope of this report, an
analysis of the potential range of such future measurements has not been performed.
The methods and assumptions used are the same as those used in the December 31, 2012,
actuarial valuation of CCCERA. Information on our new entrant profile is given in Note 2 of
the enclosed projections.
The report was prepared under the supervision of Charlie Chittenden, an Enrolled Actuary, a
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries,
who met the Qualification Standards of the American Academy of Actuaries to render the
actuarial opinions contained in this report. This report has been prepared in accordance with
all Applicable Actuarial Standards of Practice. I am available to answer any questions on the
material contained in the report, or to provide explanations or further details as may be
appropriate.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Chittenden Joseph Son
Principal and Consulting Actuary Senior Consultant, Retirement Actuary
Enc.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 14, 2014
Page 3
SEIU, Local 1021
Notes:
1. The methods and assumptions used to determine the savings were the same as those used for the
December 31, 2012, valuation.
2. The county is assumed to hire one active employee at July 1 of each projection year. The annual
valuation pay amounts at entry are assumed to be $50,700, $52,500, $54,300, and $56,200 for the
2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 hires, respectively. The age at entry for new hires is assumed to be 36.
3. The maximum compensation limit for the retirement benefit is $115,500 for 2014 and it is expected to
grow 2.00% per year.
4. In the AB340 benefit structure, the multiplier is 2% at 62. The multiplier increases by 0.1% for ages
above 62 to a maximum of 2.5% at 67. It decreases by 0.1% for ages below 62 to a minimum of 1.0%
at 52.
Calendar Year 2014 2015 2016 2017
Valuation Pay $22,810 $70,970 $120,990 $172,920
Annual Cost
AB340 with 3.00% COLA
i) $$4,450 $13,820 $23,500 $33,580
ii) % of Pay 19.5%19.5%19.4%19.4%
AB340 with 2.00% COLA
i) $$4,020 $12,500 $21,250 $30,360
ii) % of Pay 17.6%17.6%17.6%17.6%
Saving/(Cost)
i) $$430 $1,320 $2,250 $3,220
ii) % of Pay 1.9%1.9%1.8%1.8%
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Contra Cost County -AB340 with 3.00 COLA vs. AB340 with 2.00 COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year ($)
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year (% of Pay)
3200 N. Central Ave., Suite 2200 • Phoenix, AZ 85012-2425
602.864.3500 • 602.864.3535 fax
February 17, 2014
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
Finance Director
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, 10th floor
Martinez, CA 94553
Re: Complying with California Government Code Section 7507 Regarding Changes to
Pension Benefits of D.A. Investigators Association as of July 1, 2014
Dear Ms. Driscoll:
We have been asked to estimate the effect on the County’s current and future unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities and Annual Required Contributions resulting from a new tier of
benefits in the structure of Assembly Bill 340 (AB340) with a 2.00% Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA). July 1, 2014 was used as the effective date for the proposed change for
the members of D.A. Investigators Association. We are comparing this benefit structure to
the AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA which the plan currently provides.
Because this change affects only future employees, it will have no effect on the unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities of Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association
(CCCERA) as of July 1, 2014. We show the cost impacts on the enclosed charts per one
hire per year. The costs shown are combined employee and employer normal costs. By
going from a 3.00% COLA to a 2.00% COLA, the County will realize a savings. The savings
are equal to the excess of the normal cost for an AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA over
the normal cost of an AB340 structure with a 2.00% COLA.
We have expressed the savings in annual dollar amounts and as percentages of covered
payroll for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. These results are merely illustrative
and the actual impact will depend upon the actual demographic characteristics of the
employees as well as the pattern of future hiring.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 17, 2014
Page 2
Future actuarial measurements may differ significantly from the current measurement
presented in this report due to such factors as: plan experience different from that
anticipated by the economic and demographic assumptions; increases or decreases
expected as part of the natural operation of the methodology used for these measurements;
and changes in plan provisions or applicable law. Due to the limited scope of this report, an
analysis of the potential range of such future measurements has not been performed.
The methods and assumptions used are the same as those used in the December 31, 2012,
actuarial valuation of CCCERA. Information on our new entrant profile is given in Note 2 of
the enclosed projections.
The report was prepared under the supervision of Charlie Chittenden, an Enrolled Actuary, a
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries,
who met the Qualification Standards of the American Academy of Actuaries to render the
actuarial opinions contained in this report. This report has been prepared in accordance with
all Applicable Actuarial Standards of Practice. I am available to answer any questions on the
material contained in the report, or to provide explanations or further details as may be
appropriate.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Chittenden Joseph Son
Principal and Consulting Actuary Senior Consultant, Retirement Actuary
Enc.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 17, 2014
Page 3
D.A. Investigators Association
Notes:
1. The methods and assumptions used to determine the savings were the same as those used for the
December 31, 2012, valuation.
2. The county is assumed to hire one active employee at July 1 of each projection year. The annual
valuation pay amounts at entry are assumed to be $82,800, $85,700, $88,700, and $91,800 for the
2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 hires, respectively. The age at entry for new hires is assumed to be 44.
3. The maximum compensation limit for the retirement benefit is 120% of $115,064, or $138,077 for
2014 and it is expected to grow 2.00% per year.
4. In the AB340 benefit structure, the multiplier is 2.5% at 55. The multiplier increases by 0.1% for ages
above 55 to a maximum of 2.7% at 57. It decreases by 0.1% for ages below 55 to a minimum of 2.0%
at 50.
Calendar Year 2014 2015 2016 2017
Valuation Pay $37,500 $117,400 $202,200 $292,200
Annual Cost
AB340 with 3.00% COLA
i) $$16,200 $50,800 $87,300 $126,100
ii) % of Pay 43.2%43.3%43.2%43.2%
AB340 with 2.00% COLA
i) $$14,600 $45,600 $78,400 $113,200
ii) % of Pay 38.9%38.8%38.8%38.7%
Saving/(Cost)
i) $$1,600 $5,200 $8,900 $12,900
ii) % of Pay 4.3%4.5%4.4%4.5%
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Contra Cost County -AB340 with 3.00 COLA vs. AB340 with 2.00 COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year ($)
0.0%
20.0%
40.0%
60.0%
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year (% of Pay)
3200 N. Central Ave., Suite 2200 • Phoenix, AZ 85012-2425
602.864.3500 • 602.864.3535 fax
February 18, 2014
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
Finance Director
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, 10th floor
Martinez, CA 94553
Re: Complying with California Government Code Section 7507 Regarding Changes to
Pension Benefits of Western Council of Engineers as of July 1, 2014
Dear Ms. Driscoll:
We have been asked to estimate the effect on the County’s current and future unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities and Annual Required Contributions resulting from a new tier of
benefits in the structure of Assembly Bill 340 (AB340) with a 2.00% Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA). July 1, 2014 was used as the effective date for the proposed change for
the members of Western Council of Engineers. We are comparing this benefit structure to
the AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA which the plan currently provides.
Because this change affects only future employees, it will have no effect on the unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities of Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association
(CCCERA) as of July 1, 2014. We show the cost impacts on the enclosed charts per one
hire per year. The costs shown are combined employee and employer normal costs. By
going from a 3.00% COLA to a 2.00% COLA, the County will realize a savings. The savings
are equal to the excess of the normal cost for an AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA over
the normal cost of an AB340 structure with a 2.00% COLA.
We have expressed the savings in annual dollar amounts and as percentages of covered
payroll for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. These results are merely illustrative
and the actual impact will depend upon the actual demographic characteristics of the
employees as well as the pattern of future hiring.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 18, 2014
Page 2
Future actuarial measurements may differ significantly from the current measurement
presented in this report due to such factors as: plan experience different from that
anticipated by the economic and demographic assumptions; increases or decreases
expected as part of the natural operation of the methodology used for these measurements;
and changes in plan provisions or applicable law. Due to the limited scope of this report, an
analysis of the potential range of such future measurements has not been performed.
The methods and assumptions used are the same as those used in the December 31, 2012,
actuarial valuation of CCCERA. Information on our new entrant profile is given in Note 2 of
the enclosed projections.
The report was prepared under the supervision of Charlie Chittenden, an Enrolled Actuary, a
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries,
who met the Qualification Standards of the American Academy of Actuaries to render the
actuarial opinions contained in this report. This report has been prepared in accordance with
all Applicable Actuarial Standards of Practice. I am available to answer any questions on the
material contained in the report, or to provide explanations or further details as may be
appropriate.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Chittenden Joseph Son
Principal and Consulting Actuary Senior Consultant, Retirement Actuary
Enc.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 18, 2014
Page 3
Western Council of Engineers
Notes:
1. The methods and assumptions used to determine the savings were the same as those used for the
December 31, 2012, valuation.
2. The county is assumed to hire one active employee at July 1 of each projection year. The annual
valuation pay amounts at entry are assumed to be $72,500, $75,000, $77,600, and $80,300 for the
2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 hires, respectively. The age at entry for new hires is assumed to be 37.
3. The maximum compensation limit for the retirement benefit is $115,064 for 2014 and it is expected to
grow 2.00% per year.
4. In the AB340 benefit structure, the multiplier is 2% at 62. The multiplier increases by 0.1% for ages
above 62 to a maximum of 2.5% at 67. It decreases by 0.1% for ages below 62 to a minimum of 1.0%
at 52.
Calendar Year 2014 2015 2016 2017
Valuation Pay $32,600 $101,400 $172,900 $247,100
Annual Cost
AB340 with 3.00% COLA
i) $$5,100 $15,800 $26,800 $38,200
ii) % of Pay 15.6%15.6%15.5%15.5%
AB340 with 2.00% COLA
i) $$4,600 $14,200 $24,200 $34,500
ii) % of Pay 14.1%14.0%14.0%14.0%
Saving/(Cost)
i) $$500 $1,600 $2,600 $3,700
ii) % of Pay 1.5%1.6%1.5%1.5%
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Contra Cost County -AB340 with 3.00 COLA vs. AB340 with 2.00 COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year ($)
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year (% of Pay)
3200 N. Central Ave., Suite 2200 • Phoenix, AZ 85012-2425
602.864.3500 • 602.864.3535 fax
February 19, 2014
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
Finance Director
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, 10th floor
Martinez, CA 94553
Re: Complying with California Government Code Section 7507 Regarding Changes to
Pension Benefits of Professional & Technical Employees AFSCME as of July 1, 2014
Dear Ms. Driscoll:
We have been asked to estimate the effect on the County’s current and future unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities and Annual Required Contributions resulting from a new tier of
benefits in the structure of Assembly Bill 340 (AB340) with a 2.00% Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA). July 1, 2014 was used as the effective date for the proposed change for
the members of Professional & Technical Employees AFSCME, Local 512. We are
comparing this benefit structure to the AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA which the plan
currently provides.
Because this change affects only future employees, it will have no effect on the unfunded
actuarial accrued liabilities of Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association
(CCCERA) as of July 1, 2014. We show the cost impacts on the enclosed charts per one
hire per year. The costs shown are combined employee and employer normal costs. By
going from a 3.00% COLA to a 2.00% COLA, the County will realize a savings. The savings
are equal to the excess of the normal cost for an AB340 structure with a 3.00% COLA over
the normal cost of an AB340 structure with a 2.00% COLA.
We have expressed the savings in annual dollar amounts and as percentages of covered
payroll for calendar years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. These results are merely illustrative
and the actual impact will depend upon the actual demographic characteristics of the
employees as well as the pattern of future hiring.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 19, 2014
Page 2
Future actuarial measurements may differ significantly from the current measurement
presented in this report due to such factors as: plan experience different from that
anticipated by the economic and demographic assumptions; increases or decreases
expected as part of the natural operation of the methodology used for these measurements;
and changes in plan provisions or applicable law. Due to the limited scope of this report, an
analysis of the potential range of such future measurements has not been performed.
The methods and assumptions used are the same as those used in the December 31, 2012,
actuarial valuation of CCCERA. Information on our new entrant profile is given in Note 2 of
the enclosed projections.
The report was prepared under the supervision of Charlie Chittenden, an Enrolled Actuary, a
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries,
who met the Qualification Standards of the American Academy of Actuaries to render the
actuarial opinions contained in this report. This report has been prepared in accordance with
all Applicable Actuarial Standards of Practice. I am available to answer any questions on the
material contained in the report, or to provide explanations or further details as may be
appropriate.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Chittenden Joseph Son
Principal and Consulting Actuary Senior Consultant, Retirement Actuary
Enc.
Ms. Lisa Driscoll
February 19, 2014
Page 3
AFSCME, Local 512
Notes:
1. The methods and assumptions used to determine the savings were the same as those used for the
December 31, 2012, valuation.
2. The county is assumed to hire one active employee at July 1 of each projection year. The annual
valuation pay amounts at entry are assumed to be $58,000, $60,000, $62,100, and $64,300 for the
2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 hires, respectively. The age at entry for new hires is assumed to be 33.
3. The maximum compensation limit for the retirement benefit is $115,064 for 2014 and it is expected to
grow 2.00% per year.
4. In the AB340 benefit structure, the multiplier is 2% at 62. The multiplier increases by 0.1% for ages
above 62 to a maximum of 2.5% at 67. It decreases by 0.1% for ages below 62 to a minimum of 1.0%
at 52.
Calendar Year 2014 2015 2016 2017
Valuation Pay $26,100 $81,200 $138,400 $197,900
Annual Cost
AB340 with 3.00% COLA
i) $$4,200 $12,900 $21,900 $31,300
ii) % of Pay 16.1%15.9%15.8%15.8%
AB340 with 2.00% COLA
i) $$3,800 $11,600 $19,800 $28,300
ii) % of Pay 14.6%14.3%14.3%14.3%
Saving/(Cost)
i) $$400 $1,300 $2,100 $3,000
ii) % of Pay 1.5%1.6%1.5%1.5%
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Contra Cost County -AB340 with 3.00 COLA vs. AB340 with 2.00 COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year ($)
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
2014 2015 2016 2017
Saving/(Cost)AB340 with 3.00% COLA AB340 with 2.00% COLA
Annual Cost by Plan Year (% of Pay)