HomeMy WebLinkAbout22 First Reading of Ordinance Amending the City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 7, 2026
Item #: 22
Contact Name: Bryan Pace Department Director:
Contact Number: Ext. 3356 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: First Reading of Ordinance Amending the City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers'
and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund. (Pension Board Attorney Herrera)
Background Summary:
The Pension Board for the City of Ocoee Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund is governed
by ordinance. The Board’s actuaries and consultants, Foster & Foster, have reviewed the proposed ordinance
that would amend and fully restate Ordinance 2010-019. Foster & Foster concluded that adopting the
proposed ordinance will not affect the assumptions used to determine the program’s funding requirements.
Please see attached letters from the Board’s attorneys, Sugarman, Susskind, Braswell & Herrera, and from
the Board’s actuaries and consultants, Foster & Foster.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commission approve the proposed Ordinance Amending and Restating
the City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund?
Recommendations:
The Pension Board Trustees recommend the Honorable Mayor and City Commission approve the proposed
Ordinance Amending and Restating the City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement
Trust Fund.
Attachments:
1. No Impact Letter
2. List of Restatement Changes - P & F
3. Ordinance
4. Business Impact Estimate
Financial Impacts:
No financial impact as stated by Foster & Foster Actuarial Consultant.
Type of Item: First Reading
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13420 Parker Commons Blvd., Suite 104 Fort Myers, FL 33912 · (239) 433-5500 · Fax (239) 481-0634 · www.foster-foster.com
June 25, 2025
VIA EMAIL
Board of Trustees
City of Ocoee
Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension Board
c/o Ms. Tiffany Fair, Plan Administrator
2503 Del Prado Blvd. S., Suite 502
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Re: City of Ocoee Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement Trust Fund
Dear Board:
We have reviewed the proposed ordinance restating the Plan and we have determined that the adoption of
the proposed changes will have no impact on the assumptions used in determining the funding
requirements of the program. Because the changes do not result in a change in the valuation results, it is
our opinion that a formal Actuarial Impact Statement is not required in support of its adoption. However,
since the Division of Retirement must be aware of the current provisions of all public pension programs,
it is recommended that you send a copy of this letter and a copy of the fully executed ordinance to each of
the following offices:
The undersigned is familiar with the immediate and long-term aspects of pension valuations, and meets
the Qualification Standards of the American Academy of Actuaries necessary to render the actuarial
opinions contained herein.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Douglas H. Lozen, EA, MAAA
Mr. Keith Brinkman
Bureau of Local Retirement Systems
Division of Retirement
3189 S. Blair Stone Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Mr. Steve Bardin
Municipal Police and Fire
Pension Trust Funds
Division of Retirement
3189 S. Blair Stone Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
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SUGARMAN, SUSSKIND, BRASWELL & HERRERA
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Robert A. Sugarman♦ 150 Alhambra Circle
Howard S. Susskind Suite 725
D. Marcus Braswell, Jr. Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Pedro A. Herrera (305) 529-2801
Kenneth R. Harrison, Sr. Toll Free (800) 329-2122
Madison J. Levine Facsimile (305) 447-8115
Veronica Ucros
David E. Robinson ♦Board Certified Labor &
Jose Javier Rodriguez Employment Lawyer
Of Counsel
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Trustees
FROM: Pedro A. Herrera, Sugarman, Susskind, Braswell & Herrera, P.A.
DATE: October 2, 2025
RE: List of Amendments to Restatement – City of Ocoee Municipal Police
Officers’ & Firefighters’ Retirement Trust Fund
We are pleased to provide you with the following list of amendments to the City of Ocoee
Municipal Police Officers’ & Firefighters’ Retirement Trust Fund contained within the
attached restatement of the plan document.
City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers’ & Firefighters’ Retirement Trust Fund
Ordinance No. 2010-019 is being amended and restated in full by supplanting the
document attached thereto and made a part thereof by the document attached to the
present ordinance, which modifies the former as follows:
Section 1 – The effective date is being modified to show that the effective date of the
restatement is the date of enactment of this ordinance.
Section 2 – Definitions. The following definitions in Section 2 are being amended as
follows:
− Actuarially Equivalent – Replaces reference to specific mortality table by
reference to mortality table recommended by Board actuary and adopted by
Board. The change will prevent the need for new ordinance upon each change
of mortality table;
− Beneficiary – Clarifies the definition of beneficiary;
− Credited Service – Simplifies the definition of Credited Service by moving some
of the substantive information to the operative sections of the plan;
− Firefighter – Modifies the definition of Firefighter by update the reference
therein to Florida Statutes;
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− Spouse—Updates the definition of spouse in accordance with applicable law;
Section 3 – Finances and Fund Management:
− Paragraph 3 – modifies the current text to reflect current custody of assets;
− Paragraph 6(B)(2) – removes superfluous text;
− Paragraph 6(B)(3) – updates legal references to IRS guidance relating to
investment types;
− Paragraph 6(C) – removes superfluous text;
− Paragraph 6(E) – removes superfluous text;
− Paragraph 6(J) – updates language relating to overpayments to reflect current
law;
Section 5 – Contributions
− Subsection 1, Member Contributions – removes Paragraph B;
Section 6 – Benefit Amounts and Eligibility
− Subsection 2, Normal Retirement Benefit – updates provision in accordance
with benefit changes adopted in ordinances passed since previous
restatement;
− Subsection 4, Early Retirement Benefit – amends Paragraph B to reflect exact
language of Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes;
− Subsection 6, Required Distribution Date – removes language from this
Subsection and integrates it into newly created Section relating to Internal
Revenue Code Compliance;
Section 7 – Pre-Retirement Death
− Subsection 2 – modifies the duration of the spousal pre-retirement death
benefit to reflect current Internal Revenue Code requirements;
Section 8 – Disability
− modifies the Section generally to reflect benefit changes adopted through
collective bargaining, as well as legislative changes;
Section 9 – Vesting
− modifies the Section generally to reflect vesting changes adopted through
collective bargaining;
Section 10 – Optional Forms of Benefits
− Subsection 7—modifies the rules relating to immediate pay-out of small benefit
amounts to reflect current provisions of Chapters 175 and 185;
Section 16 – Minimum Distribution of Benefits
− updates the Section to reflect changes to Internal Revenue Code relating to
required beginning date of distributions;
Section 21 – Forfeiture of Pensions
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− clarifies the intent of the Section by adding reference to Section 112.3173,
Florida Statutes;
Section 27 – Deferred Retirement Option Plan
− updates the provision to reflect changes adopted through collective bargaining
relating to the maximum period of DROP participation and to returns on DROP
accounts.
Section 30 –Supplemental Benefit Component for Special Benefits; Chapters 175 and
185 Share Accounts
− updates the provision to reflect changes adopted through collective bargaining
relating to vesting requirements.
We remain at your disposal to respond to any questions that you might have.
Page 585 of 812
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA,
RELATING TO THE CITY OF OCOEE MUNICIPAL POLICE
OFFICERS' AND FIREFIGHTERS' RETIREMENT TRUST
FUND; AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 2010-019, AS
SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR THE
RESTATEMENT OF THE CITY OF OCOEE MUNICIPAL
POLICE OFFICERS’ AND FIREFIGHTERS’ RETIREMENT
TRUST FUND; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF
PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
SECTION 1: Authority. The City Commission of the City of Ocoee has the
authority to adopt this ordinance pursuant to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of
Florida and Chapter 166, Florida Statutes.
SECTION 2: The Board of Trustees of THE CITY OF OCOEE MUNICIPAL
POLICE OFFICERS’ AND FIREFIGHTERS’ RETIREMENT TRUST FUND has
recommended the restatement of the Trust Fund for the purposes of integrating into a
single document the numerous amendments that have been adopted since the last
restatement thereof.
SECTION 3. That the City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers’ and Firefighters’
Retirement Trust Fund, restated by Ordinance No. 2010-019, and subsequently amended
in present ordinance numbers 2013-014, 2013-015, 2014-018, 2017-016, 2017-032,
2020-002, 2020-025, 2023-005, and 2024-007, adopted by the City Commission of the
City of Ocoee, is hereby amended and restated in full as set forth in the CITY OF OCOEE
MUNICIPAL POLICE OFFICERS’ AND FIREFIGHTERS’ RETIREMENT TRUST FUND,
a copy of which is attached hereto, and by this reference made a part hereof. Underlining
represents additions, strikethroughs represent deletions.
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SECTION 4. Repeal of Ordinances. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. Severability. In the event any section, subsection, paragraph,
sentence, clause, phrase or word of this ordinance shall be held invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, then such invalidity shall not affect the remaining portions hereof.
SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon
passage; however, the provisions of this Ordinance that are specified to take effect as of
a date certain shall take effect as of the date specified herein.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this ____ day of _________________, 2025.
APPROVED: ATTEST: CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA
MELANIE SIBBITT RUSTY JOHNSON, MAYOR
CITY CLERK
(SEAL) ADVERTISED , 2025
READ FIRST TIME , 2025
READ SECOND TIME AND ADOPTED
, 2025
UNDER AGENDA ITEM NO.
FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY
THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
THIS day of , 2025.
By:
Richard Geller, City Attorney
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CITY OF OCOEE
MUNICIPAL POLICE OFFICERS' AND FIREFIGHTERS'
RETIREMENT TRUST FUND
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
As used herein, unless otherwise defined or required by the context, the following
words and phrases shall have the meaning indicated:
Accumulated Contributions means a Member's own contributions without interest.
For those Members who purchase Credited Service with interest or at no cost to the
System, only that portion of any payment representing interest and any required
actuarially calculated payments for the purchase of such Credited Service, shall be
included in Accumulated Contributions.
Actuarial Equivalent means a benefit or amount of equal value, based upon the
RP2000 Combined Healthy Unisex Mortality Table and an interest rate equal to the
investment return assumption set forth in the last actuarial valuation report approved by
the Board. This definition may only be amended by the City pursuant to the
recommendation of the Board using assumptions adopted by the Board with the advice
of the plan’s actuary, such that actuarial assumptions are not subject to City discretion
the mortality table and interest rate adopted by the Board upon the recommendation of
the Actuary, which table and rate shall be set forth in the actuarial valuation report and in
the minutes of the meeting at which any change was adopted by the Board.
Average Final Compensation means one-twelfth (1/12) of the average Salary of
the five (5) best years of the last ten (10) years of Credited Service prior to Retirement,
termination, or death, or the career average as a full-time Police Officer or Firefighter,
whichever is greater. A year shall be twelve (12) consecutive months.
Beneficiary means the person or persons entitled to receive benefits hereunder at
the death of a Member who has or have been designated in writing by the Member and
filed with the Board. If no such designation is in effect, or if no person so designated is
living, at the time of death of the Member, the Beneficiary shall be the estate of the
Member.
Board means the Board of Trustees, which shall administer and manage the
System herein provided and serve as trustees of the Fund.
City means City of Ocoee, Florida.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Credited Service means the total number of years and fractional parts of years of
service as a Police Officer or Firefighter with Member contributions, when required,
omitting intervening years or fractional parts of years when such Member was not
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employed by the City as a Police Officer or Firefighter. The rights to credited service
under the System of any Member who leaves the employ of the Police or Fire Department
for any cause other than death or retirement prior to satisfying the requirements for Early
or Normal Retirement, shall be determined in accordance with Section 9 hereof.
The years or fractional parts of a year that a Member performs "Qualified Military
Service" consisting of voluntary or involuntary "service in the uniformed services" as
defined in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
(USERRA) (P.L.103-353) after separation from employment as a Police Officer or
Firefighter with the City to perform training or service, shall be added to his or her years
of Credited Service for all purposes, including vesting, provided that:
A. The Member is entitled to reemployment under the provisions of USERRA.
B. The Member returns to his or her employment as a Police Officer or
Firefighter within one (1) year from the earlier of the date of his or her military
discharge or his or her release from service, unless otherwise required by
USERRA.
C. The maximum credit for military service pursuant to this paragraph shall be
five (5) years.
D. This paragraph is intended to satisfy the minimum requirements of
USERRA. To the extent that this paragraph does not meet the minimum
standards of USERRA, as it may be amended from time to time, the
minimum standards shall apply.
In the event a Member dies on or after January 1, 2007, while performing USERRA
Qualified Military Service, the beneficiaries of the Member are entitled to any benefits
(other than benefit accruals relating to the period of qualified military service) as if the
Member had resumed employment and then died while employed.
Beginning January 1, 2009, to the extent required by Section 414(u)(12) of the
Code, an individual receiving differential wage payments (as defined under Section
3401(h)(2) of the Code) from an employer shall be treated as employed by that employer,
and the differential wage payment shall be treated as compensation for purposes of
applying the limits on annual additions under Section 415(c) of the Code. This provision
shall be applied to all similarly situated individuals in a reasonably equivalent manner.
Leave conversions of unused accrued paid time off shall not be permitted to be
applied toward the accrual of Credited Service either during each Plan Year of a Member's
employment with the City or in the Plan Year in which the Member terminates
employment.
In the event that a Member of this System has also accumulated Credited Service
in another pension system maintained by the City, then such other Credited Service shall
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be used in determining vesting as provided for in Section 9, and for determining eligibility
for early or normal retirement. Such other Credited Service will not be considered in
determining benefits under this System. Only his or her Credited Service and Salary
under this System on or after his or her date of membership in this System will be
considered for benefit calculation. In addition, any benefit calculation for a Member of
this System who is or becomes eligible for a benefit from this System after he or she has
become a member of another pension system maintained by the City, shall be based
upon the Member's Average Final Compensation, Credited Service and benefit accrual
rate as of the date the Member ceases to be a Police Officer or Firefighter.
Firefighter means an actively employed full-time person employed by the City,
including his or her initial probationary employment period, who is certified as a Firefighter
as a condition of employment in accordance with the provisions of §633.408, Florida
Statutes, and whose duty it is to extinguish fires, to protect life and to protect property.
The term includes all certified, supervisory, and command personnel whose duties
include, in whole or in part, the supervision, training, guidance, and management
responsibilities of full-time firefighters, part-time firefighters, or auxiliary firefighters but
does not include part-time firefighters or auxiliary firefighters.
Fund means the trust fund established herein as part of the System.
Member means an actively employed Police Officer or Firefighter who fulfills the
prescribed membership requirements. Benefit improvements which, in the past, have
been provided for by amendments to the System adopted by City ordinance, and any
benefit improvements which might be made in the future shall apply prospectively and
shall not apply to Members who terminate employment or who retire prior to the effective
date of any ordinance adopting such benefit improvements, unless such ordinance
specifically provides to the contrary.
Plan Year means the twelve (12) month period beginning October 1 and ending
September 30 of the following year.
Police Officer means an actively employed full-time person, employed by the City,
including his or her initial probationary employment period, who is certified as a Police
Officer as a condition of employment in accordance with the provisions of §943.1395,
Florida Statutes, who is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests, and whose
primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime or the enforcement of the
penal, traffic, or highway laws of the State of Florida.
Retiree means a Member who has entered Retirement Status.
Retirement means a Member's separation from City employment with eligibility for
immediate receipt of benefits under the System.
Salary means the total compensation for services rendered to the City as a Police
Officer or Firefighter reported on the Member's W-2 form, plus all tax deferred or tax
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sheltered items of income derived from elective employee payroll deductions or salary
reductions, excluding pay for police officers’ extra duty details and employers contribution
into the Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA).Any paid time off unused at the time
of termination of employment with the City of Ocoee as a Police Officer or Firefighter will
not be used in the pension credit calculation. For service earned on or after October 1,
2012, Salary shall not include more than three hundred (300) hours of overtime per
calendar year. Provided however, in any event, payments for overtime in excess of three
hundred (300) hours per year accrued as of October 1, 2012 and attributable to service
earned prior to the October 1, 2012, may still be included in Salary for pension purposes
even if the payment is not actually made until on or after October 1, 2012. Compensation
in excess of the limitations set forth in Section 401(a)(17) of the Code as of the first day
of the Plan Year shall be disregarded for any purpose, including employee contributions
or any benefit calculations. The annual compensation of each member taken into account
in determining benefits or employee contributions for any Plan Year beginning on or after
January 1, 2002, may not exceed $200,000, as adjusted for cost-of-living increases in
accordance with Code Section 401(a)(17)(B). Compensation means compensation
during the fiscal year. The cost-of-living adjustment in effect for a calendar year applies
to annual compensation for the determination period that begins with or within such
calendar year. If the determination period consists of fewer than 12 months, the annual
compensation limit is an amount equal to the otherwise applicable annual compensation
limit multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months in the short
determination period, and the denominator of which is 12. If the compensation for any
prior determination period is taken into account in determining a Member's contributions
or benefits for the current Plan Year, the compensation for such prior determination period
is subject to the applicable annual compensation limit in effect for that prior period. The
limitation on compensation for an "eligible employee" shall not be less than the amount
which was allowed to be taken into account hereunder as in effect on July 1, 1993.
"Eligible employee" is an individual who was a Member before the first Plan Year
beginning after December 31, 1995.
Spouse means the Member's or Retiree's spouse under applicable law at the time
benefits become payable.
System means the City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters'
Retirement Trust Fund as contained herein and all amendments thereto.
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP.
1. Conditions of Eligibility.
All Police Officers and Firefighters as of October 1, 1991, and all future new
Police Officers and Firefighters, shall become Members of this System as a condition of
employment.
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2. Membership.
Each Police Officer or Firefighter shall complete a form prescribed by the
Board providing for the designation of a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries.
SECTION 3. BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
1. The sole and exclusive administration of and responsibility for the proper
operation of the System and for making effective the provisions of this ordinance are
hereby vested in a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is hereby designated as the
plan administrator. The Board shall consist of five (5) Trustees, two of whom, unless
otherwise prohibited by law, shall be legal residents of the City, who shall be appointed
by the Ocoee City Commission, and two of whom shall be Members of the System, one
of whom who shall be elected by a majority of the Police Officers and Firefighters who
are Members of the System and one of whom shall be elected by the Firefighters who are
Members of the System. The fifth Trustee shall be chosen by a majority of the previous
four Trustees as provided for herein, and such person's name shall be submitted to the
Ocoee City Commission. Upon receipt of the fifth person's name, the Ocoee City
Commission shall, as a ministerial duty, appoint such person to the Board of Trustees as
its fifth Trustee. The fifth Trustee shall have the same rights as each of the other four
Trustees appointed or elected as herein provided and shall serve a four (4) year term
unless he or she sooner vacates the office. Each resident Trustee shall serve as Trustee
for a period of four (4) years, unless he or she sooner vacates the office or is sooner
replaced by the Ocoee City Commission at whose pleasure he or she shall serve. Each
Member Trustee shall serve as Trustee for a period of four (4) years, unless he or she
sooner leaves the employment of the City as a Police Officer or Firefighter or otherwise
vacates his or her office as Trustee, whereupon a successor shall be chosen in the same
manner as the departing Trustee. Each Trustee may succeed himself in office. DROP
participants can be elected as but not vote for elected trustees. The Board shall establish
and administer the nominating and election procedures for each election. The Board shall
meet at least quarterly each year. The Board shall be a legal entity with, in addition to
other powers and responsibilities contained herein, the power to bring and defend
lawsuits of every kind, nature, and description.
2. The Trustees shall, by a majority vote, elect a Chairman and a Secretary.
The Secretary of the Board shall keep a complete minute book of the actions,
proceedings, or hearings of the Board. The Trustees shall not receive any compensation
as such, but may receive expenses and per diem as provided by law.
3. Each Trustee shall be entitled to one vote on the Board. Three (3)
affirmative votes shall be necessary for any decision by the Trustees at any meeting of
the Board. A Trustee shall have the right to recuse himself from voting as the result of a
conflict of interest provided that Trustee states in writing the nature of the conflict.
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4. The Board shall engage such actuarial, accounting, legal, and other
services as shall be required to transact the business of the System. The compensation
of all persons engaged by the Board and all other expenses of the Board necessary for
the operation of the System shall be paid from the Fund at such rates and in such amounts
as the Board shall agree.
5. The duties and responsibilities of the Board shall include, but not
necessarily be limited to, the following:
A. To construe the provisions of the System and determine all questions
arising thereunder.
B. To determine all questions relating to eligibility and membership.
C. To determine and certify the amount of all retirement allowances or
other benefits hereunder.
D. To establish uniform rules and procedures to be followed for
administrative purposes, benefit applications and all matters required
to administer the System.
E. To distribute to Members, at regular intervals, information concerning
the System.
F. To receive and process all applications for benefits.
G. To authorize all payments whatsoever from the Fund, and to notify
the disbursing agent, in writing, of approved benefit payments and
other expenditures arising through operation of the System and
Fund.
H. To have performed actuarial studies and valuations, at least as often
as required by law, and make recommendations regarding any and
all changes in the provisions of the System.
I. To perform such other duties as are required to prudently administer
the System.
SECTION 4. FINANCES AND FUND MANAGEMENT.
Establishment and Operation of Fund.
1. As part of the System, there exists the Fund, into which shall be deposited
all of the contributions and assets whatsoever attributable to the System, including the
assets of any prior Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund.
2. The actual custody and supervision of the Fund (and assets thereof) shall
be vested in the Board. Payment of benefits and disbursements from the Fund shall be
made by the disbursing agent but only upon written authorization from the Board.
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3. All funds of the Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Trust
Fund may be deposited by the Board with the Finance Director of the City, acting in a
ministerial capacity only, who shall be liable in the same manner and to the same extent
as he or she is liable for the safekeeping of funds for the City. However, any funds so
deposited with the Finance Director of the City shall be kept in a separate fund by the
Finance Director or clearly identified as such funds of the Municipal Police Officers' and
Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund. The Board shall deposit the funds of the Municipal
Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund in a qualified public depository as
defined in §280.02, Florida Statutes, which depository with regard to such funds shall
conform to and be bound by all of the provisions of Chapter 280, Florida Statutes. In
order to fulfill its investment responsibilities as set forth herein, the Board may retain the
services of a custodian bank, an investment advisor registered under Investment Advisors
Act of 1940 or otherwise exempt from such required registration, an insurance company,
or a combination of these, for the purposes of investment decisions and management.
Such investment manager shall have discretion, subject to any guidelines as prescribed
by the Board, in the investment of all Fund assets.
4. All funds and securities of the System may be commingled in the Fund,
provided that accurate records are maintained at all times reflecting the financial
composition of the Fund, including accurate current accounts and entries as regards the
following:
A. Current amounts of Accumulated Contributions of Members on both
an individual and aggregate account basis, and
B. Receipts and disbursements, and
C. Benefit payments, and
D. Current amounts clearly reflecting all monies, funds and assets
whatsoever attributable to contributions and deposits from the City,
and
E. All interest, dividends and gains (or losses) whatsoever, and
F. Such other entries as may be properly required so as to reflect a
clear and complete financial report of the Fund.
5. An audit shall be performed annually by a certified public accountant for the
most recent fiscal year of the City showing a detailed listing of assets and a statement of
all income and disbursements during the year. Such income and disbursements must be
reconciled with the assets at the beginning and end of the year. Such report shall reflect
a complete evaluation of assets on both a cost and market basis, as well as other items
normally included in a certified audit.
6. The Board shall have the following investment powers and authority:
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A. The Board shall be vested with full legal title to said Fund, subject,
however, and in any event to the authority and power of the Ocoee
City Commission to amend or terminate this Fund, provided that no
amendment or Fund termination shall ever result in the use of any
assets of this Fund except for the payment of regular expenses and
benefits under this System, except as otherwise provided herein. All
contributions from time to time paid into the Fund, and the income
thereof, without distinction between principal and income, shall be
held and administered by the Board or its agent in the Fund and the
Board shall not be required to segregate or invest separately any
portion of the Fund.
B. All monies paid into or held in the Fund shall be invested and
reinvested by the Board and the investment of all or any part of such
funds shall be subject to the following:
(1) Notwithstanding any limitation provided for in Chapter 185
and 175, Florida Statutes to the contrary (unless such
limitation may not be amended by local ordinance) or any
limitation in prior city ordinances to the contrary, all monies
paid into or held in the Fund may be invested and reinvested
in such securities, investment vehicles or property wherever
situated and of whatever kind, as shall be approved by the
Board, including but not limited to common or preferred
stocks, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness or
ownership. In no event, however, shall more than twenty-five
percent of the assets of the Fund at market value be invested
in foreign securities.
(2) The Board shall develop and adopt a written investment policy
statement setting forth permissible types of investments,
goals and objectives of investments and setting quality and
quantity limitations on investments in accordance with the
recommendations of its investment consultants. The
investment policy statement shall be reviewed by the Board
at least annually.
(3) In addition, the Board may, upon recommendation by the
Board’s investment consultant, make investments in group
trusts meeting the requirements of Internal Revenue Service
Revenue Ruling 81-100, and Revenue Ruling 2011-1, IRS
Notice 2012-6 and Revenue Ruling 2014-24 or successor
rulings or guidance of similar import, and operated or
maintained exclusively for the commingling and collective
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investment of monies, provided that the funds in the group
trust consist exclusively of trust assets held under plans
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code, individual
retirement accounts that are exempt under Section 408(e) of
the Code, eligible governmental plans that meet the
requirements of Section 457(b) of the Code, and
governmental plans under 401(a)(24) of the Code. For this
purpose, a trust includes a custodial account or separate tax
favored account maintained by an insurance company that is
treated as a trust under Section 401(f) or under Section
457(g)(3) of the Code. While any portion of the assets of the
Fund are invested in such a group trust, such group trust is
itself adopted as a part of the System or Plan.
(a) Any collective or common group trust to which assets
of the fund are transferred pursuant to subsection (3)
shall be adopted by the board as part of the plan by
executing appropriate participation, adoption
agreements, and/or trust agreements with the group
trust's trustee.
(b) The separate account maintained by the group trust for
the plan pursuant to subsection (3) shall not be used
for, or diverted to, any purpose other than for the
exclusive benefit of the members and beneficiaries of
the plan.
(c) For purposes of valuation, the value of the separate
account maintained by the group trust for the plan shall
be the fair market value of the portion of the group trust
held for the plan, determined in accordance with
generally recognized valuation procedures.
C. At least once every three (3) years, and more often as determined
by the Board, the Board shall retain a professionally qualified
independent consultant, as defined in Sections 175.071 and 185.06,
Florida Statutes, to evaluate the performance of all current
investment managers and make recommendations regarding the
retention of all such investment managers. These recommendations
shall be considered by the Board at its next regularly scheduled
meeting.
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D. The Board may retain in cash and keep unproductive of income such
amount of the Fund as it may deem advisable, having regard for the
cash requirements of the System.
E. Neither the Board nor any Trustee shall be liable for the making,
retention or sale of any investment or reinvestment made as herein
provided, nor for any loss or diminishment of the Fund, except that
due to his or its own negligence, willful misconduct or lack of good
faith as provided by law.
F. The Board may cause any investment in securities held by it to be
registered in or transferred into its name as Trustee or into the name
of such nominee as it may direct, or it may retain them unregistered
and in form permitting transferability, but the books and records shall
at all times show that all investments are part of the Fund.
G. The Board is empowered, but is not required, to vote upon any
stocks, bonds, or securities of any corporation, association, or trust
and to give general or specific proxies or powers of attorney with or
without power of substitution; to participate in mergers,
reorganizations, recapitalizations, consolidations, and similar
transactions with respect to such securities; to deposit such stock or
other securities in any voting trust or any protective or like committee
with the Trustees or with depositories designated thereby; to
amortize or fail to amortize any part or all of the premium or discount
resulting from the acquisition or disposition of assets; and generally
to exercise any of the powers of an owner with respect to stocks,
bonds, or other investments comprising the Fund which it may deem
to be to the best interest of the Fund to exercise.
H. The Board shall not be required to make any inventory or appraisal
or report to any court, nor to secure any order of court for the exercise
of any power contained herein.
I. Where any action which the Board is required to take or any duty or
function which it is required to perform either under the terms herein
or under the general law applicable to it as Trustee under this
ordinance, can reasonably be taken or performed only after receipt
by it from a Member, the City, or any other entity, of specific
information, certification, direction or instructions, the Board shall be
free of liability in failing to take such action or perform such duty or
function until such information, certification, direction or instruction
has been received by it.
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J. Any overpayments or underpayments from the Fund to a Member,
Retiree or Beneficiary caused by errors of computation shall be
adjusted with interest at a rate per annum approved by the Board in
such a manner that the Actuarial Equivalent of the benefit to which
the Member, Retiree or Beneficiary was correctly entitled to, shall be
paid. Overpayments shall be charged against payments next
succeeding the correction or collected in another manner if prudent.
Underpayments shall be made up from the Fund in a prudent manner
resolved in accordance with applicable law.
K. The Board shall sustain no liability whatsoever for the sufficiency of
the Fund to meet the payments and benefits herein provided for.
L. In any application to or proceeding or action in the courts, only the
Board shall be a necessary party, and no Member or other person
having an interest in the Fund shall be entitled to any notice or
service of process. Any judgment entered in such a proceeding or
action shall be conclusive upon all persons.
M. Any of the foregoing powers and functions reposed in the Board may
be performed or carried out by the Board through duly authorized
agents, provided that the Board at all times maintains continuous
supervision over the acts of any such agent; provided further, that
legal title to said Fund shall always remain in the Board.
SECTION 5. CONTRIBUTIONS.
1. Member Contributions.
A. Amount. Each Member of the System shall be required to make
regular contributions to the Fund. Effective September 17, 2013,
Police Officer Members and Firefighter Members shall make
contributions in the amount of eight percent (8%) of his or her Salary.
Member contributions withheld by the City on behalf of the Member
shall be deposited with the Board immediately after each pay period.
The contributions made by each Member to the Fund shall be
designated as employer contributions pursuant to §414(h) of the
Code. Such designation is contingent upon the contributions being
excluded from the Members' gross income for Federal Income Tax
purposes. For all other purposes of the System, such contributions
shall be considered to be Member contributions.
B. Method. Such contributions shall be made by payroll deduction.
2. State Contributions.
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Any monies received or receivable by reason of laws of the State of Florida,
for the express purpose of funding and paying for retirement benefits for Police Officers
and Firefighters of the City shall be deposited in the Fund comprising part of this System
immediately and under no circumstances more than five (5) days after receipt by the City.
3. City Contributions.
So long as this System is in effect, the City shall make quarterly
contributions to the Fund in an amount equal to the required City contribution, as shown
by the applicable actuarial valuation of the System, but in any event, not less than twelve
percent (12%) of the payroll of the bargaining unit Members.
4. Other.
Private donations, gifts and contributions may be deposited to the Fund, but
such deposits must be accounted for separately and kept on a segregated bookkeeping
basis. Funds arising from these sources may be used only for additional benefits for
Members, as determined by the Board, and may not be used to reduce what would have
otherwise been required City contributions.
SECTION 6. BENEFIT AMOUNTS AND ELIGIBILITY.
1. Normal Retirement Age and Date.
A Member's normal retirement age is the earlier of the completion of twenty-
five (25) years of Credited Service, regardless of age, or the attainment of age fifty-five
(55) and the completion of ten (10) years of Credited Service. Each Member shall
become one hundred percent (100%) vested in his accrued benefit at normal retirement
age. A Member's normal retirement date shall be the first day of the month coincident
with or next following the date the Member retires from the City after attaining attains
normal retirement age.
2. Normal Retirement Benefit.
A. Firefighter Members.
(1) For Member’s Members hired prior to October 1, 2015 a
Member retiring hereunder on or after his or her normal
retirement date shall receive a monthly benefit which shall
commence on the first day of the month coincident with or next
following his or her Retirement and be continued thereafter
during the Member's lifetime, ceasing upon death, but with
one hundred twenty (120) monthly payments guaranteed in
any event. The monthly retirement benefit shall equal three
and one-half percent (3.5%) of Average Final Compensation,
for each year of Credited Service, up to a maximum benefit
not to exceed ninety-one percent (91%) of Average Final
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Compensation of the Member hired on or after October 1,
2012.
(2) For Member’s Members hired on or after October 1, 2015 a
Member retiring hereunder on or after his or her normal
retirement date shall receive a monthly benefit which shall
commence on the first day of the month coincident with or next
following his or her Retirement and be continued thereafter
during the Member's lifetime, ceasing upon death, but with
one hundred twenty (120) monthly payments guaranteed in
any event. The monthly retirement benefit shall equal three
and one quarter percent (3.25%) of Average Final
Compensation, for each year of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one and one quarter
percent (81.25%) of Average Final Compensation.
B. Police Officer Members.
(1) For Member’s Members hired prior to May 16, 2017 a Member
retiring hereunder on or after his or her normal retirement date
shall receive a monthly benefit which shall commence on the
first day of the month coincident with or next following his or
her Retirement and be continued thereafter during the
Member's lifetime, ceasing upon death, but with one hundred
twenty (120) monthly payments guaranteed in any event. The
monthly retirement benefit shall equal three and one-half
percent (3.5%) of Average Final Compensation, for each year
of Credited Service, up to a maximum benefit not to exceed
ninety-one percent (91%) of Average Final Compensation of
the Member hired on or after October 1, 2012.
(2) For Member’s Members hired on or after May 16, 2017 a
Member retiring hereunder on or after his or her normal
retirement date shall receive a monthly benefit which shall
commence on the first day of the month coincident with or next
following his or her Retirement and be continued thereafter
during the Member's lifetime, ceasing upon death, but with
one hundred twenty (120) monthly payments guaranteed in
any event. The monthly retirement benefit shall equal three
and one quarter percent (3.25%) of Average Final
Compensation, for each year of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one and one quarter
percent (81.25%) of Average Final Compensation.
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3. Early Retirement Date.
A Member may retire on his or her early retirement date which shall be the
first day of any month coincident with or next following the attainment of age forty-five
(45) and the completion of five (5) years of Credited Service. Early retirement under the
System is Retirement from employment with the City on or after the early retirement date
and prior to the normal retirement date.
4. Early Retirement Benefit.
A Member retiring hereunder on his or her early retirement date may receive
either a deferred or an immediate monthly retirement benefit payable for life as follows:
A. A deferred monthly retirement benefit which shall commence on what
would have been his or her normal retirement date determined based
upon his or her actual years of Credited Service and shall be
continued on the first day of each month thereafter. The amount of
each such deferred monthly retirement benefit shall be determined
in the same manner as for retirement on his or her normal retirement
date except that Credited Service and Average Final Compensation
shall be determined as of his or her early retirement date, determined
based upon his or her actual years of Credited Service; or
B. An immediate monthly retirement benefit which shall commence on
his or her early retirement date and shall be continued on the first
day of each month thereafter. The benefit payable shall be as
determined in paragraph A above, reduced by three percent (3%) for
each year to age 50 and actuarially reduced from age 50 to age 45,
by which the commencement of benefits by which the member’s age
at retirement precedes preceded the date which would have been
the Member's normal retirement date determined based upon his
actual years of credited service age.
5. Supplemental Benefit.
Effective October 1, 2004, all current and future retirees and effective
October 1, 2008 only those who retired prior to October 1, 2008, retired under the early
or normal retirement provision, their joint pensioners or beneficiaries, shall receive a
supplemental benefit in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200) per month reduced as
for early retirement if applicable. Disability retirees and vested terminated persons shall
not receive this supplement.
6. Required Distribution Date.
The Member's benefit under this Section must begin to be distributed to the
Member no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the later of the calendar year
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in which the Member attains age seventy and one-half (70½) or the calendar year in which
the Member terminates employment with the City.
SECTION 7. PRE-RETIREMENT DEATH.
1. Prior to Vesting or Eligibility for Retirement.
The Beneficiary of a deceased Member who was not receiving monthly
benefits, or who was not yet vested or eligible for early or normal retirement shall receive
a refund of one hundred percent (100%) of the Member's Accumulated Contributions.
2. Deceased Members Vested or Eligible for Retirement with Spouse as
Beneficiary.
This subsection 2. applies only when the Member’s Spouse is the sole
designated Beneficiary. The Spouse Beneficiary of any Member who dies and who, at
the date of his or her death was vested or eligible for early or normal retirement, shall be
entitled to a benefit as follows:
A. If the Member was vested, but not eligible for normal or early
retirement, the Spouse Beneficiary shall receive a benefit payable for
ten years the shorter period of ten years or the life expectancy of the
spouse, beginning on the date that the deceased Member would
have been eligible for early or normal retirement, at the option of the
Spouse Beneficiary. The benefit shall be calculated as for normal
retirement based on the deceased Member's Credited Service and
Average Final Compensation as of the date of his or her death and
reduced as for early retirement, if applicable. The Spouse
Beneficiary may also elect to receive an immediate benefit, payable
for ten years the shorter period of ten years or the life expectancy of
the spouse, which is actuarially reduced to reflect the
commencement of benefits prior to the early retirement date.
B. If the deceased Member was eligible for normal or early retirement,
the Spouse Beneficiary shall receive a benefit payable for ten years
the shorter period of ten years or the life expectancy of the spouse,
beginning on the first day of the month following the Member's death
or at the deceased Member's otherwise normal or early retirement
date, at the option of the Spouse Beneficiary. The benefit shall be
calculated as for normal retirement based on the deceased
Member's Credited Service and Average Final Compensation as of
the date of his or her death and reduced as for early retirement, if
applicable.
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C. A Spouse Beneficiary may not elect an optional form of benefit,
however, the Board may elect to make a lump sum payment pursuant
to Section 10, subsection 7.
D. A Spouse Beneficiary may, in lieu of any benefit provided for in A or
B above, elect to receive a refund of the deceased Member's
Accumulated Contributions.
E. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section to the contrary, in
any event, distributions to the Spouse Beneficiary will begin by
December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the
calendar year in which the Member died, or by a date selected
pursuant to the above provisions in this Section that must be on or
before December 31 of the calendar year in which the Member would
have attained his or her Applicable Age as defined in Section
401(a)(9) of the Code 70½.
F. If the surviving Spouse Beneficiary commences receiving a benefit
under subsection A or B above, but dies before all payments are
made, the actuarial value of the remaining benefit will be paid to the
Spouse Beneficiary's estate in a lump sum.
3. Deceased Members Vested or Eligible for Retirement with Non-Spouse
Beneficiary.
This subsection applies only when the Member's Spouse is not the
Beneficiary or is not the sole designated Beneficiary, but there is a surviving Beneficiary.
The Beneficiary of any Member who dies and who, at the date of his death was vested or
eligible for early or normal retirement, shall be entitled to a benefit as follows:
A. If the Member was vested, but not eligible for normal or early
retirement, the Beneficiary will receive a benefit payable for ten (10)
years. The benefit will begin by December 31 of the calendar year
immediately following the calendar year in which the Member died.
The benefit will be calculated as for normal retirement based on the
deceased Member's Credited Service and Average Final
Compensation and actuarially reduced to reflect the commencement
of benefits prior to the normal retirement date.
B. If the deceased Member was eligible for normal or early retirement,
the Beneficiary will receive a benefit payable for ten (10) years,
beginning on the first day of the month following the Member's death.
The benefit will be calculated as for normal retirement based on the
deceased Member's Credited Service and Average Final
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Compensation as of the date of his death and reduced for early
retirement, if applicable.
C. A Beneficiary may not elect an optional form of benefit, however the
Board may elect to make a lump sum payment pursuant Section 10,
subsection 7.
D. A Beneficiary, may, in lieu of any benefit provided for in A or B above,
elect to receive a refund of the deceased Member's Accumulated
Contributions.
E. If a surviving Beneficiary commences receiving a benefit under
subsection A or B above, but dies before all payments are made, the
actuarial value of the remaining benefit will be paid to the surviving
Beneficiary's estate by December 31 of the calendar year of the
Beneficiary's death in a lump sum.
F. If there is no surviving Beneficiary as of the Member's death, and the
estate is to receive the benefits, the actuarial equivalent of the
Member's entire interest must be distributed by December 31 of the
calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Member's death.
G. The Uniform Lifetime Table in Treasury Regulations § 1.401(a)(9)-9
shall determine the payment period for the calendar year benefits
commence, if necessary to satisfy the regulations.
4. Firefighter Cancer Presumption.
As provided and subject to the limitations in section 112.1816, Florida
Statutes, effective July 1, 2019, a firefighter (as defined in section 112.1816(1), Florida
Statutes) Member shall be considered to have died in the line of duty if he or she dies as
a result of cancer (as defined in section 112.1816(1), Florida Statutes) or circumstances
that arise out of the treatment of such cancer (as defined in section 112.1816(1), Florida
Statutes).
SECTION 8. DISABILITY.
1. Disability Benefits In-Line of Duty.
A. Firefighter Members.
(1) Any Member hired prior to October 1, 2015 who shall become
totally and permanently disabled to the extent that he or she
is unable, by reason of a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a
Firefighter, which disability was directly caused by the
performance of his or her duty as a Firefighter, shall, upon
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establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board, be
entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one-half
percent (3.5%) of his or her Average Final Compensation
multiplied by the total years of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed ninety-one percent (91%) of
Average Final Compensation of the Member hired on or after
October 1, 2012, but in any event the minimum amount paid
to the Member shall be forty-two percent (42%) of the
Average Final Compensation of the Member. Effective
October 1, 2021, the minimum amount paid to the Member
shall be no less than fifty-five (55%) percent of the Average
Final Compensation of the Member. Eligibility requirements
for disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
(2) Any Member hired on or after October 1, 2015 who shall
become totally and permanently disabled to the extent that he
or she is unable, by reason of a medically determinable
physical or mental impairment, to render useful and efficient
service as a Firefighter, which disability was directly caused
by the performance of his or her duty as a Firefighter, shall,
upon establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board,
be entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one
quarter percent (3.25%) of his or her Average Final
Compensation multiplied by the total years of Credited
Service, up to a maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one
and one quarter percent (81.25%) of Average Final
Compensation of the Member, but in any event the minimum
amount paid to the Member shall be forty-two percent (42%)
of the Average Final Compensation of the Member. Effective
October 1, 2021, the minimum amount paid to the Member
shall be no less than fifty-five (55%) percent of the Average
Final Compensation of the Member. Eligibility requirements
for disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
(3) Firefighter Cancer Presumption. As provided and subject to
the limitations in section 112.1816, Florida Statues, effective
July 1, 2019, a firefighter (as defined in section 112.1816(1),
Florida Statutes) Member shall be considered to be totally and
permanently disabled in the line of duty if he or she meets the
Plan’s definition of Totally and Permanently Disabled due to a
diagnosis of cancer (as defined in section 112.1816(1), Florida
Statutes) or circumstances that arise out of the treatment of
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such cancer (as defined in section 112.1816(1), Florida
Statutes).
B. Police Officer Members.
(1) Any Member hired prior to May 16, 2017 who shall become
totally and permanently disabled to the extent that he or she
is unable, by reason of a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a
Police Officer, which disability was directly caused by the
performance of his or her duty as a Police Officer, shall, upon
establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board, be
entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one-half
percent (3.5%) of his or her Average Final Compensation
multiplied by the total years of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed ninety-one percent (91%) of
Average Final Compensation of the Member hired on or after
October 1, 2012, but in any event the minimum amount paid
to the Member shall be fifty-five percent (55%) of the Average
Final Compensation of the Member. Eligibility requirements
for disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
(2) Any Member hired on or after May 16, 2017 who shall become
totally and permanently disabled to the extent that he or she
is unable, by reason of a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a
Police Officer, which disability was directly caused by the
performance of his or her duty as a Police Officer, shall, upon
establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board, be
entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one quarter
percent (3.25%) of his or her Average Final Compensation
multiplied by the total years of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one and one quarter
percent (81.25%) of Average Final Compensation of the
Member, but in any event the minimum amount paid to the
Member shall be fifty-five percent (55%) of the Average Final
Compensation of the Member. Eligibility requirements for
disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
2. In-Line of Duty Presumptions.
A. Presumption. Any condition or impairment of health of a Member
caused by hypertension or heart disease shall be presumed to have
been suffered in line of duty unless the contrary is shown by
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competent evidence, provided that such Member shall have
successfully passed a physical examination upon entering into such
service, including a cardiogram for Police Officer Members, which
examination failed to reveal any evidence of such condition; and
provided further, that such presumption shall not apply to benefits
payable or granted in a policy of life insurance or disability insurance.
B. Additional Presumption. The presumption provided for in this
subparagraph B. shall apply only to those conditions described in this
subparagraph B. that are diagnosed on or after January 1, 1996.
(1) Definitions. As used in this subsection 2.B., the following
definitions apply:
(a) "Body fluids" means blood and body fluids containing
visible blood and other body fluids to which universal
precautions for prevention of occupational
transmission of blood-borne pathogens, as established
by the Centers for Disease Control, apply. For
purposes of potential transmission of meningococcal
meningitis or tuberculosis, the term "body fluids"
includes respiratory, salivary, and sinus fluids,
including droplets, sputum, and saliva, mucous, and
other fluids through which infectious airborne
organisms can be transmitted between persons.
(b) "Emergency rescue or public safety Member" means
any Member employed full time by the City as a
firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician,
law enforcement officer, or correctional officer who, in
the course of employment, runs a high risk of
occupational exposure to hepatitis, meningococcal
meningitis, or tuberculosis and who is not employed
elsewhere in a similar capacity. However, the term
"emergency rescue or public safety Member" does not
include any person employed by a public hospital
licensed under Chapter 395, Florida Statutes, or any
person employed by a subsidiary thereof.
(c) "Hepatitis" means hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis
non-A, hepatitis non-B, hepatitis C, or any other strain
of hepatitis generally recognized by the medical
community.
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(d) "High risk of occupational exposure" means that risk
that is incurred because a person subject to the
provisions of this subsection, in performing the basic
duties associated with his or her employment:
i. Provides emergency medical treatment in a
non-health-care setting where there is a
potential for transfer of body fluids between
persons;
ii. At the site of an accident, fire, or other rescue
or public safety operation, or in an emergency
rescue or public safety vehicle, handles body
fluids in or out of containers or works with or
otherwise handles needles or other sharp
instruments exposed to body fluids;
iii. Engages in the pursuit, apprehension, and
arrest of law violators or suspected law violators
and, in performing such duties, may be exposed
to body fluids; or
iv. Is responsible for the custody, and physical
restraint when necessary, of prisoners or
inmates within a prison, jail, or other criminal
detention facility, while on work detail outside
the facility, or while being transported and, in
performing such duties, may be exposed to
body fluids.
(e) "Occupational exposure," in the case of hepatitis,
meningococcal meningitis, or tuberculosis, means an
exposure that occurs during the performance of job
duties that may place a worker at risk of infection.
(2) Presumption. Any emergency rescue or public safety
Member who suffers a condition or impairment of health that
is caused by hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis, or
tuberculosis, that requires medical treatment, and that results
in total or partial disability or death shall be presumed to have
a disability suffered in the line of duty, unless the contrary is
shown by competent evidence; however, in order to be
entitled to the presumption, the Member must, by written
affidavit as provided in Section 92.50, Florida Statutes, verify
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by written declaration that, to the best of his or her knowledge
and belief:
(a) In the case of a medical condition caused by or derived
from hepatitis, he has not:
i. Been exposed, through transfer of bodily fluids,
to any person known to have sickness or
medical conditions derived from hepatitis,
outside the scope of his employment;
ii. Had a transfusion of blood or blood
components, other than a transfusion arising out
of an accident or injury happening in connection
with his present employment, or received any
blood products for the treatment of a
coagulation disorder since last undergoing
medical tests for hepatitis, which tests failed to
indicate the presence of hepatitis;
iii. Engaged in unsafe sexual practices or other
high-risk behavior, as identified by the Centers
for Disease Control or the Surgeon General of
the United States or had sexual relations with a
person known to him to have engaged in such
unsafe sexual practices or other high-risk
behavior; or
iv. Used intravenous drugs not prescribed by a
physician.
(b) In the case of meningococcal meningitis, in the 10 days
immediately preceding diagnosis he or she was not
exposed, outside the scope of his or her employment,
to any person known to have meningococcal
meningitis or known to be an asymptomatic carrier of
the disease.
(c) In the case of tuberculosis, in the period of time since
the Member's last negative tuberculosis skin test, he or
she has not been exposed, outside the scope of his or
her employment, to any person known by him or her to
have tuberculosis.
(3) Immunization. Whenever any standard, medically recognized
vaccine or other form of immunization or prophylaxis exists for
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the prevention of a communicable disease for which a
presumption is granted under this section, if medically
indicated in the given circumstances pursuant to
immunization policies established by the Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices of the U.S. Public Health Service,
an emergency rescue or public safety Member may be
required by the City to undergo the immunization or
prophylaxis unless the Member's physician determines in
writing that the immunization or other prophylaxis would pose
a significant risk to the Member's health. Absent such written
declaration, failure or refusal by an emergency rescue or
public safety Member to undergo such immunization or
prophylaxis disqualifies the Member from the benefits of the
presumption.
(4) Record of Exposures. The City shall maintain a record of any
known or reasonably suspected exposure of an emergency
rescue or public safety Member in its employ to the disease
described in this section and shall immediately notify the
Member of such exposure. An emergency rescue or public
safety Member shall file an incident or accident report with the
City of each instance of known or suspected occupational
exposure to hepatitis infection, meningococcal meningitis, or
tuberculosis.
(5) Required medical tests; preemployment physical. In order to
be entitled to the presumption provided by this section:
(a) An emergency rescue or public safety Member must,
prior to diagnosis, have undergone standard, medically
acceptable tests for evidence of the communicable
disease for which the presumption is sought, or
evidence of medical conditions derived therefrom,
which tests fail to indicate the presence of infection, or,
in the case of hepatitis infection. This paragraph does
not apply in the case of meningococcal meningitis.
(b) On or after June 15, 1995, an emergency rescue or
public safety Member may be required to undergo a
preemployment physical examination that tests for and
fails to reveal any evidence of hepatitis or tuberculosis.
3. Disability Benefits Not-In-Line of Duty.
A. Firefighter Members.
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(1) Any Member hired prior to October 1, 2015 with ten (10) years
or more Credited Service who shall become totally and
permanently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable,
by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a
Firefighter, which disability is not directly caused by the per-
formance of his or her duties as a Police Officer or Firefighter
shall, upon establishing the same to the satisfaction of the
Board, be entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and
one-half percent (3.5%) of his or her Average Final
Compensation multiplied by the total years of Credited
Service, up to a maximum benefit not to exceed ninety-one
percent (91%) of Average Final Compensation of the Member
hired on or after October 1, 2012. Eligibility requirements for
disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
(2) Any Member hired on or after October 1, 2015 with ten (10)
years or more Credited Service who shall become totally and
permanently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable,
by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a
Firefighter, which disability is not directly caused by the per-
formance of his or her duties as a Police Officer or Firefighter
shall, upon establishing the same to the satisfaction of the
Board, be entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one
quarter percent (3.25%) of his or her Average Final
Compensation multiplied by the total years of Credited
Service, up to a maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one
and one quarter percent (81.25%) of Average Final
Compensation of the Member. Eligibility requirements for
disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
B. Police Officer Members.
(1) Any Member hired prior to May 16, 2017 with ten (10) years
or more Credited Service who shall become totally and per-
manently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable, by
reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a Police
Officer, which disability is not directly caused by the per-
formance of his or her duties as a Police Officer shall, upon
establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board, be
entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one-half
percent (3.5%) of his or her Average Final Compensation
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multiplied by the total years of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed ninety-one percent (91%) of
Average Final Compensation of the Member hired on or after
October 1, 2012. Eligibility requirements for disability benefits
are set forth in subsection 8., below.
(2) Any Member hired on or after May 16, 2017 with ten (10)
years or more Credited Service who shall become totally and
permanently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable,
by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a Police
Officer, which disability is not directly caused by the per-
formance of his or her duties as a Police Officer shall, upon
establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board, be
entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one quarter
percent (3.25%) of his or her Average Final Compensation
multiplied by the total years of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one and one quarter
percent (81.25%) of Average Final Compensation of the
Member. Eligibility requirements for disability benefits are set
forth in subsection 8., below.
3. Disability Benefits Not-In-Line of Duty.
A. Firefighter Members.
(1) Any Member hired prior to October 1, 2015 with ten (10) years
or more Credited Service who shall become totally and
permanently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable,
by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a
Firefighter, which disability is not directly caused by the per-
formance of his or her duties as a Police Officer or Firefighter
shall, upon establishing the same to the satisfaction of the
Board, be entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and
one-half percent (3.5%) of his or her Average Final
Compensation multiplied by the total years of Credited
Service, up to a maximum benefit not to exceed ninety-one
percent (91%) of Average Final Compensation of the Member
hired on or after October 1, 2012. Eligibility requirements for
disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
(2) Any Member hired on or after October 1, 2015 with ten (10)
years or more Credited Service who shall become totally and
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permanently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable,
by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a
Firefighter, which disability is not directly caused by the per-
formance of his or her duties as a Police Officer or Firefighter
shall, upon establishing the same to the satisfaction of the
Board, be entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one
quarter percent (3.25%) of his or her Average Final
Compensation multiplied by the total years of Credited
Service, up to a maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one
and one quarter percent (81.25%) of Average Final
Compensation of the Member. Eligibility requirements for
disability benefits are set forth in subsection 8., below.
B. Police Officer Members.
(1) Any Member hired prior to May 16, 2017 with ten (10) years
or more Credited Service who shall become totally and
permanently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable,
by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a Police
Officer, which disability is not directly caused by the
performance of his or her duties as a Police Officer shall, upon
establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board, be
entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one-half
percent (3.5%) of his or her Average Final Compensation
multiplied by the total years of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed ninety-one percent (91%) of
Average Final Compensation of the Member hired on or after
October 1, 2012. Eligibility requirements for disability benefits
are set forth in subsection 8., below.
(2) Any Member hired on or after May 16, 2017 with ten (10)
years or more Credited Service who shall become totally and
permanently disabled to the extent that he or she is unable,
by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental
impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a Police
Officer, which disability is not directly caused by the per-
formance of his or her duties as a Police Officer shall, upon
establishing the same to the satisfaction of the Board, be
entitled to a monthly pension equal to three and one quarter
percent (3.25%) of his or her Average Final Compensation
multiplied by the total years of Credited Service, up to a
maximum benefit not to exceed eighty-one and one quarter
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percent (81.25%) of Average Final Compensation of the
Member. Eligibility requirements for disability benefits are set
forth in subsection 8., below.
4. Conditions Disqualifying Disability Benefits.
Each Member who is claiming disability benefits shall establish, to the
satisfaction of the Board, that such disability was not occasioned primarily by:
A. Excessive or habitual use of any drugs and/or intoxicants, or
narcotics.
B. Injury or disease sustained while willfully and illegally participating in
rights, riots and/or civil insurrections or while committing a crime.
C. Injury or disease sustained while serving in any branch of the Armed
Forces.
D. Injury or disease sustained after his or her employment as a Police
Officer or Firefighter with the City of Ocoee shall have terminated.
E. For Police Officer Members, injury or disease sustained while
working for anyone other than the City and arising out of such
employment.
5. Physical Examination Requirement.
A Member shall not become eligible for disability benefits until and unless
he or she undergoes a physical examination by a qualified physician or physicians and/or
surgeon or surgeons, who shall be selected by the Board for that purpose. The Board
shall not select the Member's treating physician or surgeon for this purpose except in an
unusual case where the Board determines that it would be reasonable and prudent to do
so.
Any Retiree receiving disability benefits under provisions of this ordinance
may be periodically re-examined by a qualified physician or physicians and/or surgeon or
surgeons who shall be selected by the Board, to determine if such disability has ceased
to exist. If the Board finds that the Retiree is no longer permanently and totally disabled
to the extent that he or she is unable to render useful and efficient service as a Police
Officer or Firefighter, the Board shall recommend to the City that the Retiree be returned
to performance of duty as a Police Officer or Firefighter, and the Retiree so returned shall
enjoy the same rights that he or she had at the time he or she was placed upon pension.
In the event the Retiree so ordered to return shall refuse to comply with the order within
thirty (30) days from the issuance thereof, he or she shall forfeit the right to his or her
pension.
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The cost of the physical examination and/or re-examination of the Member
claiming or Retiree receiving disability benefits shall be borne by the Fund. All other
reasonable costs as determined by the Board incident to the physical examination, such
as, but not limited to, transportation, meals, hotel accommodations, shall be borne by the
Fund.
If the Police Officer or Firefighter recovers from disability and reenters the
service of the City as a Police Officer or Firefighter, his or her service will be deemed to
have been continuous, but the period beginning with the first month for which he or she
received a disability retirement income payment and ending with the date he or she
reentered the service of the City will not be considered as Credited Service for the
purposes of the System.
The Board shall have the power and authority to make the final decisions
regarding all disability claims.
6. Disability Payments.
The monthly benefit to which a Member is entitled in the event of the
Member's disability retirement shall be payable on the first day of the first month after the
Board of Trustees determines such entitlement. However, the monthly retirement income
shall be payable as of the date the Board determined such entitlement, and any portion
due for a partial month shall be paid together with the first payment. The last payment
will be:
A. If the Retiree recovers from the disability, the payment due next
preceding the date of such recovery, or
B. If the Retiree dies without recovering from disability, the payment due
next preceding his or her death or the 120th monthly payment,
whichever is later.
Provided, however, the disability Retiree may select, at any time prior to the
date on which benefit payments begin, an optional form of benefit payment as described
in Section 10, subsection 1.A. or 1.B., which shall be the Actuarial Equivalent of the
normal form of benefit.
7. Workers' Compensation.
When a Retiree is receiving a disability pension and workers' compensation
benefits pursuant to Florida Statute Chapter 440, for the same disability, and the total
monthly benefits received from both exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the Member's
average monthly wage, as defined in Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, the disability pension
benefit shall be reduced so that the total monthly amount received by the Retiree does
not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of such average monthly wage. The amount of
any lump sum workers' compensation payment shall be converted to an equivalent
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monthly benefit payable for ten (10) Years Certain by dividing the lump sum amount by
83.9692. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the disability pension benefit
be reduced below the greater of fifty-five percent (55%) of Average Final Compensation
and two and three quarters percent (2.75%) of Average Final Compensation times years
of Credited Service.
8. Eligibility for Disability Benefits.
Subject to 8.(4) below, only active Members of the System on the date the
Board determines entitlement to a disability benefit are eligible for disability benefits.
(1) Terminated persons, either vested or non-vested, are not eligible for
disability benefits.
(2) If a Member voluntarily terminates his employment, either before or
after filing an application for disability benefits, he is not eligible for
disability benefits.
(3) If a Member is terminated by the City for any reason other than for
medical reasons, either before or after he files an application for
disability benefits, he is not eligible for disability benefits.
(4) The only exception to (1) above is:
a. If the Member is terminated by the City for medical reasons
and he has already applied for disability benefits before the
medical termination, or;
b. If the Member is terminated by the City for medical reasons
and he applies within 30 days after the medical termination
date.
If either (4)a., or (4)b. above applies, the Member's application will be processed
and fully considered by the Board.
SECTION 9. VESTING.
If the employment of a Member with the Police or Fire department terminates for
any reason other than death or retirement, and the Member has not reached the age and
service requirements for early or normal retirement, he or she shall be entitled to the
following;
1. If the Member is a : Firefighter hired prior to October 1, 2015, who has fewer
than five (5) years of Credited Service upon termination; Firefighter hired on
or after October 1, 2015, who has fewer than seven (7) years of Credited
Service upon termination; Police Officer hired prior to May 16, 2017, who
has fewer than five (5) years upon termination; Police Officer hired on or
after May 16, 2017, who has fewer than (7) years upon termination, the
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Member may make a written request for a refund of his or her Accumulated
Contributions, or, pending the possibility of being re-employed as a Police
Officer or Firefighter, the Member may leave his or her Accumulated
contributions in the System for a period of up to five (5) years following the
termination. The Member's Credited Service in the System shall be
deemed nullified effective the date upon which the Member receives a
refund of his or her Accumulated Contributions, or the date upon which the
five-year period expires, whichever is earlier. The Member's Accumulated
Contributions shall be refunded upon written request, or upon the expiration
of the five-year period, whichever is earlier, provided that if the total of the
Accumulated Contributions is greater than $1000, said contributions shall
be refunded only upon the written request of the Member, and upon the
completion of a written election to receive a cash lump sum or to rollover
the lump sum amount on forms designated by the Board.
2. If Paragraph 1 does not apply to the Member, the Member shall be entitled
to a monthly retirement benefit, determined in the same manner as for early
or normal retirement and based upon the Member's Credited Service,
Average Final Compensation and the benefit accrual rate as of the date of
termination, payable to him or her commencing at the Member's otherwise
early or normal retirement date, determined upon his or her actual years of
Credited Service, provided he or she does not elect to withdraw his or her
Accumulated Contributions and provided the Member survives to his or her
otherwise early or normal retirement date. If the Member does not withdraw
his or her Accumulated Contributions and does not survive to his or her
otherwise early or normal retirement date, his or her Designated Beneficiary
shall be entitled to a benefit as provided herein for a deceased Member,
vested or eligible for retirement under Pre-Retirement Death.
3. Upon Re-employment, a Member who has received a refund of his or
Accumulated Contributions may restore his or her Credited Service in the
System for the years to which the refund relates, if he or she repays to the
System, within 90 days of the effective date of such re-employment, the full
amount of the refunded Accumulated Contributions that he or she received,
plus interest as determined by the Board. The benefits relating to the Credit
Service thus restored shall be determined in accordance with the Average
Final Compensation and the benefit accrual rate as of the date of
termination.
SECTION 10. OPTIONAL FORMS OF BENEFITS.
1. In lieu of the amount and form of retirement income payable in the event of
normal or early retirement as specified herein, a Member, upon written request to the
Board, may elect to receive a retirement income or benefit of equivalent actuarial value
payable in accordance with one of the following options:
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A. A retirement income of a larger monthly amount, payable to the
Retiree for his or her lifetime only.
B. A retirement income of a modified monthly amount, payable to the
Retiree during the lifetime of the Retiree, and following the death of
the Retiree, one hundred percent (100%), seventy-five percent
(75%), sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%), or fifty percent
(50%) of such monthly amounts payable to a joint pensioner for his
or her lifetime. Except where the Retiree's joint pensioner is his or
her Spouse, the payments to the joint pensioner as a percentage of
the payments to the Retiree shall not exceed the applicable
percentage provided for in the applicable table in the Treasury
regulations. (See Q & A-2 of 1.401(a)(9)-6)
C. Such other amount and form of retirement payments or benefits as,
in the opinion of the Board, will best meet the circumstances of the
retiring Member. A lump sum benefit will be approved by the Board
only in accordance with subsection 7 of this Section 10.
D. A member may elect a percentage of benefit in a lump sum as
follows:
(1) Five (5) percent of the total actuarial equivalent value of the
benefit paid as a lump sum with the remaining ninety-five (95)
percent paid under the normal form or as per A., B. or C.
above.
(2) Ten (10) percent of the total actuarial equivalent value of the
benefit paid as a lump sum with the remaining ninety (90)
percent paid under the normal form or as per A., B. or C.
above.
(3) Fifteen (15) percent of the total actuarial equivalent value of
the benefit paid as a lump; sum with the remaining eighty-five
(85) percent paid under the normal form or as per A., B. or C.
above.
(4) Twenty (20) percent of the total actuarial equivalent value of
the benefit paid as a lump sum with the remaining eighty (80)
percent paid under the normal form or as per A., B. or C.
above.
2. The Member, upon electing any option of this Section, will designate the
joint pensioner (subsection 1.B. above) or Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) to receive the
benefit, if any, payable under the System in the event of Member's death, and will have
the power to change such designation from time to time. Such designation will name a
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joint pensioner or one or more primary Beneficiaries where applicable. A Member may
change his or her beneficiary at any time. If a Member has elected an option with a joint
pensioner and the Member's retirement income benefits have commenced, the Member
may thereafter change his or her designated Beneficiary at any time, but may only change
his or her joint pensioner twice. Subject to the restriction in the previous sentence, a
Member may substitute a new joint pensioner for a deceased joint pensioner. In the
absence of proof of good health of the joint pensioner being replaced, the actuary will
assume that the joint pensioner has deceased for purposes of calculating the new
payment.
3. The consent of a Member's or Retiree's joint pensioner or Beneficiary to any
such change shall not be required. The rights of all previously-designated Beneficiaries
to receive benefits under the System shall thereupon cease.
4. Upon change of a Retiree's joint pensioner in accordance with this Section,
the amount of the retirement income payable to the Retiree shall be actuarially
redetermine to take into account the age of the former joint pensioner, the new joint
pensioner and the Retiree and to ensure that the benefit paid is the Actuarial Equivalent
of the Retiree's then-current benefit at the time of the change. Any such Retiree shall pay
the actuarial recalculation expenses. Each request for a change will be made in writing
on a form prepared by the Board and on completion will be filed with the Board. In the
event that no designated Beneficiary survives the Retiree, such benefits as are payable
in the event of the death of the Retiree subsequent to his or her Retirement shall be paid
as provided in Section 11.
5. Retirement income payments shall be made under the option elected in
accordance with the provisions of this Section and shall be subject to the following
limitations:
A. If a Member dies prior to his or her normal retirement date or early
retirement date, whichever first occurs, no retirement benefit will be
payable under the option to any person, but the benefits, if any, will
be determined under Section 7.
B. If the designated Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) or joint pensioner dies
before the Member's Retirement under the System, the option
elected will be canceled automatically and a retirement income of the
normal form and amount will be payable to the Member upon his or
her Retirement as if the election had not been made, unless a new
election is made in accordance with the provisions of this Section or
a new Beneficiary is designated by the Member prior to his or her
Retirement.
C. If both the Retiree and the Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) designated
by Member or Retiree die before the full payment has been effected
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under any option providing for payments for a period certain and life
thereafter, made pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1, the
Board may, in its discretion, direct that the commuted value of the
remaining payments be paid in a lump sum and in accordance with
Section 11.
D. If a Member continues beyond his or her normal retirement date
pursuant to the provisions of Section 6, subsection 1, and dies prior
to his or her actual retirement and while an option made pursuant to
the provisions of this Section is in effect, monthly retirement income
payments will be made, or a retirement benefit will be paid, under the
option to a Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) designated by the Member
in the amount or amounts computed as if the Member had retired
under the option on the date on which his or her death occurred.
E. The Member's benefit under this Section must begin to be distributed
to the Member no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the
later of the calendar year in which the Member attains age seventy
and one-half (70½) or the calendar year in which the Member
terminates employment with the City.
6. A Retiree may not change his or her retirement option after the date of
cashing or depositing his or her first retirement check.
7. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Board in its discretion,
may elect to make a lump sum payment to a Member or a Member's Beneficiary in the
event that the total commuted value of the monthly income payments to be paid do not
exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) if the monthly retirement income payable to any
person entitled to benefits hereunder is less than $100 or if the single-sum value of the
accrued retirement income is less than $2,500 as of the date of retirement or termination
of service, whichever is applicable, the board of trustees, in the exercise of its discretion,
may specify that the actuarial equivalent of such retirement income be paid in a lump
sum. Any such payment made to any person pursuant to the power and discretion
conferred upon the Board by the preceding sentence shall operate as a complete
discharge of all obligations under the System with regard to such Member and shall not
be subject to review by anyone, but shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.
SECTION 11. BENEFICIARIES.
1. Each Member or Retiree may, on a form provided for that purpose, signed
and filed with the Board, designate a Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) to receive the benefit,
if any, which may be payable in the event of his or her death. Each designation may be
revoked by such Member or Retiree by signing and filing with the Board a new
designation-of-beneficiary form. Upon such change, the rights of all previously
designated Beneficiaries to receive any benefits under the System shall cease.
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2. If a deceased Member or Retiree failed to name a Beneficiary in the manner
prescribed in subsection 1, or if the Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) named by a deceased
Member or Retiree predeceased the Member or Retiree, the death benefit, if any, which
may be payable under the System with respect to such deceased Member or Retiree
shall be paid to the estate of the Member or Retiree and the board, in its discretion, may
direct that the commuted value of the remaining monthly income benefits be paid in a
lump sum. Any payment made to any person pursuant to this subsection shall operate
as a complete discharge of all obligations under the plan with regard to such deceased
Member or Retiree and shall not be subject to review by anyone, but shall be final, binding
and conclusive on all persons ever interested hereunder.
3. Any payment made to any person pursuant to this Section shall operate as
a complete discharge of all obligations under the System with regard to the deceased
Member and any other persons with rights under the System and shall not be subject to
review by anyone but shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons ever interested
hereunder.
SECTION 12. CLAIMS PROCEDURES.
1. The Board shall establish administrative claims procedures to be utilized in
processing written requests ("claims"), on matters which affect the substantial rights of
any person ("Claimant"), including Members, Retirees, Beneficiaries, or any person
affected by a decision of the Board.
2. The Board shall have the power to subpoena and require the attendance of
witnesses and the production of documents for discovery prior to and at any proceedings
provided for in the Board's claims procedures. The Claimant may request in writing the
issuance of subpoenas by the Board. A reasonable fee may be charged for the issuance
of any subpoenas not to exceed the fees set forth in Florida Statutes.
SECTION 13. REPORTS TO DIVISION OF RETIREMENT.
Each year and no later than March 15th, the Board shall file an Annual Report with
the Division of Retirement containing the documents and information contained in
Sections 175.261 and 185.221, Florida Statutes.
SECTION 14. ROSTER OF RETIREES.
The Secretary of the Board shall keep a record of all persons enjoying a pension
under the provisions of this Ordinance in which it shall be noted the time when the pension
is allowed and when the same shall cease to be paid. Additionally, the Secretary shall
keep a record of all Members and Retirees in such a manner as to show the name,
address, date of employment and date of termination of employment.
SECTION 15. MAXIMUM PENSION.
1. Basic Limitation.
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Notwithstanding any other provisions of this System to the contrary, the
Member contributions paid to, and retirement benefits paid from, the System shall be
limited to such extent as may be necessary to conform to the requirements of Code
Section 415 for a qualified retirement plan. Before January 1, 1995, a plan member may
not receive an annual benefit that exceeds the limits specified in Code Section 415(b),
subject to the applicable adjustments in that section. On and after January 1, 1995, a
plan member may not receive an annual benefit that exceeds the dollar amount specified
in Code Section 415(b)(1)(A) ($160,000), subject to the applicable adjustments in Code
Section 415(b) and subject to any additional limits that may be specified in this System.
For purposes of this Section, "limitation year" shall be the calendar year.
For purposes of Code Section 415(b), the "annual benefit" means a benefit
payable annually in the form of a straight life annuity (with no ancillary benefits) without
regard to the benefit attributable to after-tax employee contributions (except pursuant to
Code Section 415(n) and to rollover contributions (as defined in Code Section
415(b)(2)(A)). The "benefit attributable" shall be determined in accordance with Treasury
Regulations.
2. Adjustments to Basic Limitation for Form of Benefit.
If the benefit under the plan is other than the annual benefit described in
subsection 1., then the benefit shall be adjusted so that it is the equivalent of the annual
benefit, using factors prescribed in Treasury Regulations. If the form of the benefit without
regard to any automatic benefit increase feature is not a straight life annuity or a qualified
joint and survivor annuity, then the preceding sentence is applied by either reducing the
Code Section 415(b) limit applicable at the annuity starting date or adjusting the form of
benefit to an actuarially equivalent amount (determined using the assumptions specified
in Treasury Regulation Section 1.415(b)-1(c)(2)(ii)) that takes into account the additional
benefits under the form of benefit as follows:
A. For a benefit paid in a form to which Section 417(e)(3) of the Code
does not apply (generally, a monthly benefit), the actuarially
equivalent straight life annuity benefit that is the greater of:
(1) The annual amount of the straight life annuity (if any) payable
to the Member under the Plan commencing at the same
annuity starting date as the form of benefit to the Member, or
(2) The annual amount of the straight life annuity commencing at
the same annuity starting date that has the same actuarial
present value as the form of benefit payable to the Member,
computed using a five percent (5%) interest assumption (or
the applicable statutory interest assumption) and (i) for years
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prior to January 1, 2009, the applicable mortality tables
described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.417(e)-1(d)(2)
(Revenue Ruling 2001-62 or any subsequent Revenue Ruling
modifying the applicable provisions of Revenue Rulings 2001-
62), and (ii) for years after December 31, 2008, the applicable
mortality tables described in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code
(Notice 2008-85 or any subsequent Internal Revenue Service
guidance implementing Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code); or
B. For a benefit paid in a form to which Section 417(e)(3) of the Code
applies (generally, a lump sum benefit), the actuarially equivalent
straight life annuity benefit that is the greatest of:
(1) The annual amount of the straight life annuity commencing at
the annuity starting date that has the same actuarial present
value as the particular form of benefit payable, computed
using the interest rate and mortality table, or tabular factor,
specified in the Plan for actuarial experience;
(2) The annual amount of the straight life annuity commencing at
the annuity starting date that has the same actuarial present
value as the particular form of benefit payable, computed
using a five and one half percent (5.5%) interest assumption
(or the applicable statutory interest assumption) and (i) for
years prior to January 1, 2009, the applicable mortality tables
for the distribution under Treasury Regulation Section
1.417(e)-1(d)(2) (the mortality table specified in Revenue
Ruling 2001-62 or any subsequent Revenue Ruling modifying
the applicable provisions of Revenue Ruling 2001-62), and (ii)
for years after December 31, 2008, the applicable mortality
tables described in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code (Notice
2008-85 or any subsequent Internal Revenue Service
guidance implementing section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code); or
(3) The annual amount of the straight life annuity commencing at
the annuity starting date that has the same actuarial present
value as the particular form of benefit payable (computed
using the applicable interest rate for the distribution under
Treasury Regulation Section 1.417(e)-1(d)(3) (the 30-year
Treasury rate (prior to January 1, 2007, using the rate in effect
for the month prior to retirement, and on and after January 1,
2007, using the rate in effect for the first day of the Plan Year
with a one-year stabilization period)) and (i) for years prior to
January 1, 2009, the applicable mortality tables for the
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distribution under Treasury Regulation Section 1.417(e)-
1(d)(2) (the mortality table specified in Revenue Ruling 2001-
62 or any subsequent Revenue Ruling modifying the
applicable provisions of Revenue Ruling 2001-62), and (ii) for
years after December 31, 2008, the applicable mortality tables
described in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code (Notice 2008-
85 or any subsequent Internal Revenue Service guidance
implementing Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code), divided by
1.05.
C. The actuary may adjust the 415(b) limit at the annuity starting date
in accordance with subsections A. and B above.
3. Benefits Not Taken into Account.
For purposes of this Section, the following benefits shall not be taken into
account in applying these limits:
A. Any ancillary benefit which is not directly related to retirement income
benefits;
B. Any other benefit not required under §415(b)(2) of the Code and
Regulations thereunder to be taken into account for purposes of the
limitation of Code Section 415(b)(1); and
C. That portion of any joint and survivor annuity that constitutes a
qualified joint and survivor annuity.
4. COLA Effect.
Effective on and after January 1, 2003, for purposes of applying the limits
under Code Section 415(b) (the "Limit"), the following will apply:
A. A Member's applicable limit will be applied to the Member's annual
benefit in the Member's first limitation year of benefit payments
without regard to any automatic cost of living adjustments;
B. thereafter, in any subsequent limitation year, a Member's annual
benefit, including any automatic cost of living increases, shall be
tested under the then applicable benefit limit including any
adjustment to the Code Section 415(b)(1)(A) dollar limit under Code
Section 415(d), and the regulations thereunder; but
C. in no event shall a Member's benefit payable under the System in
any limitation year be greater than the limit applicable at the annuity
starting date, as increased in subsequent years pursuant to Code
Section 415(d) and the regulations thereunder.
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Unless otherwise specified in the System, for purposes of applying the limits
under Code Section 415(b), a Member's applicable limit will be applied taking into
consideration cost of living increases as required by Section 415(b) of the Code and
applicable Treasury Regulations.
5. Other Adjustments in Limitations.
A. In the event the Member's retirement benefits become payable
before age sixty-two (62), the limit prescribed by this Section shall be
reduced in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of
the Treasury pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 415(b) of
the Code, so that such limit (as so reduced) equals an annual straight
life benefit (when such retirement income benefit begins) which is
equivalent to a one hundred sixty thousand dollar ($160,000) annual
benefit beginning at age sixty-two (62).
B. In the event the Member's benefit is based on at least fifteen (15)
years of Credited Service as a full-time employee of the police or fire
department of the City, the adjustments provided for in A. above shall
not apply.
C. The reductions provided for in A. above shall not be applicable to
disability benefits pursuant to Section 8, or pre-retirement death
benefits paid pursuant to Section 7.
D. In the event the Member's retirement benefit becomes payable after
age sixty-five (65), for purposes of determining whether this benefit
meets the limit set forth in subsection 1 herein, such benefit shall be
adjusted so that it is actuarially equivalent to the benefit beginning at
age sixty-five (65). This adjustment shall be made in accordance
with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury or his
delegate.
6. Less than Ten (10) Years of Participation.
The maximum retirement benefits payable under this Section to any
Member who has completed less than ten (10) years of participation shall be the amount
determined under subsection 1 of this Section multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of the Member's years of participation and the denominator of which
is ten (10). The reduction provided by this subsection cannot reduce the maximum benefit
below 10% of the limit determined without regard to this subsection. The reduction
provided for in this subsection shall not be applicable to pre-retirement disability benefits
paid pursuant to Section 8., or pre-retirement death benefits paid pursuant to Section 7.
7. Participation in Other Defined Benefit Plans.
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The limit of this Section with respect to any Member who at any time has
been a member in any other defined benefit plan as defined in Code Section 414(j)
maintained by the City shall apply as if the total benefits payable under all City defined
benefit plans in which the Member has been a member were payable from one plan.
8. Ten Thousand Dollar ($10,000) Limit; Less Than Ten Years of Service.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15, the retirement benefit payable with
respect to a Member shall be deemed not to exceed the limit set forth in this subsection
8. of Section 15 if the benefits payable, with respect to such Member under this System
and under all other qualified defined benefit pension plans to which the City contributes,
do not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the applicable limitation year and or for
any prior limitation year, and the City has not at any time maintained a qualified defined
contribution plan in which the Member participated; provided, however, that if the Member
has completed less than ten (10) years of Credited Service with the City, the limit under
this subsection 8. of Section 15 shall be a reduced limit equal to ten thousand dollars
($10,000) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of the Member's
years of Credited Service and the denominator of which is ten (10).
9. Reduction of Benefits.
Reduction of benefits and/or contributions to all plans, where required, shall
be accomplished by first reducing the Member's benefit under any defined benefit plans
in which Member participated, such reduction to be made first with respect to the plan in
which Member most recently accrued benefits and thereafter in such priority as shall be
determined by the Board and the plan administrator of such other plans, and next, by
reducing or allocating excess forfeitures for defined contribution plans in which the
Member participated, such reduction to be made first with respect to the plan in which
Member most recently accrued benefits and thereafter in such priority as shall be
established by the Board and the plan administrator for such other plans provided,
however, that necessary reductions may be made in a different manner and priority
pursuant to the agreement of the Board and the plan administrator of all other plans
covering such Member.
10. Service Credit Purchase Limits.
A. Effective for permissive service credit contributions made in limitation
years beginning after December 31, 1997, if a Member makes one
or more contributions to purchase permissive service credit under
the System, as allowed in Section 26 and 28, then the requirements
of this Section will be treated as met only if:
(1) the requirements of Code Section 415(b) are met, determined
by treating the accrued benefit derived from all such
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contributions as an annual benefit for purposes of Code
Section 415(b), or
(2) the requirements of Code Section 415(c) are met, determined
by treating all such contributions as annual additions for
purposes of Code Section 415(c).
For purposes of applying subparagraph (1), the System will not fail
to meet the reduced limit under Code Section 415(b)(2)(c) solely by
reason of this subparagraph, and for purposes of applying
subparagraph (2) the System will not fail to meet the percentage
limitation under Section 415(c)(1)(B) of the Code solely by reason of
this subparagraph.
B. For purposes of this subsection the term "permissive service credit"
means service credit—
(1) recognized by the System for purposes of calculating a
Member's benefit under the plan,
(2) which such Member has not received under the plan, and
(3) which such Member may receive only by making a voluntary
additional contribution, in an amount determined under the
System, which does not exceed the amount necessary to fund
the benefit attributable to such service credit.
Effective for permissive service credit contributions made in limitation
years beginning after December 31, 1997, such term may, if
otherwise provided by the System, include service credit for periods
for which there is no performance of service, and, notwithstanding
clause B.(2), may include service credited in order to provide an
increased benefit for service credit which a Member is receiving
under the System.
11. Contribution Limits.
A. For purposes of applying the Code Section 415(c) limits which are
incorporated by reference and for purposes of this subsection 11.,
only and for no other purpose, the definition of compensation where
applicable will be compensation actually paid or made available
during a limitation year, except as noted below and as permitted by
Treasury Regulations Section 1.415(c)-2, or successor regulations.
Unless another definition of compensation that is permitted by
Treasury Regulations Section 1.415(c)-2, or successor regulation, is
specified by the System, compensation will be defined as wages
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within the meaning of Code Section 3401(a) and all other payments
of compensation to an employee by an employer for which the
employer is required to furnish the employee a written statement
under Code Sections 6041(d), 6051(a)(3) and 6052 and will be
determined without regard to any rules under Code Section 3401(a)
that limit the remuneration included in wages based on the nature or
location of the employment or the services performed (such as the
exception for agricultural labor in Code Section 3401(a)(2).
(1) However, for limitation years beginning after December 31,
1997, compensation will also include amounts that would
otherwise be included in compensation but for an election
under Code Sections 125(a), 402(e)(3), 402(h)(1)(B), 402(k),
or 457(b). For limitation years beginning after December 31,
2000, compensation will also include any elective amounts
that are not includible in the gross income of the employee by
reason of Code Section 132(f)(4).
(2) For limitation years beginning on and after January 1, 2007,
compensation for the limitation year will also include
compensation paid by the later of 2½ months after an
employee's severance from employment or the end of the
limitation year that includes the date of the employee's
severance from employment if:
(a) the payment is regular compensation for services
during the employee's regular working hours, or
compensation for services outside the employee's
regular working hours (such as overtime or shift
differential), commissions, bonuses or other similar
payments, and, absent a severance from employment,
the payments would have been paid to the employee
while the employee continued in employment with the
employer; or
(b) the payment is for unused accrued bona fide sick,
vacation or other leave that the employee would have
been able to use if employment had continued.
(3) Back pay, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations
Section 1.415(c)-2(g)(8), shall be treated as compensation for
the limitation year to which the back pay relates to the extent
the back pay represents wages and compensation that would
otherwise be included under this definition.
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B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Board
may modify a request by a Member to make a contribution to the
System if the amount of the contribution would exceed the limits
provided in Code Section 415 by using the following methods:
(1) If the law requires a lump sum payment for the purchase of
service credit, the Board may establish a periodic payment
deduction plan for the Member to avoid a contribution in
excess of the limits under Code Sections 415(c) or 415(n).
(2) If payment pursuant to subparagraph (1) will not avoid a
contribution in excess of the limits imposed by Code Section
415(c), the Board may either reduce the Member's
contribution to an amount within the limits of that section or
refuse the Member's contribution.
C. If the annual additions for any Member for a limitation year exceed
the limitation under Section 415(c) of the Code, the excess annual
addition will be corrected as permitted under the Employee Plans
Compliance Resolution System (or similar IRS correction program).
D. For limitation years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, a
Member's compensation for purposes of this subsection 11. shall not
exceed the annual limit under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.
12. Additional Limitation on Pension Benefits.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:
A. The normal retirement benefit or pension payable to a Retiree who
becomes a Member of the System and who has not previously
participated in such System, on or after January 1, 1980, shall not
exceed one hundred percent (100%) of his Average Final
Compensation. However, nothing contained in this Section shall
apply to supplemental retirement benefits or to pension increases
attributable to cost-of-living increases or adjustments.
B. No Member of the System shall be allowed to receive a retirement
benefit or pension which is in part or in whole based upon any service
with respect to which the Member is already receiving, or will receive
in the future, a retirement benefit or pension from a different
employer's retirement system or plan. This restriction does not apply
to social security benefits or federal benefits under Chapter 1223,
Title 10, U.S. Code.
13. Effect of Direct Rollover on 415(b) Limit.
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If the plan accepts a direct rollover of an employee's or former employee's
benefit from a defined contribution plan qualified under Code Section 401(a) which is
maintained by the employer, any annuity resulting from the rollover amount that is
determined using a more favorable actuarial basis than required under Code Section
417(e) shall be included in the annual benefit for purposes of the limit under Code Section
415(b).
SECTION 16. MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS.
1. General Rules.
A. Effective Date. Effective as of January 1, 1989, the Plan will pay all
benefits in accordance with a good faith interpretation of the
requirements of Code Section 401(a)(9) and the regulations in effect
under that section, as applicable to a governmental plan within the
meaning of Code Section 414(d). Effective on and after January 1,
2003, the Plan is also subject to the specific provisions contained in
this Section. The provisions of this Section will apply for purposes of
determining required minimum distributions for calendar years
beginning with the 2003 calendar year.
B. Precedence. The requirements of this Section will take precedence
over any inconsistent provisions of the Plan.
C. TEFRA Section 242(b)(2) Elections. Notwithstanding the other
provisions of this Section other than this subsection 1. C.,
distributions may be made under a designation made before January
1, 1984, in accordance with Section 242(b)(2) of the Tax Equity and
Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the provisions of the plan that
related to Section 242(b)(2) of TEFRA.
2. Time and Manner of Distribution.
A. Required Beginning Date. The Member's entire interest will be
distributed, or begin to be distributed, to the Member no later than
the Member's required beginning date which shall not be later than
is defined as April 1 of the calendar year following the later of the
calendar year in which the Member attains age seventy and one-half
(70 ½) his or her Applicable Age as defined in Section 401(a)(9) of
the Code, or the calendar year in which the Member terminates
employment with the City retires.
B. Death of Member Before Distributions Begin. If the Member dies
before distributions begin, the Member's entire interest will be
distributed, or begin to be distributed no later than as follows:
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(1) If the Member's surviving spouse is the Member's sole
designated beneficiary, then distributions to the surviving
spouse will begin by December 31 of the calendar year
immediately following the calendar year in which the Member
died, or by a date on or before December 31 of the calendar
year in which the Member would have attained age 70 ½ his
or her Applicable Age as defined in Section 401(a)(9) of the
Code, if later, as the surviving spouse elects.
(2) If the Member's surviving spouse is not the Member's sole
designated beneficiary, then, distributions to the designated
beneficiary will begin by December 31 of the calendar year
immediately following the calendar year in which the Member
died.
(3) If there is no designated beneficiary as of September 30 of the
year following the year of the Member's death, the Member's
entire interest will be distributed by December 31 of the
calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Member's
death.
(4) If the Member's surviving spouse is the Member's sole
designated beneficiary and the surviving spouse dies after the
Member but before distributions to the surviving spouse
begin, this subsection 2.B., other than subsection 2.B.(1), will
apply as if the surviving spouse were the Member.
For purposes of this subsection 2.B., distributions are
considered to begin on the Member's required beginning date
or, if subsection 2.B.(4) applies, the date of distributions are
required to begin to the surviving spouse under subsection
2.B.(1). If annuity payments irrevocably commence to the
Member before the Member's required beginning date (or to
the Member's surviving spouse before the date distributions
are required to begin to the surviving spouse under
subsection 2.B.(1)), the date distributions are considered to
begin is the date distributions actually commence.
C. Death After Distributions Begin. If the Member dies after the required
distribution of benefits has begun, the remaining portion of the
Member's interest must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the
method of distribution before the Member's death.
D. Form of Distribution. Unless the Member's interest is distributed in
the form of an annuity purchased from an insurance company or in a
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single sum on or before the required beginning date, as of the first
distribution calendar year distributions will be made in accordance
with this Section. If the Member's interest is distributed in the form
of an annuity purchased from an insurance company, distributions
thereunder will be made in accordance with the requirements of
Section 401(a)(9) of the Code and Treasury regulations. Any part of
the Member's interest which is in the form of an individual account
described in Section 414(k) of the Code will be distributed in a
manner satisfying the requirements of Section 401(a)(9) of the Code
and Treasury regulations that apply to individual accounts.
3. Determination of Amount to be Distributed Each Year.
A. General Requirements. If the Member's interest is paid in the form
of annuity distributions under the Plan, payments under the annuity
will satisfy the following requirements:
(1) The annuity distributions will be paid in periodic payments
made at intervals not longer than one year.
(2) The Member's entire interest must be distributed pursuant to
Section 6, Section 7, Section 9, or Section 10 (as applicable)
and in any event over a period equal to or less than the
Member's life or the lives of the Member and a designated
beneficiary, or over a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of the Member or of the Member and a designated
beneficiary. The life expectancy of the Member, the Member's
spouse, or the Member's beneficiary may not be recalculated
after the initial determination for purposes of determining
benefits.
B. Amount Required to be Distributed by Required Beginning Date. The
amount that must be distributed on or before the Member's required
beginning date (or, if the Member dies before distributions begin, the
date distributions are required to begin under Section 7) is the
payment that is required for one payment interval. The second
payment need not be made until the end of the next payment interval
even if that payment interval ends in the next calendar year.
Payment intervals are the periods for which payments are received,
e.g., monthly. All of the Member's benefit accruals as of the last day
of the first distribution calendar year will be included in the calculation
of the amount of the annuity payments for payment intervals ending
on or after the Member's required beginning date.
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C. Additional Accruals After First Distribution Calendar Year. Any
additional benefits accruing to the Member in a calendar year after
the first distribution calendar year will be distributed beginning with
the first payment interval ending in the calendar year immediately
following the calendar year in which such amount accrues.
4. General Distribution Rules.
A. The amount of an annuity paid to a Member's beneficiary may not
exceed the maximum determined under the incidental death benefit
requirement of Code Section 401(a)(9)(G), and effective for any
annuity commencing on or after January 1, 2008, the minimum
distribution incidental benefit rule under Treasury Regulation Section
1.401(a)(9)-6, Q&A-2.
B. The death and disability benefits provided by the Plan are limited by
the incidental benefit rule set forth in Code Section 401(a)(9)(G) and
Treasury Regulation Section 1.401-1(b)(1)(I) or any successor
regulation thereto. As a result, the total death or disability benefits
payable may not exceed 25% of the cost for all of the Members'
benefits received from the retirement system.
5. Definitions.
A. Designated Beneficiary. The individual who is designated as the
beneficiary under the Plan and is the designated beneficiary under
Section 40l(a)(9) of the Code and Section 1.401(a)(9)-1, Q&A-4, of
the Treasury regulations.
B. Distribution Calendar Year. A calendar year for which a minimum
distribution is required. For distributions beginning before the
Member's death, the first distribution calendar year is the calendar
year immediately preceding the calendar year which contains the
Member's required beginning date. For distributions beginning after
the Member's death, the first distribution calendar year is the
calendar year in which distributions are required to begin pursuant to
Section 7.
SECTION 17. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
1. Interest of Members in System.
All assets of the Fund are held in trust, and at no time prior to the satisfaction
of all liabilities under the System with respect to Retirees and Members and their Spouses
or Beneficiaries, shall any part of the corpus or income of the Fund be used for or diverted
to any purpose other than for their exclusive benefit.
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2. No Reduction of Accrued Benefits.
No amendment or ordinance shall be adopted by the City Commission of
the City of Ocoee which shall have the effect of reducing the then vested accrued benefits
of Members or a Member's beneficiaries.
3. Qualification of System.
It is intended that the System will constitute a qualified pension plan under
the applicable provisions of the Code for a qualified plan under Code Section 401 (a) and
a governmental plan under Code Section 414(d), as now in effect or hereafter amended.
Any modification or amendment of the System may be made retroactively, if necessary
or appropriate, to qualify or maintain the System as a Plan meeting the requirements of
the applicable provisions of the Code as now in effect or hereafter amended, or any other
applicable provisions of the U.S. federal tax laws, as now in effect or hereafter amended
or adopted, and the regulations issued thereunder.
4. Prohibited Transactions.
Effective as of January 1, 1989, a Board may not engage in a transaction
prohibited by Code Section 503(b).
5. USERRA.
Effective December 12, 1994, notwithstanding any other provision of this
System, contributions, benefits and service credit with respect to qualified military service
are governed by Code Section 414(u) and the Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended. To the extent that the definition of
"Credited Service" sets forth contribution requirements that are more favorable to the
Member than the minimum compliance requirements, the more favorable provisions shall
apply.
6. Vesting.
A. Member A Member will be 100% vested in all benefits upon
attainment of the Plan's age and service requirements for the Plan's
normal retirement benefit his or her Normal Retirement Age; and
B. A Member will be 100% vested in all accrued benefits, to the extent
funded, if the Plan is terminated or experiences a complete
discontinuance of employer contributions.
7. Electronic Forms.
In those circumstances where a written election or consent is not required
by the Plan or the Code, an oral, electronic, or telephonic form in lieu of or in addition to
a written form may be prescribed by the Board. However, where applicable, the Board
shall comply with Treas. Reg. § 1.401(a)-21.
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8. Use of Forfeitures.
Forfeitures arising from terminations of service of Members shall serve only
to reduce future City contributions.
9. Missing Benefit Recipients.
The System shall follow the procedures outlined in the IRS Employee Plans
Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) Program and other applicable IRS guidance to
locate any missing individuals to whom a full unreduced benefit payment is due and if, at
the conclusion of such efforts, the individual cannot be located, the existing procedure of
cancelling payments otherwise due (provided that, if the individual is later located, the
benefits due shall be paid) will apply.
SECTION 18. REPEAL OR TERMINATION OF SYSTEM.
1. This ordinance establishing the System and Fund, and subsequent
ordinances pertaining to said System and Fund, may be modified, terminated, or
amended, in whole or in part; provided that if this or any subsequent ordinance shall be
amended or repealed in its application to any person benefitting hereunder, the amount
of benefits which at the time of any such alteration, amendment, or repeal shall have
accrued to the Member or Beneficiary shall not be affected thereby.
2. If this ordinance shall be repealed, or if contributions to the System are
discontinued or if there is a transfer, merger or consolidation of government units, services
or functions as provided in Chapter 121, florida Florida Statutes, the Board shall continue
to administer the System in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance, for the sole
benefit of the then Members, any Beneficiaries then receiving retirement allowances, and
any future persons entitled to receive benefits under one of the options provided for in
this Ordinance who are designated by any of said Members. In the event of repeal,
discontinuance of contributions, or transfer, merger or consolidation of government units,
services or functions there shall be full vesting (100%) of benefits accrued to date of
repeal and such benefits shall be nonforfeitable.
3. The fund shall be distributed in accordance with the following procedures:
A. The Board shall determine the date of distribution and the asset
value required to fund all the nonforfeitable benefits after taking into
account the expenses of such distribution. The Board shall inform
the City if additional assets are required, in which event the City shall
continue to financially support the Plan until all nonforfeitable
benefits have been funded.
B. The Board shall determine the method of distribution of the asset
value, whether distribution shall be by payment in cash, by the
maintenance of another or substituted trust fund, by the purchase of
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insured annuities, or otherwise, for each firefighter or police officer
entitled to benefits under the plan as specified in subsection C.
C. The Board shall distribute the asset value as of the date of
termination in the manner set forth in this subsection, on the basis
that the amount required to provide any given retirement income is
the actuarially computed single-sum value of such retirement
income, except that if the method of distribution determined under
subsection B. involves the purchase of an insured annuity, the
amount required to provide the given retirement income is the single
premium payable for such annuity. The actuarial single-sum value
may not be less than the firefighter’s or police officer’s Accumulated
Contributions to the Plan, with interest if provided by the Plan, less
the value of any plan benefits previously paid to the firefighter or
police officer.
D. If there is asset value remaining after the full distribution specified in
subsection C., and after the payment of any expenses incurred with
such distribution, such excess shall be returned to the City, less
return to the State of the State’s contributions, provided that, if the
excess is less than the total contributions made by the City and the
State to date of termination of the Plan, such excess shall be divided
proportionately to the total contributions made by the City and the
State.
E. The Board shall distribute, in accordance with subsection B., the
amounts determined under subsection C.
If, after twenty-four (24) months after the date the Plan terminated or the date the
Board received written notice that the contributions thereunder were being permanently
discontinued, the City or the Board of the Fund affected has not complied with all the
provisions in this Section, the Florida Department of Management Services will effect the
termination of the Fund in accordance with this Section.
SECTION 19. DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS; RETIREE DIRECTED
PAYMENTS; EXEMPTION FROM EXECUTION, NON-ASSIGN ABILITY.
1. Domestic Relations Orders.
A. Prior to the entry of any domestic relations order which affects or
purports to affect the System's responsibility in connection with the
payment of benefits of a Retiree, the Member or Retiree shall submit
the proposed order to the Board for review to determine whether the
System may legally honor the order.
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B. If a domestic relations order is not submitted to the Board for review
prior to entry of the order, and the System is ordered to take action
that it may not legally take, and the System expends administrative
or legal fees in resolving the matter, the Member or Retiree who
submits such an order will be required to reimburse the System for
its expenses in connection with the order.
2. Retiree directed payments.
The board may, upon written request by a retiree or by a dependent, when
authorized by a retiree or the retiree's beneficiary, authorize the system to withhold from
the monthly retirement payment those funds that are necessary to pay for the benefits
being received through the city, to pay the certified bargaining agent of the city, to make
payment to insurance companies for insurance premiums as permitted by Chapter 175
and 185, Florida Statutes, and to make any payments for child support or alimony.
3. Exemption from Execution, Non-Assignability.
Except as otherwise provided by law, the pensions, annuities, or any other
benefits accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this ordinance and the
Accumulated Contributions and the cash securities in the Fund created under this
ordinance are hereby exempted from any state, county or municipal tax of the state and
shall not be subject to execution, attachment, garnishment or any legal process
whatsoever and shall be unassignable.
SECTION 20. PENSION VALIDITY.
The Board shall have the power to examine into the facts upon which any pension
shall heretofore have been granted under any prior or existing law, or shall hereafter be
granted or obtained erroneously, fraudulently or illegally for any reason. The Board is
empowered to purge the pension rolls or correct the pension amount of any person
heretofore granted a pension under prior or existing law or any person hereafter granted
a pension under this ordinance if the same is found to be erroneous, fraudulent or illegal
for any reason; and to reclassify any person who has heretofore under any prior or
existing law been or who shall hereafter under this ordinance be erroneously, improperly
or illegally classified. Any overpayments or underpayments shall be corrected and paid
or repaid in a reasonable manner determined by the Board.
SECTION 21. FORFEITURE OF PENSION.
1. The following is intended to implement Section 112.3173, Florida Statutes.
In the event of any discrepancy in the language in this Section and the provisions of
Section 112.3173, Florida Statutes, the latter shall prevail. Any Member who is convicted
of the following offenses committed prior to retirement, or whose employment is
terminated by reason of his or her admitted commission, aid or abetment of the following
specified offenses, shall forfeit all rights and benefits under this Pension Fund, except for
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the return of his or her Accumulated Contributions as of the date of termination. Specified
offenses are as follows:
A. The committing, aiding or abetting of an embezzlement of public
funds;
B. The committing, aiding or abetting of any theft by a public officer or
employee from employer;
C. Bribery in connection with the employment of a public officer or
employee;
D. Any felony specified in Chapter 838, Florida Statutes, except 838.15
and 836.16;
E. The committing of an impeachable offense;
F. The committing of any felony by a public officer or employee who
willfully and with intent to defraud the public or the public agency, for
which he or she acts or in which he or she is employed, of the right
to receive the faithful performance of his or her duty as a public officer
or employee, realizes or obtains or attempts to realize or obtain a
profit, gain, or advantage for himself or for some other person
through the use or attempted use of the power, rights, privileges,
duties or position of his or her public office or employment position;
or
G. The committing on or after October 1, 2008, of any felony defined in
Section 800.04, Florida Statutes, against a victim younger than
sixteen (16) years of age, or any felony defined in Chapter 794,
Florida Statutes, against a victim younger than eighteen (18) years
of age, by a public officer or employee through the use or attempted
use of power, rights, privileges, duties, or position of his or her public
office or employment position.
2. Conviction shall be defined as an adjudication of guilt by a court of
competent jurisdiction; a plea of guilty or a nolo contendere; a jury verdict of guilty when
adjudication of guilt is withheld and the accused is placed on probation; or a conviction
by the Senate of an impeachable offense.
3. Court shall be defined as any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction
which is exercising its jurisdiction to consider a proceeding involving the alleged
commission of a specified offense. Prior to forfeiture, the Board shall hold a hearing on
which notice shall be given to the Member whose benefits are being considered for
forfeiture. Said Member shall be afforded the right to have an attorney present. No formal
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rules of evidence shall apply, but the Member shall be afforded a full opportunity to
present his or her case against forfeiture.
4. Any Member who has received benefits from the System in excess of his or
her Accumulated Contributions after Member's rights were forfeited shall be required to
pay back to the Fund the amount of the benefits received in excess of his or her
Accumulated Contributions. The Board may implement all legal action necessary to
recover such funds.
SECTION 22. CONVICTION AND FORFEITURE; FALSE, MISLEADING OR
FRAUDULENT STATEMENTS.
1. It is unlawful for a person to willfully and knowingly make, or cause to be
made, or to assist, conspire with, or urge another to make, or cause to be made, any
false, fraudulent, or misleading oral or written statement or withhold or conceal material
information to obtain any benefit from the System.
2. A person who violates subsection 1. commits a misdemeanor of the first
degree, punishable as provided in Section 775.082 or Section 775.083, Florida Statutes.
3. In addition to any applicable criminal penalty, upon conviction for a violation
described in subsection 1, a Member or Beneficiary of the System may, in the discretion
of the Board, be required to forfeit the right to receive any or all benefits to which the
person would otherwise be entitled under the System. For purposes of this subsection,
"conviction" means a determination of guilt that is the result of a plea or trial, regardless
of whether adjudication is withheld.
SECTION 23. INDEMNIFICATION.
1. To the extent not covered by insurance contracts in force from time to time,
the City shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless members of the Board from all
personal liability for damages and costs, including court costs and attorneys' fees, arising
out of claims, suits, litigation, or threat of same, herein referred to as "claims", against
these individuals because of acts or circumstances connected with or arising out of their
official duty as members of the Board. The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion,
to settle or not settle the claim at any time, and to appeal or to not appeal from any adverse
judgment or ruling, and in either event will indemnify, defend and hold harmless any
members of the Board from the judgment, execution, or levy thereon.
2. This Section shall not be construed so as to relieve any insurance company
or other entity liable to defend the claim or liable for payment of the judgment or claim,
from any liability, nor does this Section waive any provision of law affording the City
immunity from any suit in whole or part, or waive any other substantive or procedural
rights the City may have.
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3. This Section shall not apply nor shall the City be responsible in any manner
to defend or pay for claims arising out of acts or omissions of members of the Board which
constitute felonies or gross malfeasance or gross misfeasance in office.
SECTION 24. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT.
The fractional parts of the twenty-four (24) month period ending each March 1 that
a Member is on leave without pay from the City pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave
Act (FMLA) shall be added to his or her Credited Service provided that:
1. The Member contributes to the Fund the sum that he or she would have
contributed, based on his or her Salary and the Member contribution rate in effect at the
time that the Credited Service is requested, had he or she been a Member of the System
for the fractional parts of the twenty-four (24) months ending each March 1 for which he
or she is requesting credit plus amounts actuarially determined such that the crediting of
service does not result in any cost to the Fund plus payment of costs for all professional
services rendered to the Board in connection with the purchase of periods of Credited
Service.
2. The request for Credited Service for FMLA leave time for the twenty-four
(24) month period prior to each March 1 and payment of professional fees shall be made
on or before March 31.
3. Payment by the Member of the required amount shall be made on or before
April 30 for the preceding twenty-four (24) month period ending March 1 and shall be
made in one lump sum payment upon receipt of which Credited Service shall be issued.
4. Credited Service purchased pursuant to this section shall not count toward
vesting.
SECTION 25. DIRECT TRANSFERS OF ELIGIBLE ROLLOVER
DISTRIBUTIONS.
1. Rollover Distributions.
A. General.
This Section applies to distributions made on or after January 1,
2002. Notwithstanding any provision of the System to the contrary
that would otherwise limit a distributee's election under this Section,
a distributee may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by
the Board, to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution paid
directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee in a
direct rollover.
B. Definitions.
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(1) Eligible Rollover Distribution: An eligible rollover distribution is any
distribution of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of the
distributee, except that an eligible rollover distribution does not
include: any distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal
periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for the
life (or life expectancy) of the distributee or the joint lives (or joint life
expectancies) of the distributee and the distributee's designated
Beneficiary, or for a specified period of ten (10) years or more; any
distribution to the extent such distribution is required under section
401(a)(9) of the Code; and the portion of any distribution that is not
includible in gross income. Effective January 1, 2002, any portion of
any distribution which would be includible in gross income as after-
tax employee contributions will be an eligible rollover distribution if
the distribution is made to an individual retirement account described
in section 408(a); to an individual retirement annuity described in
section 408(b); or to a qualified defined contribution plan described
in section 401(a) or 403(a) that agrees to separately account for
amounts so transferred (and earnings thereon, including separately
accounting for the portion of such distribution which is includible in
gross income and the portion of such distribution which is not so
includible; or on or after January 1, 2007, to a qualified defined
benefit plan described in Code Section 401(a) or to an annuity
contract described in Code Section 403(b), that agrees to separately
account for amounts so transferred (and earnings thereon), including
separately accounting for the portion of the distribution that is
includible in gross income and the portion of the distribution that is
not so includible.
(2) Eligible Retirement Plan: An eligible retirement plan is an individual
retirement account described in section 408(a) of the Code; an
individual retirement annuity described in section 408(b) of the Code;
an annuity plan described in section 403(a) of the Code; effective
January 1, 2002, an eligible deferred compensation plan described
in section 457(b) of the Code which is maintained by an eligible
employer described in section 457(e)(1)(A) of the Code and which
agrees to separately account for amounts transferred into such plan
from this plan; effective January 1, 2002, an annuity contract
described in section 403(b) of the Code; a qualified trust described
in section 401(a) of the Code; or effective January 1, 2008, a Roth
IRA described in Section 408A of the Code, that accepts the
distributee's eligible rollover distribution. This definition shall also
apply in the case of an eligible rollover distribution to the surviving
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Spouse, an eligible retirement plan is an individual retirement
account or individual retirement annuity.
(3) Distributee: A distributee includes an employee or former employee.
It also includes, the employee's or former employee's surviving
spouse and the employee’s or former employee’s spouse or former
spouse. Effective January 1, 2007, it further includes a nonspouse
beneficiary who is a designated beneficiary as defined by Code
Section 401(a)(9)(E). However, a nonspouse beneficiary may
rollover the distribution only to an individual retirement account or
individual retirement annuity established for the purpose of receiving
the distribution and the account or annuity will be treated as an
"inherited" individual retirement account or annuity.
(4) Direct Rollover: A direct rollover is a payment by the plan to the
eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee.
2. Rollovers or Transfers into the Fund.
On or after January 1, 2002, the System will accept Member rollover cash
contributions and/or direct cash rollovers of distributions made on or after January 1,
2002, as follows:
A. Direct Rollovers or Member Rollover Contributions from Other Plans.
The System will accept either a direct rollover of an eligible rollover
distribution or a Member contribution of an eligible rollover
distribution from a qualified plan described in section 401(a) or
403(a) of the Code, from an annuity contract described in section
403(b) of the Code or from an eligible plan under section 457(b) of
the Code which is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a
state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political
subdivision of a state.
B. Member Rollover Contributions from IRAs. The system will accept a
Member rollover contribution of the portion of a distribution from an
individual retirement account or annuity described in section 408(a)
or 408(b) of the Code that is eligible to be rolled over.
3. Elimination of Mandatory Distributions.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, in the event this
Plan provides for a mandatory (involuntary) cash distribution from the Plan not otherwise
required by law, for an amount in excess of one-thousand dollars ($1,000.00) seven
thousand ($7000), such distribution shall be made from the Plan only upon written request
of the Member and completion by the Member of a written election on forms designated
by the Board, to either receive a cash lump sum or to rollover the lump sum amount.
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SECTION 26. PRIOR POLICE OR FIRE SERVICE.
Unless otherwise prohibited by law, and except as provided for in Section 1, the
years or fractional parts of years that a Police Officer or Firefighter previously served as
a Police Officer or Firefighter with the City of Ocoee during a period of previous
employment and for which period Accumulated Contributions were withdrawn from the
Fund, or the years and fractional parts of years that a Member served as a Firefighter or
Police Officer for any other municipal, county or special district fire department or special
law enforcement department in the State of Florida or jurisdiction other than the State of
Florida, shall be added to his or her years of Credited Service provided that:
1. The Police Officer or Firefighter contributes to the Fund an actuarially
determined amount such that the crediting of service does not result in any cost to the
Fund plus payment of costs for all professional services rendered to the Board in
connection with the purchase of years of Credited Service.
2. Multiple requests to purchase Credited Service pursuant to this Section may
be made at any time prior to Retirement.
3. Payment by the Police Officer or Firefighter of the required amount shall be
made within six (6) months of his or her request for credit and shall be made in one (1)
lump sum payment to the Board, upon receipt of which Credited Service shall be given.
4. The maximum credit under this Section for jurisdiction other than with the
city of Ocoee when combined with credited service purchased pursuant to Section 28,
Military Service Prior to Employment, shall be five (5) years of Credited Service and shall
count for all purposes, except vesting and eligibility for not-in-line of duty disability
benefits. There shall be no maximum purchase of credit for prior service with the City of
Ocoee and such credit shall count for all purposes, including vesting.
5. In no event, however, may Credited Service be purchased pursuant to this
Section for prior service with any other municipal, county or special district fire department
or special law enforcement department, if such prior service forms or will form the basis
of a retirement benefit or pension from another retirement system or plan as set forth in
Section 15, subsection 12.B.
6. For purposes of determining credit for prior service as a Firefighter as
provided for in this Section, in addition to service as a Firefighter in this State, credit may
be purchased by the Member in the same manner as provided above for federal, other
state, county or municipal service if the prior service is recognized by the Division of State
Fire Marshal, as provided under Chapter 633, Florida Statutes, or the Firefighter provides
proof to the Board that such service is equivalent to the service required to meet the
definition of a Firefighter under Section 1.
7. For purposes of determining credit for prior service as a Police Officer as
provided for in this Section, in addition to service as a Police Officer in this State, credit
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may be purchased by the Member in the same manner as provided above for federal,
other state, county or municipal service if the prior service is recognized by the Criminal
Justice Standards and Training Commission within the Department of Law Enforcement,
as provided under Chapter 943, Florida Statutes, or the Police Officer provides proof to
the Board that such service is equivalent to the service required to meet the definition of
a Police Officer under Section 1.
SECTION 27. DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN.
1. Definitions.
As used in this Section 27, the following definitions apply:"
A. "DROP" -- The Ocoee Police Officers' and Firefighters' Deferred
Retirement Option Plan.
B. "DROP Account" -- The account established for each DROP
participant under subsection 3.
C. "Total Return of the Assets" -- For purposes of calculating earnings
on a Member's DROP Account pursuant to subsection 3.B.(2)(b)., for
each fiscal year quarter, the percentage increase (or decrease) in the
interest and dividends earned on investments, including realized and
unrealized gains (or losses), of the total Plan assets.
2. Participation.
A. Eligibility to Participate.
In lieu of terminating his employment as a Police Officer or
Firefighter, any Member who is eligible for normal retirement under
the System may elect to defer receipt of such service retirement
pension and to participate in the DROP.
B. Election to Participate.
A Member's election to participate in the DROP must be made in
writing in a time and manner determined by the Board and shall be
effective on the first day of the first calendar month which is at least
fifteen (15) business days after it is received by the Board.
C. Period of participation.
1. A Member who elects to participate in the DROP under
subsection 2.B., shall participate in the DROP for a period not
to exceed sixty (60) months beginning on the date which the
Member first becomes eligible for normal retirement. An
election to participate in the DROP shall constitute an
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irrevocable election to resign from the service of the City at
the time of election into the DROP. A Member may participate
only once.
2. Effective October 1, 2023, a Firefighter Member shall be
eligible to participate in the DROP for a period not to exceed
ninety-six (96) months beginning on the date which the
Member first becomes eligible for normal retirement.
a. A Firefighter Member who entered the DROP prior to
October 1, 2023 and has not reached their maximum
DROP participation period of 60 months as of October
1, 2023, may, in accordance with the conditions
specified below, elect to extend their maximum DROP
participation period from sixty (60) months to ninety-six
(96) months. Upon approval by the Board, a Member's
election to extend participation in the DROP shall
extend the Member's DROP participation period as if
the maximum participation period upon entry into the
DROP was 96 months (e.g. adding 36 months to the
initial 60-month maximum DROP participation period).
For Members who elect to extend their maximum
DROP participation, the following conditions shall
apply to any such extension of DROP participation:
i. The election shall be irrevocable;
ii. The Member must, in writing, (1) agree to
terminate employment at the end of the
extended DROP participation period, and (2)
submit an irrevocable, unconditional letter of
resignation prior to extending the DROP, which
resignation shall be effective on the date the
DROP participation period ends (which shall be
the earlier of the termination of the member's
employment, for any reason, or the last day of
the extended maximum DROP participation
period); and
iii. The Member must elect to extend the DROP
participation period and submit the written
requirements noted above prior to the end of the
member's initial 60 month DROP participation
period. In the event a Member who is eligible to
extend his/her maximum DROP participation
period does not timely elect to do so, the
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Member's DROP participation period shall not
be extended, and the maximum DROP
participation period shall remain 60 months.
3. Effective October 1, 2025, a Police Member shall be eligible
to participate in the DROP for a period not to exceed ninety-six
(96) months beginning on the date which the Member first
becomes eligible for normal retirement.
a. A Police Member who entered the DROP prior to
October 1, 2025 and has not reached their maximum
DROP participation period of 60 months as of October
1, 2025, may, in accordance with the conditions
specified below, elect to extend their maximum DROP
participation period from sixty (60) months to ninety-six
(96) months. Upon approval by the Board, a Member's
election to extend participation in the DROP shall
extend the Member's DROP participation period as if
the maximum participation period upon entry into the
DROP was 96 months (e.g. adding 36 months to the
initial 60-month maximum DROP participation period).
For Members who elect to extend their maximum
DROP participation, the following conditions shall
apply to any such extension of DROP participation:
i. The election shall be irrevocable;
ii. The Member must, in writing, (1) agree to terminate
employment at the end of the extended DROP
participation period, and (2) submit an irrevocable,
unconditional letter of resignation prior to extending
the DROP, which resignation shall be effective on
the date the DROP participation period ends (which
shall be the earlier of the termination of the
member's employment, for any reason, or the last
day of the extended maximum DROP participation
period); and
iii. The Member must elect to extend the DROP
participation period and submit the written
requirements noted above prior to the end of the
member's initial 60 month DROP participation
period. In the event a Member who is eligible to
extend his/her maximum DROP participation period
does not timely elect to do so, the Member's DROP
participation period shall not be extended, and the
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maximum DROP participation period shall remain
60 months.
4. For a DROP participant who fails to terminate city employment
at the expiration of the 96-month maximum DROP
participation period, such Member shall be deemed not to be
retired, the DROP election shall be null and void, and the
Member shall have no accumulated DROP benefits.
Retirement System membership shall be reestablished
retroactively to the original date of the commencement of the
DROP, and the Member shall be required to pay to the
Retirement System the Member contributions as if they had
continued service to the city, and the city contributions during
the period such Member participated in the DROP, plus an
interest rate equal to the annual assumed investment return
during each year the Member participated in the DROP.
D. Termination of Participation.
(1) A Member participating in the DROP shall cease participating
in the DROP by:
(a) electing in writing, in a time and manner determined by
the Board, to cease participating in the DROP;
(b) continuing to be employed as a Police Officer or
Firefighter at the end of his period of participation in the
DROP as determined under subsection 2.C.; or
(c) terminating his employment as a Police Officer or
Firefighter.
Any election made under clause (a) shall be effective on the
first day of the first calendar month which is at least fifteen
(15) business days after it is received by the Board.
(2) Upon the Member's termination of participation in the DROP,
pursuant to subsection (1),(a) or (b) above, all amounts
provided for in subsection 3.B., including monthly benefits and
investment earnings and losses or interest, shall cease to be
transferred from the System to his DROP Account. Any
amounts remaining in his DROP Account shall be paid to him
in accordance with the provisions of subsection 4. when he
terminates his employment as a Police Officer or Firefighter.
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(3) A Member who elects to terminate his participation in the
DROP under subsection 2.D. shall not be permitted to again
become a participant in the DROP.
E. Effect of DROP Participation on the System.
(1) A Member's Credited Service and his accrued benefit under
the System shall be determined on the date his election to
participate in the DROP first becomes effective. For purposes
of determining the accrued benefit, the Member's Salary for
the purposes of calculating his Average Final Compensation
shall include an amount equal to any lump sum payments
which would have been paid to the Member and included as
Salary as defined herein, had the Member retired under
normal retirement and not elected DROP participation.
Member contributions attributable to any lump sums used in
the benefit calculation and not actually received by the
Member shall be deducted from the first payments to the
Member's DROP Account. The Member shall not accrue any
additional Credited Service or any additional benefits under
the System (except for any supplemental benefit payable to
DROP participants or any additional benefits provided under
any cost-of-living adjustment for Retirees in the System) while
he is a participant in the DROP. After a Member commences
participation, he shall not be permitted to again contribute to
the System nor shall he be eligible for disability or pre-
retirement death benefits, except as provided for in Section
29. After a Member commences participation in the DROP,
no changes to such Member’s form of benefit election shall be
permitted.
(2) No amounts shall be paid to a Member from the System while
the Member is a participant in the DROP. Unless otherwise
specified in the System, if a Member terminates his
participation in the DROP other than by terminating his
employment as a Police Officer or Firefighter, no amounts
shall be paid to him from the System until he terminates his
employment as a Police Officer or Firefighter. Unless
otherwise specified in the System, amounts transferred from
the System to the Member's DROP Account shall be paid
directly to the Member only on the termination of his
employment as a Police Officer or Firefighter.
3. Funding.
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A. Establishment of DROP Account.
A DROP Account shall be established for each Member participating
in the DROP. A Member's DROP Account shall consist of amounts
transferred to the DROP under subsection 3.B., and earnings or
interest on those amounts.
B. Transfers From Retirement System.
(1) As of the first day of each month of a Member's period of
participation in the DROP, the monthly retirement benefit he
would have received under the System had he terminated his
employment as a Police Officer or Firefighter and elected to
receive monthly benefit payments thereunder shall be
transferred to his DROP Account, except as otherwise
provided for in subsection 2.D.(2). A Member's period of
participation in the DROP shall be determined in accordance
with the provisions of subsections 2.C. and 2.D., but in no
event shall it continue past the date he terminates his
employment as a Police Officer or Firefighter.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2.D.(2), a
Member’s DROP Account under this subsection 3.B. shall be
debited or credited after each fiscal year quarter with either:
(a) For Members who enter the DROP prior to October 1,
2012, interest at an effective rate of six and one-half
percent (6.5%) per annum compounded monthly
determined on the last business day of the prior
month’s ending balance and credited to the Member’s
DROP Account as of such date (to be applicable to all
current and future DROP participants); or
(b) For Members who enter the DROP on or after October
1, 2012 interest at an effective rate of two percent (2%)
per annum compounded monthly determined on the
last business day of the prior month’s ending balance
and credited to the Member’s DROP Account as of
such date (to be applicable to all current and future
DROP participants); or
(c) Earnings, to be credited or debited to the Member’s
DROP Account, determined as of the last business day
of each fiscal year quarter and debited or credited as
of such date, determined as follows:
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The average daily balance in a Member’s DROP
Account shall be credited or debited at a rate equal to
the actual net rate of investment return realized by the
System for that quarter but not less than zero percent
(0%) for Police Officer Member’s. Effective October 1,
2021, Firefighter Members shall be credited or debited
at a rate equal to the actual net rate of investment
return realized by the System for that quarter, but in no
event shall such returns be less than zero (0%)
percent. “Net investment return” for the purpose of this
paragraph is the total return of the assets in which the
Member’s DROP Account is invested by the Board net
of brokerage commissions, transaction costs and
management fees.
For purposes of calculating earnings on a Member's
DROP Account pursuant to this subsection 3.B.(2)(b).,
brokerage commissions, transaction costs, and
management fees shall be determined for each quarter
by the investment consultant pursuant to contracts with
fund managers as reported in the custodial statement.
The investment consultant shall report these quarterly
contractual fees to the Board. The investment
consultant shall also report the net investment return
for each manager and the net investment return for the
total Plan assets.
Upon electing participation in the DROP, the Member shall
elect to receive either interest or earnings on his account to
be determined as provided above. The Member may, in
writing, elect to change his election only once during his
DROP participation. An election to change must be made
prior to the end of a quarter and shall be effective beginning
the following quarter.
(3) A Member's DROP Account shall only be credited or debited
with earnings or interest and monthly benefits while the
Member is a participant in the DROP and after the Member
dies, retires or terminates his employment as a Police Officer
or Firefighter. If a Member is employed by the City Fire and
Police Departments after electing to cease participation in the
DROP pursuant to subsection 2.D.(1)(a) or after participating
in the DROP for five (5) years, then beginning with the next
payment following cessation of participation or beginning with
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the Member's 61st month of DROP participation, whichever
occurs first, the Member's DROP Account will no longer be
credited or debited with earnings or interest, nor will monthly
benefits be transferred to the DROP account. All such non-
transferred amounts shall be forfeited and continue to be
forfeited while the Member is employed by the City Fire and
Police Departments. A Member employed by the City Fire and
Police Departments after five (5) years of DROP participation
will still not be eligible for pre-retirement death or disability
benefits, nor will he accrue additional Credited Service,
except as provided for in Section 29. Notwithstanding,
effective October 1, 2023, for all Firefighter Members who
elect to participate in the DROP for eight (8) years, then
beginning with the next payment following cessation of
participation or beginning with the Member’s 97th month of
DROP participation, whichever occurs first, the Member’s
DROP account will no longer be credited or debited with
earnings or interest, nor will monthly benefits be transferred
to their DROP account. All such non-transferred amounts
shall be forfeited and continue to be forfeited while the
Member remains employed by the City as a Firefighter.
Notwithstanding, effective October 1, 2025, for all Police
Members who elect to participate in the DROP for eight (8)
years, then beginning with the next payment following
cessation of participation or beginning with the Member’s 97th
month of DROP participation, whichever occurs first, the
Member’s DROP account will no longer be credited or debited
with earnings or interest, nor will monthly benefits be
transferred to their DROP account. All such non-transferred
amounts shall be forfeited and continue to be forfeited while
the Member remains employed by the City as a Police Officer.
4. Distribution of DROP Accounts on Termination of Employment.
A. Eligibility for Benefits.
A Member shall receive the balance in his DROP Account in
accordance with the provisions of this subsection 4. upon his
termination of employment as a Police Officer or Firefighter. Except
as provided in subsection 4.D., no amounts shall be paid to a
Member from the DROP prior to his termination of employment as a
Police Officer or Firefighter.
B. Form of Distribution.
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(1) Unless the Member elects otherwise, distribution of his DROP
Account shall be made in a cash lump sum, subject to the
direct rollover provisions set forth in subsection 4. F. Elections
under this paragraph shall be in writing and shall be made in
such time or manner as the Board shall determine.
(2) If a Member dies before his benefit is paid, his DROP Account
shall be paid to his Beneficiary in such optional form as his
Beneficiary may select. If no Beneficiary designation is made,
the DROP Account shall be distributed to the Member's
estate.
C. Date of Payment of Distribution.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection 4., distribution of a
Member's DROP Account shall be made as soon as administratively
practicable following the Member's termination of employment.
Distribution of the amount in a Member’s DROP account will not be
made unless the Member completes a written request for distribution
and a written election, on forms designated by the Board, to either
receive a cash lump sum or a rollover of the lump sum amount.
D. Proof of Death and Right of Beneficiary or Other Person.
The Board may require and rely upon such proof of death and such
evidence of the right of any Beneficiary or other person to receive the
value of a deceased Member's DROP Account as the Board may
deem proper and its determination of the right of that Beneficiary or
other person to receive payment shall be conclusive.
E. Distribution Limitation.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection 4., all
distributions from the DROP shall conform to the “Minimum
Distribution of Benefits” provisions as provided for herein.
F. Direct Rollover of Certain Distributions.
This subsection applies to distributions made on or after January 1,
2002. Notwithstanding any provision of the DROP to the contrary, a
distributee may elect to have any portion of an eligible rollover
distribution paid in a direct rollover as otherwise provided under the
System in Section 25, herein incorporated by reference.
5. Administration of DROP.
A. Board Administers the DROP.
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The general administration of the DROP, the responsibility for
carrying out the provisions of the DROP and the responsibility of
overseeing the investment of the DROP's assets shall be placed in
the Board. The members of the Board may appoint from their
number such subcommittees with such powers as they shall
determine; may adopt such administrative procedures and
regulations as they deem desirable for the conduct of their affairs;
may authorize one or more of their number or any agent to execute
or deliver any instrument or make any payment on their behalf; may
retain counsel, employ agents and provide for such clerical,
accounting, actuarial and consulting services as they may require in
carrying out the provisions of the DROP; and may allocate among
themselves or delegate to other persons all or such portion of their
duties under the DROP, other than those granted to them as Trustee
under any trust agreement adopted for use in implementing the
DROP, as they, in their sole discretion, shall decide. A Trustee shall
not vote on any question relating exclusively to himself.
B. Individual Accounts, Records and Reports.
The Board shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, records
showing the operation and condition of the DROP, including records
showing the individual balances in each Member's DROP Account,
and the Board shall keep, or cause to be kept, in convenient form
such data as may be necessary for the valuation of the assets and
liabilities of the DROP. The Board shall prepare or cause to be
prepared and distributed to Members participating in the DROP and
other individuals or filed with the appropriate governmental agencies,
as the case may be, all necessary descriptions, reports, information
returns, and data required to be distributed or filed for the DROP
pursuant to the Code, the applicable portions of the Act and any other
applicable laws.
C. Establishment of Rules.
Subject to the limitations of the DROP, the Board from time to time
shall establish rules for the administration of the DROP and the
transaction of its business. The Board shall have discretionary
authority to construe and interpret the DROP (including but not
limited to determination of an individual's eligibility for DROP
participation, the right and amount of any benefit payable under the
DROP and the date on which any individual ceases to be a
participant in the DROP). The determination of the Board as to the
interpretation of the DROP or its determination of any disputed
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questions shall be conclusive and final to the extent permitted by
applicable law. The Board shall also oversee the investment of the
DROP'S assets.
D. Limitation of Liability.
(1) The Trustees shall not incur any liability individually or on
behalf of any other individuals for any act or failure to act,
made in good faith in relation to the DROP or the funds of the
DROP.
(2) Neither the Board nor any Trustee of the Board shall be
responsible for any reports furnished by any expert retained
or employed by the Board, but they shall be entitled to rely
thereon as well as on certificates furnished by an accountant
or an actuary, and on all opinions of counsel. The Board shall
be fully protected with respect to any action taken or suffered
by it in good faith in reliance upon such expert, accountant,
actuary or counsel, and all actions taken or suffered in such
reliance shall be conclusive upon any person with any interest
in the DROP.
6. General Provisions.
A. The DROP Is Not a Separate Retirement Plan.
Instead, it is a program under which a Member who is eligible for
normal retirement under the System may elect to accrue future
retirement benefits in the manner provided in this section 27 for the
remainder of his employment, rather than in the normal manner
provided under the plan. Upon termination of employment, a
Member is entitled to a lump sum distribution of his or her DROP
Account balance or may elect a rollover. The DROP Account
distribution is in addition to the Member's monthly benefit.
B. Notional Account.
The DROP Account established for such a Member is a notional
account, used only for the purpose of calculation of the DROP
distribution amount. It is not a separate account in the System.
There is no change in the System's assets, and there is no
distribution available to the Member until the Member's termination
from the DROP. The Member has no control over the investment of
the DROP Account.
C. No Employer Discretion.
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The DROP benefit is determined pursuant to a specific formula which
does not involve employer discretion.
D. IRC Limit.
The DROP Account distribution, along with other benefits payable
from the System, is subject to limitation under Internal Revenue
Code Section 415(b).
E. Amendment of DROP.
The DROP may be amended by an ordinance of the City at any time
and from time to time, and retroactively if deemed necessary or
appropriate, to amend in whole or in part any or all of the provisions
of the DROP. However, except as otherwise provided by law, no
amendment shall make it possible for any part of the DROP's funds
to be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive
benefit of persons entitled to benefits under the DROP. No
amendment shall be made which has the effect of decreasing the
balance of the DROP Account of any Member.
F. Facility of Payment.
If the Board shall find that a Member or other person entitled to a
benefit under the DROP is unable to care for his affairs because of
illness or accident or is a minor, the Board may direct that any benefit
due him, unless claim shall have been made for the benefit by a duly
appointed legal representative, be paid to his Spouse, a child, a
parent or other blood relative, or to a person with whom he resides.
Any payment so made shall be a complete discharge of the liabilities
of the DROP for that benefit.
G. Information.
Each Member, Beneficiary or other person entitled to a benefit,
before any benefit shall be payable to him or on his account under
the DROP, shall file with the Board the information that it shall require
to establish his rights and benefits under the DROP.
H. Written Elections, Notification.
(1) Any elections, notifications or designations made by a
Member pursuant to the provisions of the DROP shall be
made in writing and filed with the Board in a time and manner
determined by the Board under rules uniformly applicable to
all employees similarly situated. The Board reserves the right
to change from the time and manner for making notifications,
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elections or designations by Members under the DROP if it
determines after due deliberation that such action is justified
in that it improves the administration of the DROP. In the
event of a conflict between the provisions for making an
election, notification or designation set forth in the DROP and
such new administrative procedures, those new
administrative procedures shall prevail.
(2) Each Member or Retiree who has a DROP Account shall be
responsible for furnishing the Board with his current address
and any subsequent changes in his address. Any notice
required to be given to a Member or Retiree hereunder shall
be deemed given if directed to him at the last such address
given to the Board and mailed by registered or certified United
States mail. If any check mailed by registered or certified
United States mail to such address is returned, mailing of
checks will be suspended until such time as the Member or
Retiree notifies the Board of his address.
I. Benefits Not Guaranteed.
All benefits payable to a Member from the DROP shall be paid only
from the assets of the Member's DROP Account and neither the City
nor the Board shall have any duty or liability to furnish the DROP with
any funds, securities or other assets except to the extent required by
any applicable law.
J. Construction.
(1) The DROP shall be construed, regulated and administered
under the laws of Florida, except where other applicable law
controls.
(2) The titles and headings of the subsections in this Section 27
are for convenience only. In the case of ambiguity or
inconsistency, the text rather than the titles or headings shall
control.
K. Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits.
Nothing in this Section shall be construed to remove DROP
participants from the scope of Section 22 above or Section 112.3173,
Florida Statutes. DROP participants who commit a specified offense
or whose employment is terminated as described in Section 22 while
employed, will be subject to forfeiture of all retirement benefits,
including DROP benefits, pursuant to the above provisions of law.
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L. Effect of DROP Participation on Employment.
Participation in the DROP is not a guarantee of employment and
DROP participants shall be subject to the same employment
standards and policies that are applicable to employees who are not
DROP participants.
7. BAC-DROP.
In lieu of participation in the DROP, for Members who elect on or after
October 1, 2012 to participate in an actuarially equivalent BAC-DROP to a
date of the Member’s choosing, provided that the date is not further back
than the Member’s normal retirement date. The total BAC-DROP period
shall not exceed sixty (60) months and shall provide an immediate partial
lump sum distribution, payable to the Member’s DROP Account. The lump
sum shall be the accrued benefit, determined as if the Member had entered
the DROP retroactively, as described above, accumulated with interest at
the annual fixed rate of 2%. The Member may choose an actuarially
equivalent form of benefit at the time of BAC-DROP entry, as described in
Section 10, Optional Forms of Benefits. Member contributions shall be
returned for the period of the BAC-DROP participation. A Member electing
the BAC-DROP shall terminate employment not later than the first day of
the month following his election to participate in the BAC-DROP. The
Board’s authority and power for administration of the BAC-DROP shall be
the same as those provided for in the DROP.
SECTION 28. MILITARY SERVICE PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT.
The years or fractional parts of years that a Firefighter or Police Officer serves or
has served on active duty in the military service of the Armed Forces of the United States,
the United States Merchant Marine or the United States Coast Guard, voluntarily or
involuntarily and honorably or under honorable conditions, prior to first and initial
employment with the City Fire Department or City Police Department shall be added to
his years of Credited Service provided that:
1. The Member contributes to the Fund an actuarially determined amount so
that the crediting of the purchased service does not result in any cost to the Fund plus
payment of costs for all professional services rendered to the Board in connection with
the purchase of years of Credited Service.
2. Multiple requests to purchase Credited Service pursuant to this Section may
be made at any time prior to Retirement.
3. Payment by the Member of the required amount shall be made within six
(6) months of his request for credit and shall be made in one (1) lump sum payment to
the Board, upon receipt of which Credited Service shall be given.
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4. The maximum credit under this Section when combined with credited
service purchased pursuant to Section 26, Prior Police or Fire Service, for jurisdiction
other than the City of Ocoee, shall be five (5) years.
5. Credited Service purchased pursuant to this Section shall count for all
purposes, except vesting and eligibility for not-in-line of duty disability benefits.
SECTION 29. REEMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT.
1. Any Retiree who is retired under this System may be reemployed by any
public or private employer, and may receive compensation from that employment without
limiting or restricting in any way the retirement benefits payable under this System.
Nothwithstanding the previous sentence, reemployment by the City shall be subject to the
limitations set forth in this Section.
2. After Normal Retirement. Any Retiree who is retired under normal
retirement pursuant to this System and who is reemployed as a Firefighter or Police
Officer after that Retirement and, by virtue of that reemployment, is eligible to participate
in this System, shall upon being reemployed discontinue receipt of benefits. Upon
reemployment, the Retiree shall be deemed to be fully vested and the additional Credited
Service accrued during the subsequent employment period shall be used in computing a
second benefit amount attributable to the subsequent employment period, which benefit
amount shall be added to the benefit determined upon the initial retirement to determine
the total benefit payable upon final Retirement. Calculations of benefits upon Retirement
shall be based upon the benefit accrual rate, Average Final Compensation, and Credited
Service as of that date and the retirement benefit amount for any subsequent employment
period shall be based upon the benefit accrual rate, Average Final Compensation (based
only on the subsequent employment period), and Credited Service as of the date of
subsequent retirement The amount of any death or disability benefit received as a result
of a subsequent period of employment shall be reduced by the amount of accrued benefit
eligible to be paid for a prior period of employment. The optional form of benefit and any
joint pensioner selected upon initial retirement shall not be subject to change upon
subsequent retirement except as otherwise provided herein, but the Member may select
a different optional form and joint pensioner applicable to the subsequent retirement
benefit.
3. Any Retiree who is retired under normal retirement pursuant to this System
and who is reemployed by the City after that Retirement and, by virtue of that
reemployment is ineligible to participate in this System, shall, during the period of such
reemployment, discontinue receipt of benefits during any subsequent employment period.
4. After Early Retirement. Any Retiree who is retired under early retirement
pursuant to this System and who subsequently becomes an employee of the City in any
capacity shall discontinue receipt of benefits from the System. If by virtue of that
reemployment, the Retiree is eligible to participate in this System, the Retiree shall be
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deemed to be fully vested and the additional Credited Service accrued during the
subsequent employment period shall be used in computing a second benefit amount
attributable to the subsequent employment period, which benefit amount shall be added
to the benefit determined upon the initial retirement to determine the total benefit payable
upon final Retirement. Calculations of benefits upon retirement shall be based upon the
benefit accrual rate, Average Final Compensation, Credited Service and early retirement
reduction factor as of that date and the retirement benefit amount for any subsequent
employment period shall be based upon the benefit accrual rate, Average Final
Compensation (based only on the subsequent employment period), and Credited Service
as of the date of subsequent retirement. The amount of any death or disability benefit
received as a result of a subsequent period of employment shall be reduced by the
amount of accrued benefit eligible to be paid for a prior period of employment. The
optional form of benefit and any joint pensioner selected upon initial retirement shall not
be subject to change upon subsequent retirement except as otherwise provided herein,
but the member may select a different optional form and joint pensioner applicable to the
subsequent retirement benefit. Retirement pursuant to an early retirement incentive
program shall be deemed early retirement for purposes of this Section if the Member was
permitted to retire prior to the customary retirement date provided for in the System at the
time of retirement.
5. After Disability Retirement.
A. Subject to paragraphs B and C. below, any Retiree who is
retired under Section 8., Disability (“disability retiree”), may,
subject to subsection 5., Physical Examination Requirement,
of that section, be reemployed by any public or private
employer, and may receive compensation from that
employment without limiting or restricting in any way, the
retirement benefits payable under this system.
B. Any disability Retiree who subsequently becomes an
employee of the City in any capacity, except as a Police
Officer or Firefighter, shall discontinue receipt of disability
benefits from the system for the period of any such
employment.
C. If a disability Retiree is reemployed as a Police Officer or
Firefighter (as applicable, based on position held at the time
of disability), for any employer the City, his or her disability
benefit shall cease and, if reemployed in such capacity by the
City, Section 8, subsection 5. shall apply.
6. Reemployment of Terminated Vested Persons. Reemployed terminated
vested persons shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section until such time as
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they begin to actually receive benefits. Upon receipt of benefits, terminated vested
persons shall be treated as normal or early Retirees for purposes of applying the
provisions of this Section and their status as an early or normal Retiree shall be
determined by the date they elect to begin to receive their benefit.
7. DROP participants. Retirees who were in the Deferred Retirement Option
Plan shall, following termination of employment after DROP participation, have the
options provided for in this section for reemployment.
SECTION 30. SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT COMPONENT FOR SPECIAL
BENEFITS; CHAPTERS 175 AND 185 SHARE ACCOUNTS.
FIREFIGHTERS. There is hereby established an additional plan component, for
Firefighter Members, to provide special benefits in the form of a supplemental retirement,
termination, death and disability benefits to be in addition to the benefits provided for in
the previous Sections of this Plan, such benefit to be funded solely and entirely by Chapter
175, Florida Statutes, premium tax monies for each plan year which are allocated to this
supplemental component as provided for in Section 175.351, Florida Statutes. Amounts
allocated to this supplemental component (“Share Plan”) shall be further allocated to the
members and DROP participants in a manner to be agreed upon.
POLICE OFFICERS. There is also hereby established an additional plan
component, for Police Officer Members, to provide special benefits in the form of a
supplemental retirement, termination, death and disability benefits to be in addition to the
benefits provided for in the previous Sections of this Plan, such benefit to be funded solely
and entirely by Chapter 185, Florida Statutes, premium tax monies for each plan year
which are allocated to this supplemental component as provided for in Section 185.35,
Florida Statutes. Amounts allocated to this supplemental component (“Share Plan”) shall
be further allocated to the members and DROP participants as follows:
1. Individual Member Share Accounts.
The Board shall create individual "Member Share Accounts" for all actively
employed Police Officer plan Members and Police Officer DROP participants and
maintain appropriate books and records showing the respective interest of each Member
or DROP participant hereunder. Each Member or DROP participant shall have a Member
Share Account for his share of the Chapter 185, Florida Statutes, tax revenues described
above, forfeitures and income and expense adjustments relating thereto. The Board shall
maintain separate Member Share Accounts, however, the maintenance of separate
accounts is for accounting purposes only and a segregation of the assets of the trust fund
to each account shall not be required or permitted.
2. Share Account Funding.
A. Individual Member Share Accounts shall be established as of
September 30, 2017 for all Members and DROP participants who
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were actively employed as of October 1, 2016. Individual Member
Share Accounts shall be credited with an allocation as provided for
in the following subsection 3. of any premium tax monies which have
been allocated to the share plan for that Plan Year, beginning with
the Plan Year ending September 30, 2017.
B. Any forfeitures as provided in subsection 4., shall be used as part of
future allocations to the individual Member Share Accounts in
accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 3.A.
3. Allocation of Monies to Share Accounts.
A. Allocation of Chapter 185 Contributions.
(1) Effective as of September 30, 2017, the amount of any
premium tax monies allocated to the share plan, including the
initial allocation set forth in paragraph (2) below, shall be
allocated to individual Member Share Accounts as provided
for in this subsection. Members retiring (or entering DROP)
on or after October 1, 2016 and prior to September 30, 2017
shall receive an allocation. In addition, all premium tax
monies allocated to the Share Plan in any subsequent Plan
Year shall also be allocated as provided for in this subsection.
Available premium tax monies shall be allocated to individual
Member Share Accounts at the end of each Plan Year on
September 30 (a “valuation date”).
(2) Initial Allocation. Accumulated premium tax revenues in the
amount of $193,673.55 shall be allocated in the initial
allocation on September 30, 2017. Only members and DROP
participants with at least one year of credited service on May
31, 2017 shall receive a share of this initial allocation of
accumulated premium tax revenues. The amount to be
allocated to the share account of each member or DROP
participant who is eligible for an allocation shall be an amount
equal to a fraction of the total amount, the numerator of which
shall be the individuals total full months of Credited Service as
of May 31, 2017, and the denominator of which shall be the
sum of the total months of Credited Service as of May 31,
2017, of all individuals to whom allocations are being made.
For purposes of this paragraph, Credited Service shall not
include purchased service for pre-employment military service
or prior police service with another employer.
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(3) On each subsequent valuation date after September 30,
2017, each current actively employed Member of the plan not
participating in the DROP, each DROP participant and each
Retiree who retires or DROP participant who has terminated
DROP participation in the Plan Year ending on the valuation
date (including each disability retiree), or Beneficiary of a
deceased Member (not including terminated vested persons)
who is otherwise eligible for an allocation as of the valuation
date shall receive a share allocation based on an allocation
method to be determined.
(4) Re-employed Retirees shall be deemed new employees and
shall receive an allocation based solely on the Credited
Service in the reemployment period.
B. Allocation of Investment Gains and Losses.
On each valuation date, each individual Member Share Account shall
be adjusted to reflect the net earnings or losses resulting from
investments during the year. The net earnings or losses allocated to
the individual Member Share Accounts shall be the same percentage
which is earned or lost by the total plan investments, including
realized and unrealized gains or losses, net of brokerage
commissions, transaction costs and management fees.
Net earnings or losses are determined as of the last business day of
the fiscal year, which is the valuation date, and are debited or
credited as of such date.
For purposes of calculating net earnings or losses on a Member's
share account pursuant to this subsection, brokerage commissions,
transaction costs, and management fees for the immediately
preceding fiscal year shall be determined for each year by the
investment consultant pursuant to contracts with fund managers as
reported in the custodial statement. The investment consultant shall
report these annual contractual fees to the Board. The investment
consultant shall also report the net investment return for each
manager and the net investment return for the total plan assets.
C. Allocation of Costs, Fees and Expenses.
On each valuation date, each individual Member Share Account shall
be adjusted to allocate its pro rata share of the costs, fees and
expenses of administration of the Share Plan. These fees shall be
allocated to each individual Member Share Account on a
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proportionate basis taking the costs, fees and expenses of
administration of the Share Plan as a whole multiplied by a fraction,
the numerator of which is the total assets in each individual Member
Share Account (after adding the annual investment gain or loss) and
the denominator of which is the total assets of the fund as a whole
as of the same date.
D. No Right to Allocation.
The fact of allocation or credit of an allocation to a Member's Share
Account by the Board shall not vest in any Member, any right, title,
or interest in the assets of the trust or in the Chapter 185, Florida
Statutes, tax revenues except at the time or times, to the extent, and
subject to the terms and conditions provided in this Section.
E. Members and DROP participants shall be provided annual
statements setting forth their share account balance as of the end of
the Plan Year.
F. Allocation of Chapter 175 Contributions.
Effective October 1, 2021, the Chapter 175 base premium tax
revenues (i.e. $282,130.75) and the Chapter 175 additional premium
tax revenues (i.e. Chapter 175 premium tax monies received in
excess of $282,130.75) shall be allocated in accordance with the
statutory default methodology provided for in Section 175.351,
Florida Statutes, except that the City’s allotted 50% of such annual
premium tax revenues shall first be applied towards reducing the
unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the Fund for so long as such
unfunded liability exists. Once all such actuarial unfunded liabilities
are satisfied, all premium tax revenues attributable to the City as set
forth herein shall be applied to reduce the City’s annual required
contribution to the System as set forth by the Fund’s actuary.
4. Forfeitures.
Any Member who has less than five (5) years of Credited Service seven (7)
years of Credited Service (five (5) years of Credited Service with respect to a Firefighter
hired prior to October 1, 2015, or a Police Officer hired prior to May 16, 2017) and who is
not otherwise eligible for payment of benefits after termination of employment with the
City as provided for in subsection 5. shall forfeit his individual Member Share Account.
Forfeited amounts shall be included and used as part of the Chapter 185 Chapter 175 or
185 (as the case may be) tax revenues for future allocations to individual Member Share
Accounts on each valuation date in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection
3.A.
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5. Eligibility For Benefits.
Any Member (or his Beneficiary) who terminates employment as a Police
Officer or Firefighter with the City or who dies, upon application filed with the Board, shall
be entitled to be paid the value of his individual Member Share Account, subject to the
following criteria:
A. Retirement Benefit.
(1) A Member shall be entitled to one hundred percent (100%) of
the value of his share account upon normal or early
Retirement pursuant to Section 6, or if the Member enters the
DROP, upon termination of employment.
(2) Such payment shall be made as provided in subsection 6.
B. Termination Benefit.
(1) In the event that a Member's employment as a Police Officer
or Firefighter is terminated by reason other than retirement,
death or disability, he shall be entitled to receive the value of
his share account only if he is vested in accordance with
Section 9.
(2) Such payment shall be made as provided in subsection 6.
C. Disability Benefit.
(1) In the event that a Member is determined to be eligible for
either an in-line of duty disability benefit pursuant to Section
8, subsection 1. or a not-in-line of duty disability benefit
pursuant to Section 8, subsection 3., he shall be entitled to
one hundred percent (100%) of the value of his share account.
(2) Such payment shall be made as provided in subsection 6.
D. Death Benefit.
(1) In the event that a Member or DROP participant dies while
actively employed as a Police Officer or Firefighter, one
hundred percent (100%) of the value of his Member Share
Account shall be paid to his designated Beneficiary as
provided in Section 7.
(2) Such payment shall be made as provided in subsection 6.
6. Payment of Benefits.
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If a Member or DROP participant terminates employment for any reason or
dies and he or his Beneficiary is otherwise entitled to receive the balance in the Member's
share account, the Member's share account shall be valued by the plan's actuary on the
next valuation date as provided for in subsection 3. above, following termination of
employment. Payment of the calculated share account balance shall be payable as soon
as administratively practicable following the valuation date, but not later than one hundred
fifty (150) days following the valuation date and shall be paid in one lump sum payment.
No optional forms of payments shall be permitted.
7. Benefits Not Guaranteed.
All benefits payable under this Section 30 shall be paid only from the assets
accounted for in individual Member Share Accounts. Neither the City nor the Board shall
have any duty or liability to furnish any additional funds, securities or other assets to fund
share account benefits. Neither the Board nor any Trustee shall be liable for the making,
retention, or sale of any investment or reinvestment made as herein provided, nor for any
loss or diminishment of the Member Share Account balances, except due to his or its own
negligence, willful misconduct or lack of good faith. All investments shall be made by the
Board subject to the restrictions otherwise applicable to fund investments.
8. Notional Account.
The Member Share Account is a notional account, used only for the purpose
of calculation of the share distribution amount. It is not a separate account in the System.
There is no change in the System's assets, and there is no distribution available to the
Member or DROP participant until the Member's or DROP participant's termination from
employment. The Member or DROP participant has no control over the investment of the
share account.
9. No Employer Discretion.
The share account benefit is determined pursuant to a specific formula
which does not involve employer discretion.
10. Maximum Additions.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, annual additions under
this Section shall not exceed the limitations of Internal Revenue Code Section 415(c)
pursuant to the provisions of Section 15, subsection 11.
10. IRC Limit.
The share account distribution, along with other benefits payable from the
System, is subject to limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 415(b).
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City of Ocoee
Business Impact Estimate
Proposed ordinance’s title/reference:
This Business Impact Estimate is provided in accordance with section 166.041(4), Florida
Statutes. If one or more boxes are checked below, this means the City is of the view that a
business impact estimate is not required by state law1 for the proposed ordinance, but the City is,
nevertheless, providing this Business Impact Estimate as a courtesy and to avoid any procedural
issues that could impact the enactment of the proposed ordinance. This Business Impact Estimate
may be revised following its initial posting.
☐ The proposed ordinance is required for compliance with Federal or State law or regulation; ☐ The proposed ordinance relates to the issuance or refinancing of debt; ☐ The proposed ordinance relates to the adoption of budgets or budget amendments,
including revenue sources necessary to fund the budget; ☐ The proposed ordinance is required to implement a contract or an agreement, including,
but not limited to, any Federal, State, local, or private grant or other financial assistance
accepted by the municipal government; ☐ The proposed ordinance is an emergency ordinance; ☐ The ordinance relates to procurement; or ☐ The proposed ordinance is enacted to implement the following:
a. Part II of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, relating to growth policy, county and municipal
planning, and land development regulation, including zoning, development orders,
development agreements and development permits;
b. Sections 190.005 and 190.046, Florida Statutes, regarding community development
districts;
c. Section 553.73, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Building Code; or
d. Section 633.202, Florida Statutes, relating to the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
In accordance with the provisions of controlling law, even notwithstanding the fact that
an exemption noted above may apply, the City hereby publishes the following
information:
1 See Section 166.041(4)(c), Florida Statutes.
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2
1. Summary of the proposed ordinance (must include a statement of the public purpose, such as
serving the public health, safety, morals and welfare):
2.An estimate of the direct economic impact of the proposed ordinance on private, for-profit
businesses in the City of Ocoee, if any:
(a) An estimate of direct compliance costs that businesses may reasonably incur;
(b) Any new charge or fee imposed by the proposed ordinance or for which businesses will be
financially responsible; and
(c) An estimate of the City’s regulatory costs, including estimated revenues from any new charges
or fees to cover such costs.
3.Good faith estimate of the number of businesses likely to be impacted by the proposed
ordinance:
4. Additional information the governing body deems useful (if any):
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