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Chair Kron turned the floor over to Secretary Rowley. Secretary Rowley began the review by explaining that with no new members entering the Corrections Officer Retirement plan within the Town of Oro Valley, and only two active members remaining, the changes would not be as noticeable to the CORP Local Board. However, there were important changes that will affect the Board in other areas of its operations. Secretary Rowley's overview included the following:
- Legislative changes become effective January 1, 2022.
- The Public Safety Personnel Retirement System will begin taking a more active role in normal benefit claims.
- The Local Board will no longer approve normal benefits such as regular retirements, DROPS, and regular survivor benefits.
- The Local Board will remain responsible for approving member eligibility, screening for pre-existing conditions, and ruling on disability claims and line of duty death benefits.
- Newly appointed and newly elected Board Members and Board Secretaries will be required to undergo training based on a curriculum developed by the State Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. This will be available online or in person. Training must be completed within 180 days.
- Although not legally required of current sitting members, it is recommended members undergo training once developed.
- New reporting requirements include notifying PSPRS (CORP) within 10 days of any Board Member, Board Secretary or Board Attorney changes.
- The new law prohibits Local Boards from being represented by attorneys who also represent employers and/or members within the PSPRS systems.
- The option for Local Boards to consolidate through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). The intent of this option is not to consolidate funds or liabilities, but to improve efficiencies at the Local Board level. Any IGA would be coordinated at the Town level and would be a Council approved agreement.
- Boards are expected to adhere to and adopt the updated Model Uniform Rules for PSPRS and CORP Local Boards. These rules are currently in draft form.
Members then viewed the three informational videos published by PSPRS outlining Employer and Local Board changes. After viewing the videos, Chair Kron asked the Board Members if there were any questions. Members discussed the educational requirements and inquired if they would be notified once training is available. Secretary Rowley stated the Members would be notified once training is released. Members also discussed the possibility of holding the trainings at their scheduled Board meetings. Finally, Members discussed the suggested motion to continue this item to the December 21, 2021 meeting. There was no further quesitons or discussion. |