The Osage County Commission convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting the county, including a proposal for a new pension plan for law enforcement and fire personnel. The meeting began with a motion to approve an estimate related to ongoing projects, which was unanimously passed by the commission.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the Kansas Police and Fire Pension (KPNF) program. A representative outlined the benefits of the KPNF, emphasizing its advantages over the current Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) that Osage County has been a part of since 1963. The KPNF program, established in 1966, is designed to provide better financial protection for police, fire, and EMT personnel, particularly in light of the occupational risks they face.

The representative highlighted that KPNF offers lifetime disability benefits for members who can no longer perform their duties due to injury or illness, contrasting with KPERS, which provides limited benefits. The commission was informed that the next opportunity for the Osage County Sheriff's Department to affiliate with KPNF would be January 1, 2026, and that a vote would be necessary to proceed.

Concerns were raised about the financial implications of switching to KPNF, including the increased contribution rates for officers. Currently, KPERS members contribute 6% of their gross wages, while KPNF would require a contribution of 7.15%. However, the representative noted that the benefits provided by KPNF could help retain officers and reduce turnover costs, which are significant for the department.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of competing with larger cities for qualified personnel, as Osage County struggles to match the pay and benefits offered by larger jurisdictions. The commission acknowledged the importance of providing competitive benefits to attract and retain skilled law enforcement officers.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for Osage County to consider the potential transition to the KPNF program as a means to enhance the welfare of its first responders while also addressing the financial realities of such a move. The commission plans to further evaluate the proposal and its implications before making a final decision.