Collin County's Health Care Foundation meeting on July 28, 2025, highlighted a successful financial year, with a reported 10.3% rate of return for 2024. Erica Johnson from human resources presented key insights, noting that the county is currently 100% funded in its retirement plan, a significant achievement compared to other counties like Tarrant, which is only 93% funded.

The meeting underscored the importance of responsible funding practices, with Johnson emphasizing that Collin County's required rate of 7.4% is lower than many comparison cities due to proactive lump sum funding and higher-than-required rate payments. However, preliminary figures for 2025 show a decline, with only a 1.5% return so far this year, raising concerns about future financial stability.

A critical discussion point was the potential for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees. Johnson clarified that Collin County has not implemented a repeating COLA, which could impact pension liabilities reported in the annual financial report. The last COLA was awarded in 2022, and any decision on a new adjustment will be made during the upcoming budget discussions.

As the county prepares for budget decisions next week, including employer contribution rates and potential COLA adjustments, the focus remains on maintaining financial health and ensuring fair treatment for long-term employees. The outcomes of these discussions will be pivotal for the county's fiscal future and its commitment to its retirees.