City moves toward employee referendum on retirement/Social Security options; educational sessions planned

Summary

HR reported that council resolution steps are in place to allow an employee referendum on Social Security and retirement changes; Kathy said Social Security has signed off and the governor's office process is under way, with educational classes planned in August and a vote scheduled for September; implementation (if approved) would be Oct. 1.

Kathy presented a resolution that is one of several administrative steps necessary to allow a referendum for employees regarding Social Security and a proposed change to the city's retirement arrangements. She said Social Security and the governor's office have completed sign‑offs on earlier steps, and the resolution before the council is part of the formal process that permits the scheduled employee vote in September. If the referendum proceeds, HR will hold educational sessions for eligible employees in August to explain the change and the voting mechanics. Kathy said the outcome of the employee vote, if it meets the required internal thresholds, would take effect Oct. 1. No council action on the resolution was recorded during the work session; staff presented the procedural timeline and asked for council confirmation to proceed with employee outreach and the scheduled referendum steps.