Council adopts resolution to pick up 5.42% of PERA member contributions for municipal fire plan 5 starting FY26

The County Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 25‑09, authorizing Los Alamos County to “pick up” — i.e., pay on behalf of employees — 5.42% of employee retirement contributions for members covered under the municipal fire plan 5 for fiscal year 2026 and thereafter.

Background: Staff explained that the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) has adjusted contribution requirements in recent fiscal years to shore up the pension fund and that the county has previously approved pickups for other employee groups as part of recruitment and retention and as negotiated in collective bargaining agreements. Because the collective bargaining agreements affecting some fire employees have not yet concluded, staff said this resolution ensures the county’s contribution pickup remains consistent with the statutory changes and with prior commitments.

Staff comments: Victoria Pacheco, benefits and pension manager, said the county has approved similar resolutions in prior years to align the county pickup with PERA changes and that this action is intended to apply the FY26 pickup while collective bargaining remains in progress.

Council action: Councilor Hand moved adoption of Resolution 25‑09; Councilor Herman seconded. The motion passed 7–0 on a roll call vote.

Ending: Staff said the resolution should meet the FY26 pickup requirement unless state law changes again; the county will continue to coordinate with human resources and bargaining units as negotiations conclude.