IV.3. Resolution Allowing Part-Time Firefighters to use PERA Police and Fire Plan; LenzSeptember 20, 2022 Council Report 2022-084
ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-059 ALLOWING PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS TO
USE PERA POLICE AND FIRE PLAN
Proposed Action
Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Adopt Resolution 2022-059
Allowing Part-Time Firefighters to use PERA Police and Fire Plan.
Overview
The Fire Department has started hiring part-time non-relief members to fill shifts at the fire
station. These Employees are not eligible for relief retirement benefits but are instead contribute
to PERA. Without the attached resolution, the fire fighters hired have to contribute to PERA’s
General/Coordinated plan. Some of the individuals we are hiring are police or fire fighters (non-
Hopkins) in other their positions and have requested the City consider adopting the attached
resolution to allow them to contribute to the Police & Fire Plan’s instead.
There is a monetary difference in in the Employer Contributions for the Police & Fire Plan
versus the General/Coordinated plan of 10.2% on their wages. The Employee is also required to
pay a higher percentage of their wages 5.3% to participate in the plan. Staff feels that allowing
both options will attract more police/firefighters to serve in these part-time positions and is
supportive.
Supporting Information
Resolution 2022-059
Ari Lenz, Assistant City Manager
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2022-059
RESOLUTION ALLOWING PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS TO USE PERA POLICE
AND FIRE PLAN
WHEREAS, the policy of the State of Minnesota as declared in Minnesota Statutes 353.63 is
to give special consideration to employees who perform hazardous work and devote their time
and skills to protecting the property and personal safety of others; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 353.64 permits governmental subdivisions to
request coverage in the Public Employees Police and Fire plan for non-full-time firefighters
provided the fire service position regularly engages in the hazards of fire fighting as an employee
of a designated fire department.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hopkins hereby
declares the position of part-time firefighter, currently held by _________________(Employee
name) is, for primary services provided, of a firefighter engaged in the hazards of fire fighting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this governing body hereby requests that the named
employee be accepted as a member of the Public Employees Police and Fire Plan effective the
date of this employee’s initial Police and Fire Plan salary deduction by the governmental
subdivision.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 20th day of September, 2022.
By:___________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk