Alameda Updates
Current Status on OCERS Implementation of the Alameda Decision
June 15, 2023
OCERS staff continue to make progress on implementing the Alameda Decision. Benefit recalculations are ongoing, with approximately 220 (out of 616) remaining. Additionally, 328 are on hold pending the review of the County Resolution that could impact the retirement benefit calculations for several specialized law enforcement units.
All active and deferred contributions and interest refunds have been processed.
Background
“Alameda” Decision Update
December 21, 2022
The Orange County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on December 20, 2022, possibly impacting the retirement benefits of some AOCDS members, specifically Peace Officers and Supervising Peace Officers with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is reviewing the resolution carefully, engaging with our Legal Team, and with County of Orange staff to determine the potential impact to active, deferred, and retired members.
“Alameda” Decision Update
November 16, 2022
Active and Deferred Members affected by the “Alameda” decision:
“Alameda” Decision Update
September 30, 2022
On September 30, 2022, OCERS began mailing letters to retirees and other payees affected by the “Alameda” Decision that require recalculations on their monthly benefit. The letters were delivered to our mailing house for processing and are going out today first class via the U.S. Postal Service.
“Alameda” Decision Update
July 27, 2022
On July 27, 2022, OCERS began mailing letters to active and deferred members affected by the “Alameda” Decision who are eligible for a refund of member contributions and interest. The letters were delivered to our mailing house for processing on July 18, and are going out today first class via the U.S. Postal Service.
“Alameda” Case Update
May 19, 2022
OCERS is in the process of mailing letters to members impacted by the California Supreme Court in Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs’ Assn. v. Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Assn. (2020) 9 Cal. 5th 1032 (“Alameda”). The OCERS Board of Retirement gave OCERS’ staff several directives that went into effect on July 15, 2021 and our team has been working on the steps necessary to fully implement the Board directives.
Alameda Case Update
Outcomes from the June 21, 2021 Board of Retirement meeting
The Board of Retirement adopted all of the Staff recommendations as presented at its regular meeting, with an implementation date of July 15, 2021.
As part of the Alameda Case implementation, certain identified pay items are not pensionable. This includes On Call Pay, Sheriffs Canine Pay, Attorney Special Duty Pay and other specific pay items as outlined in the June 21, 2021 Board of Retirement meeting agenda.
Alameda Case Update
May 18, 2021
At its regular meeting held on May 17, 2021, the OCERS Board of Retirement heard several staff recommendations related to the resolution and implementation of the Alameda Decision (Agenda Item A-2 Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Assoc. et al., v. Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Assn., et al). This was a first reading and no formal action was taken.
Amended Board Meeting Agenda / Alameda Case
May 14, 2021
OCERS has posted an amended agenda for the May 17, 2021 Board of Retirement Meeting.
As it relates to item A-2 (Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Assoc. et al., v. Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Assn., et al – Staff Recommendations Regarding Resolution and Implementation of the Alameda Decision), there will be a first reading only on May 17, 2021; a second reading and action on the item will be taken at the June 21, 2021 meeting of the Board of Retirement.
Alameda Case Update
April 21, 2021
On March 15, 2021, the OCERS Board of Retirement took steps related to the implementation of the “Alameda” case (Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs Association et al v. Alameda County Employees Retirement Association and Board of Retirement of ACERA (S247095)).
The Board of Retirement approved a test and definition of normal working hours for the purposes of determining whether certain items of pay can be included in compensation earnable under the terms of the plan.