Latest News
Alameda Case Update
March 18, 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.
Additionally, the Board directed that updated policies and procedures be reviewed by OCERS’ Governance Committee on March 19, 2021.
It is anticipated that the OCERS team will return to the Board at the April 19, 2021 Board meeting, with a list of pay items reflecting the pensionable attributes as a result of the Board’s approved test definition of normal working hours.
It is important to note that OCERS must follow decisions made by California courts and lawmakers as it relates to legal findings that impact benefits. Specifically, the Supreme Court decision said that PEPRA amounted to a change in the law with respect to the pay items that may be included in the calculation of retirement benefits on and after January 1, 2013; and further, that retirement systems like OCERS have no authority or discretion to calculate pension benefits in a manner inconsistent with the CERL, as amended by PEPRA.
Safety Member and Alternate Member Election
February 5, 2021
An election is being conducted among Safety Members for the
positions of Safety Member
and Alternate Safety Member of the Board of Retirement. The
election is to select persons
for a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2021.
The filing period for candidates will begin on February 16, 2021 at 8 a.m. and will close on March 19, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Read the official Election Notice for more information.
Secure Drop Box Installed In OCERS Lobby
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, OCERS’ staff is working remotely and is available during all regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), Monday-Friday. The OCERS team is assisting members with all their retirement needs over the phone during this period.
Additionally, OCERS has installed a secure Drop Box for your convenience. You can now drop off paperwork, correspondence, and parcels that are within 11.5 x 7.3 x 9.3 inches in size
A few helpful notes
Alameda Case Update
August 19, 2020
The California Supreme Court issued an opinion on July 30 in what is known as the “Alameda” case (Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs Association et al v. Alameda County Employees Retirement Association and Board of Retirement of ACERA (S247095).
OCERS Retirement Seminars Schedule
July 17, 2020 Update
In light of recent events, OCERS is now offering online retirement seminars via Zoom for those considering retirement, in lieu of in-person Pre-Retirement Sessions. This 90 minute seminar will focus on your OCERS Retirement benefits like estimating your monthly allowance, payment options, nominating beneficiaries, required documents and much more. We encourage members who may be contemplating retirement to attend a Retirement Seminar.
A Message from OCERS Chief Executive Officer Steve Delaney on the OCERS Response to COVID-19
March 19, 2020 Update
One of the more frustrating aspects of this COVID-19 crisis is the uncertainty that comes with dealing with something so new and so dangerous. I’m writing to reassure all OCERS members about certain facts of which you can be confident.
Your Benefit is Secure
The most important fact that you need to know is if you are retired, you will get your benefit, paid in full, paid on time. That’s a fact.
OCERS’ Portfolio Returns 14.4% in 2019
At OCERS’ Investment Committee meeting held on February 26, 2020, it was reported that OCERS’ net-of-fees return for 2019 was 14.4%. The 14.4% was more than double the actuarial assumed rate of return.
OCERS’ investment portfolio had a market value of $17.3 billion as of December 31, 2019, up from $15.1 billion on December 31, 2018.
Board of Retirement Members Sworn Into Office
At the regular OCERS Board of Retirement meeting held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, Adele Tagaloa and Arthur Hidalgo were sworn into office as OCERS Board of Retirement Trustees. Clerk of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Robin Stieler also swore in returning members Charles Packard, Frank Eley and Shawn Dewane.
OCERS is administered by the Board of Retirement, a group of 10 trustees bound by the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937.
Orange County Board of Supervisors Celebrates OCERS 75th Anniversary
Lisa A. Bartlett, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, led a formal celebration of OCERS’ 75th Anniversary with the presentation of a Resolution on January 14, 2020.
Among those who joined the Board of Supervisors were members of the OCERS Board – Charles Packard, Frank Eley, and Shari Freidenrich, OCERS Chief Executive Officer Steve Delaney, and Linda Robinson, co-president of the Retired Employees Association of Orange County (REAOC).
The resolution was signed by all five members of the Board of Supervisors and reads: