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“Alameda” Case Update
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Supreme Court’s “Alameda” decision do?
The “Alameda Decision” established the legal standard that Standby/On-Call types of pay must be excluded from compensation earnable when calculating a legacy member’s retirement benefit, unless it is established that the time was regularly scheduled, required to be work and ordinarily worked by all members of the same grade or classification.
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.
Board of Retirement Members Sworn Into Office
At the regular OCERS Board of Retirement meeting held on Monday, July 19, 2021, Richard Oates was welcomed as the newest trustee as he was sworn into office as a member of the OCERS Board of Retirement. Clerk of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Robin Stieler also administered an oath to returning member Jeremy Vallone.
OCERS is administered by the Board of Retirement, a group of 10 trustees bound by the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937.
Safety Member and Alternate Member Election
June 1, 2021
The Orange County Registrar of Voters held an election on May 18, 2021 to fill the terms of the Safety Member and Alternate Safety Member trustee positions on the OCERS Board of Retirement. The two candidates were Orange County Deputy Sheriff Richard Oates and Fire Apparatus Engineer Jeremy Vallone, with the Orange County Fire Authority.
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.
OCERS’ Portfolio Returns 11.4% in 2020
As of December 31, 2020, the OCERS portfolio had a market value of $19.3 billion, up from last year’s market value of $17.3 billion. For the 2020 calendar year, the OCERS portfolio generated 11.4 percent (net of fees) relative to the Policy Index return of 11.9 percent. Almost all of the OCERS sub-asset classes outperformed their respective benchmarks with the exception of Real Assets, which underperformed due to its energy exposure.
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.
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.