New York Senate Bill S07911

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25
• Engrossed: 6/11/25
• Refer: 6/11/25
• Engrossed: 6/13/25

Caption

Authorizes the village of Trumansburg to offer an optional twenty-year retirement plan to Daniel H. Austic under section 384-d of the retirement and social security law.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it facilitates a new retirement benefit pathway for police officers in Trumansburg, highlighting the state’s recognition of service by local law enforcement. The village is responsible for all past service costs, which includes a one-time payment of approximately $3,090, in addition to an expected increase of around $550 in annual contributions for the upcoming fiscal year. This shift emphasizes the state's approach to enhancing retirement benefits for public safety personnel, potentially setting a precedent for similar requests from other municipalities.

Summary

Bill S07911 is designed to authorize the Village of Trumansburg to provide a special twenty-year retirement plan to Daniel H. Austic, a police officer who is currently enrolled in a different retirement plan under the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System. This bill allows for specific adjustments to be made to Austic's retirement credits, ensuring he can receive benefits under section 384-d of the Retirement and Social Security Law, provided the village assumes the associated costs through a local legislative resolution.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on a specific officer, it raises broader implications regarding funding and resource allocation for municipal retirement plans. Critics might argue whether other officers could seek similar benefits, which could strain local budgets. Such discussions often lead to debates over fairness and equity in retirement funding across various public jobs. The necessity for the village to provide substantial financial backing for this change may also engender conversations on the sustainability of retirement benefits amid fluctuating economic conditions.