Authorizes the Onondaga county sheriff's department, in the county of Onondaga, to offer the optional twenty year retirement plan to deputy sheriffs Brittany E. Dorn, Noah C. Hunt, Daniel D. Lorenzini, Gordon J. Lopez, Tre C. Fesinger, and Christopher L. Van Dusen.
If passed, this bill will amend provisions of the Retirement and Social Security Law for the county of Onondaga, allowing the designated deputy sheriffs to receive full retirement benefits under the twenty-year retirement plan. The fiscal implications indicate that Onondaga County will incur past service costs of approximately $382,000 as a one-time payment, along with an anticipated annual increase in contributions of around $39,000 for the 2025 fiscal year. This financial adjustment will affect the county's budgeting, demonstrating the bill's significant economic implications on local government finance while also supporting the workforce's long-term security.
Assembly Bill A07934 proposes to enable the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department to offer an optional twenty-year retirement plan specifically to deputy sheriffs who failed to apply for this plan in a timely manner. The legislation is aimed at allowing specific members of the department—Brittany E. Dorn, Noah C. Hunt, Daniel D. Lorenzini, Gordon J. Lopez, Tre C. Fesinger, and Christopher L. Van Dusen—to opt into the retirement plan, provided they can demonstrate that their failure to apply was not due to their own negligence. This bill reflects an effort to support public service employees by enhancing their retirement options, thereby recognizing their contributions to community safety and well-being.
While the current text does not indicate significant opposition, the discussion around the bill may involve varying opinions on public employee retirement plans, especially regarding the financial burden on local governments. Proponents of the bill are likely to argue for the importance of providing adequate retirement options for law enforcement personnel, emphasizing the rewarding nature of public service. Conversely, there may be concerns about the fair distribution of benefits among all county employees, and whether this specific bill could set a precedent for similar future legislations or proposals within other counties or departments.