Item 2H: Ratification of Actions of Intergovernmental Relations Committee

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motion passed unanimously, 3:0. HB 2724 Ms. Wilson stated that the bill was related to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). She related that she had spoken with the deputy director of PERS earlier in the day and it appeared that the bill was dead. Ms. Bettman ascertained that the CCIGR supported the staff recommendation to monitor the bill. HB2401-A Ms. Wilson reported that the bill was moving, having passed out of committee. Ms. Bettman surmised that a person could, under the bill, be eligible for retirement after only five years of service should that person be 55 years old. Ms. Wilson stated that this was how PERS worked now for public safety employees. She explained that the bill sought to include 911 operators. Ms. Bettman questioned why the bill was only being monitored if it would present an additional cost to the City. Ms. Daut replied that there were two points of interest regarding the benefits: opposition because of the costs and monitoring because it enhanced the benefits for public safety employees. She said this was a more modest proposal than had been seen in the past. She stated that Central Lane 911 had contacted her and requested that the bill not be actively opposed. She explained that they had an interest in the bill because they had a hard time recruiting and retaining employees. Additionally, she related the League of Oregon Cities was opposing the bill. Given that there were conflicting points of view she had opted to recommend monitoring the bill. Ms. Bettman felt like this would create a special class of employee. Ms. Daut stated that she had discussed the bill with the PERS Employers Alliance, who opposed the bill, and they had indicated they did not believe enhanced retirement benefits would help 911 recruitment and retention. Mr. Pryor supported monitoring the bill unless something more significant occurred. Ms. Taylor observed that 911 operators do not “get paid much.” Ms. Daut acknowledged that the salaries were relatively low and the work was stressful. She commented that it took a certain person to serve as a 911 call taker. In response to a question from Ms. Bettman, Ms. Wilson stated that it was a Union supported bill and that it was being voted on by a Union-friendly legislature. She believed the bill stood a good chance of being passed. Ms. Bettman asked whether Ms. Wilson thought Eugene taking a position on the bill would matter to the ultimate outcome. Ms. Wilson replied that if the CCIGR decided to oppose the bill she could take other tacks to try and kill it. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations April 26, 2007 Page 4