This legislation amends the city charter to adjust the age factor percentage for retirement benefits for new members of the Fire Department, allowing them to reach a higher percentage at younger ages and lowering the maximum retirement age for this benefit from 58 to 55. The changes will be voted on in the election scheduled for November 5, 2024.
Charter Amendment (Third Draft) to amend the Charter of the City and County of San Francisco to change the age factor percentage for benefit calculations such that persons who have or will become members of the Fire Department on and after January 7, 2012 reach a higher age factor percentage at earlier ages and lower from 58 to 55 the retirement age at which persons who have or will become members of the Fire Department on and after January 7, 2012 reach the highest age factor percentage; at an election to be held on November 5, 2024.
How it got here
The Charter Amendment to reform the Fire Department's retirement pension system originated from the need to address the financial impacts of previous pension reforms and the unique health risks faced by firefighters.
Voters approved Proposition C, which reformed the City’s retirement and health benefits systems, increasing pension contribution rates and raising retirement ages for new firefighters.
The Board introduced a Charter Amendment to change the age factor percentage for benefit calculations and lower the retirement age for firefighters hired after January 7, 2012.
The Rules Committee referred the Charter Amendment to the Planning Department for CEQA review, determining it would not result in a physical change in the environment.
The Rules Committee amended the Charter Amendment to refine the language and clarify the changes to the retirement benefits.
The Rules Committee recommended the Charter Amendment as a committee report to the Board of Supervisors.
The Charter Amendment will be presented to voters for approval in the upcoming election.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
