Lake Elmo approves higher benefit for volunteer firefighters under statewide plan

The Lake Elmo City Council approved Resolution 2025-077 to increase the benefit level for firefighters vested in the Minnesota statewide volunteer firefighter (SVF) plan to $9,000 per year of service.

Fire Chief Callas presented the request, saying Lake Elmo entered the SVF plan in January 2024 and that the program is administered by Minnesota PERA. He told council the most recent funding reports showed the city's SVF funding level at 134% after a recent large retirement payout was removed; earlier reporting had shown higher funded levels. Chief Callas described the benefit as a lump-sum payout after retirement (vested at 100% after 20 years; partial vesting earlier) and said the fire-state aid from the state and PERA investment returns support the plan.

A councilor who moved the resolution said the increase is necessary to remain competitive with neighboring departments and to reward volunteer service. Council discussion characterized the change as a needed step to retain and recruit volunteer firefighters. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition (transcript: "Motion passes 4 0").

Quotes

"We need to have something that makes [service] worthwhile for people to serve — volunteer firefighters," a council member said in support.

"Our funding amount right now ... is now at a 134% with that large dollar amount taken out of there," Chief Callas said when explaining the fiscal basis for the change.

Ending

Resolution 2025-077 was adopted by the council; staff will implement the increased benefit level through the SVF/PERA administrative process and account for the change in future budgeting and reporting.