Council approves Home Rule petition to restore reserve service credit for public safety retirees

The Salem City Council on Dec. 4 voted to adopt and transmit a Home Rule petition asking the Legislature to allow the city to restore previously credited reserve/on-call service for affected public safety employees.

Retirement Board representatives and a retired Salem police captain testified in favor of the petition, saying a 2019 court ruling narrowed eligibility for reserve service credit (effectively requiring at least $5,000 in annual earnings), which resulted in the loss of credited service for 17 officers and firefighters. Witnesses and the Retirement Board executive director told the council that actuarial analyses have already been included in the board’s funding schedule and that restoring the credit would not create new liabilities outside current actuarial assumptions.

Councilor Hapworth explained the court ruling, the legal constraint that requires legislative remedy, and moved for adoption by roll call vote. The clerk called the roll; recorded votes produced the required majority and the motion carried by the council.

The council’s vote authorizes Salem to pursue a Home Rule petition with the Massachusetts Legislature; final effect would depend on subsequent legislative action. Council members framed the action as restoring service that was previously awarded in good faith and as consistent with the retirement board’s recommendation.

Next steps include preparing formal petition language and submitting it to the state legislature for consideration. The Retirement Board and city staff will provide the actuarial and supporting materials as part of that request.