Council hears public comment on change to sheriff’s office pension that would extend transfer window

The Harford County Council on Monday held a public hearing on Bill 26-001, a proposal to amend the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Pension Plan (SOPP) to lengthen the window for transferring service credit.

"What this change would do is that it would allow for transfers of service credit to have an 18 month window instead of a 6 month window," County Treasurer Robbie Salas said, speaking on behalf of the county executive. He said the change responds to concerns from correctional officers and was brought to the county by the correctional officers association; he also said the SOPP board of trustees reviewed and supported the proposal.

Salas described mechanics and an estimated fiscal effect: employees who choose to transfer prior service must provide an amount equal to 9% of salary per year transferred, and the county would make the actuarial contribution. "When our actuaries looked at it, they figured it would be about $3,000 per annual required contribution per year, so if you're transferring 5 years, let's figure about $15,000 to that ARC," Salas said, clarifying that full actuarial analysis is still pending.

Council members asked whether transfers occur automatically when employees move between correctional and law-enforcement roles. Salas said transfers can move funds between the county-administered SOPP and the state LEOPS plan depending on an employee’s movement between positions, but procedural and fiscal rules apply.

Salas noted the SOPP is well-funded relative to many plans. "It's 88% funded," he said, and that the county has highlighted that strength with credit-rating agencies.

Luke Huisman, a resident who addressed the council during the public-comment portion, said he strongly supported the amendment. "Extending the purchase window will promote workforce stability, encourage recruitment of qualified laterals, and honor prior public service," Huisman said, thanking Sheriff Gaylor, Treasurer Salas and County Executive Casselle for their support.

Council members discussed broader pension issues, including the relatively high cost of LEOPS-level benefits (Salas said LEOPS-equivalent pensions can represent about 45% of pay compared with roughly 10% for the regular plan) and challenges around unfunded liabilities. Salas and members noted that expanding higher-cost pension structures to other groups is a complex fiscal decision.

With no further public speakers, the council closed the public hearing. The council will take up Bill 26-001 at its March 17 meeting when staff will present formal language and any required motions.