Staff cites state pension rule changes that raised BSO costs; commission creates police contingency

Staff told the commission that changes made at the state level to pension rules for BSO increased the city's annual required contribution. "After we received the consideration from BSO, we were then informed that the state legislator had passed an increase to the BSO's pension plan through FRS," staff said, explaining actuarial adjustments that raised ongoing contribution needs.

Staff said the BSO line increased by roughly $952,000. To cover pressures without raising the proposed millage, staff reduced general contingency and reallocated savings from a smaller‑than‑expected health‑insurance increase; those steps allowed the creation of a $400,000 police contingency, which staff said had previously been zero.