MIDLAND, Texas — Members of the Midland Fire Department took the first step in addressing the Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund.
The Midland Fire Department members held a Plan Change vote between July 10-21, 2023, to address two items that, if passed, would significantly improve the long-term health of the fund. Over 81% of the members voted on these two items, with an overwhelming majority of 176 votes “for” while only having 27 “against”.
On Thursday, members of the Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund board ratified the 176-27 vote by the Midland Fire Department on the two items addressing the unfunded liability of the Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund:
- Overtime earned outside of normal scheduled shift days will no longer count towards retirement.
- A change to calculate retirement benefits will be based on 60 consecutive pay periods rather than picking the highest 60 months throughout their entire career.
The City, along with the Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund board, will continue working together to consider other potential solutions.
More information on the MFRRF can be found on the City of Midland website https://www.midlandtexas.gov/1111/Firemens-Relief-and-Retirement-Fund