Fifteen members met at the Commission on Aging for the bi-monthly meeting of the Fayette/Madison County Public Employee Retirees Inc. on Nov. 29.

President Sylvia Hildreth opened activities and asked everyone to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Cathie Littleton from Madison County introduced the guest speaker, Kelly Sparks, detective in the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Her subject was based on the saying, “Wham, Bam, Thank you Ma’am,” concerning consumer scams. Some of the scams concerned computer malware, credit repair scams, foreclosure rescue scams, identity theft home improvement fraud, phone fraud, phony charities and several more. The presentation was very informative and enjoyed by the group.

Hildreth thanked Ms. Sparks for coming and called the meeting to order. Jeanne Immell gave the secretary’s report. Treasurer Connie Watson gave the treasurer’s report. The reports were accepted as given.

Jim Essman didn’t have anything for the legislative report, but suggested you get on OPERI.org to check for information.

In the president’s report, Hildreth reminded everyone that open enrollment for medical and drug insurance is over as of Dec. 7. You should go through open exchange for medical and drug changes or you could lose your HRA.

In new business, the president mentioned electing the treasurer and vice president. The treasurer, Watson, agreed to retain her office. Immell nominated Penny Johnson for vice president. Ms. Johnson agreed to it. The election carried.

Bonnie Mitchell, OPERI District 6 representative, spoke to the group about Ohio House Bill 413 concerning the COLA (cost of living adjustments) levels. There is talk about lowering levels to help the retirement funds remain as healthy as they are now.

She also announced there will be a District 6 officer’s meeting Jan. 9, 2018 in Westerville.

The president asked for someone to audit the books. Marilee Peterson volunteered.

Penny Johnson volunteered to be program chair.

The next meeting will be Jan. 24. The meetings for the rest of 2018 will be March 28, May 23, July 25, Sept. 26 and Nov. 28. The meeting was adjourned.

The members present were Jeanne Immell, Penny Johnson, Jim Essman, Carolyn Essman, Marilee Peterson, Cathie Littleton, Denna Morgan, Bonnie Kellenberger, Ruth A. Vance, Sylvia Schneider, Bonnie Beth Mitchell, Luella Puckett, Connie Watson, Sylvia Hildreth and Ron Burkhard.