The July 28 Fayette-Madison Counties PERI meeting was called to order and all were welcomed by president Suzanne Turner.
PERI stands for Public Employee Retirement, Inc. The 10 members of the local chapter present at the meeting stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
The speaker for the meeting, Bonnie Mitchell, District 6 representative, reports since we were last able to meet, she has met with some of her eight chapters and will be meeting with the others soon. The PERI main purpose is to have contact with the state legislature and social network.
She further states that the annual state PERI meeting will be Sept. 27 at the Crown Plaza, State Route 161 in Columbus. This is an all-day meeting with four breakout sessions. OPERS has not yet agreed to attend due to the PERI position on COLA.
PERS wanted only a one-year freeze; PERI wanted a three-year freeze. She states two members agreed PERI did what was right.
If PERS does attend, there will be space for them. The state legislature doesn’t want to freeze funds, especially since investments are doing well.
COLA will not be reduced in 2022. Also noted, medical insurance is not a guaranteed benefit. Both funds are making a good return at the present time. The legislature meets again in September.
It is noted that two trustees are retiring, and a ballot was circulated for a new trustee.
A chapter gift for the raffle at the state meeting was discussed. In the past, the chapter has donated a gift card from a central Ohio merchant and that precedent will be followed again.
Treasurer’s report was given by Connie Watson. Chapter dues are due at this time. Report is approved by Cynthia Harperee and David Junk.
Secretary’s minutes of the Jan. 22 meeting were read and approved by Joyce Spradlin and David Junk.
Legislative representative Jim Essman states he has nothing to report today. Motions to adjourn by Connie Watson and David Junk.
Members present: Jim Essman, David Junk, Cynthia Harperee, Carol Jackson, Joyce Spradlin, Denna Morgan, Sylvia Turner, Connie Watson and Sharon Irons.
Retired, public employees that reside in Fayette or Madison counties may join the local chapter. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month; the next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 12:30 p.m. at the Fayette County Commission on Aging, located at 1179 S. Elm St. in Washington C.H. Those who wish to have lunch prior to the meeting at 11:30 a.m. may call the commission to make a reservation ahead-of-time at 740-335-2159.
PERI mission: to protect and preserve OPERS pension and benefits programs and advocate for changes that are in the best interest of PERI members, while providing value through communications and education of the membership through our districts, local chapters and external partnerships. For more information, go to www.operi.org.
