Aurora's elected officials have maintained a defined benefit retirement program that they do not, have not and will not contribute one penny of their own money into, eligibility age 56, benefit of $70.35/month for each year served, 100% spousal survivorship, has a COLA, has a $244.44/month supplemental benefit and has no cap. e.g. A council member serving 12 years,current term limits, will receive a larger retirement check that their highest council salary.
In fact, of the 20 ex-elected officials/spouses that are receiving a retirement chek 7 are receiving more than 100% of their highest council salary with Steve Hogan and Paul Tauer receeiving 182% ,($1,932.84/month).
OPTIONS COUNCIL SHOULD CONSIDER
1. Eliminate the elected officials defined benefit plan; don't believe a part-time position should be considered a career that warrants a life time check that is paid for buy Aurora's taxpayers.
2.Keep a retirement program for elected officials but only as defined contributions that council/mayor must make contributions to, has cap, eligibility age of 67 and penalties for early retirement.
3. Keep a retirement plan for elected officials but as a 401K plan or a Roth IRA plan.
4. Any retirement plan should have a cap that reflectes Aurora's term limits and should never execeed a council memers salary.