Resolution No. 15-02 RESOLUTION NO. 15-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, SUPPORTING POLICE OFFICERS AND
FIREFIGHTERS; REQUESTING GOVERNOR SCOTT TO
INVESTIGATE THE JACKSONVILLE POLICE AND FIRE
PENSION FUND'S STABILITY AND SOLVENCY;
PROVIDING FOR DIRECTION TO THE CITY CLERK;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, providing for and protecting the public's health, safety and welfare is the
most important duty of any government; and
WHEREAS, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
Department and municipal Police Departments protect and serve our citizens every day with
honor, distinction, integrity and pride; and
WHEREAS, Duval County has entered into contractual agreements with Police and Fire
employees for work performed, salaries paid and pensions; and
WHEREAS, all members and beneficiaries of the plans have a right to expect and be
assured of fair and equal treatment; and
WHEREAS, all members and beneficiaries of the plans depend on these plans for their
retirement income; and
WHEREAS, the Duval County citizens, as taxpayers, are ultimately responsible for
meeting these financial obligations; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Atlantic Beach, Florida are also citizens of Duval County
and share in this obligation; and
WHEREAS, all interested parties deserve to have a clear understanding of their
obligations and benefits and must be confident in the financial stability and soundness of the
pension plans; and
WHEREAS, the soundness, structure and implementation of the pension plans has come
under prolonged,wide-ranging and reasonable question; and
WHEREAS, several factors are causing significant apprehension and concern by the
public and civic leaders in Duval County; and
WHEREAS,pension plans are governed by state laws, regulations and rules; and
WHEREAS, Governor Rick Scott, as the elected leader of Florida's executive branch of
government is charged with ensuring the public's health, safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Governor Rick Scott has the power and authority to review and investigate
pension funds; and
WHEREAS, Representative Janet Adkins, as the Chair of the Duval Legislative
Delegation, formally requested Governor Scott initiate a review and investigation through the
Chief Inspector General and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) of the
Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON
BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. Intent and Purpose. The City of Atlantic Beach joins Representative
Adkins in support of a thorough review and investigation by the Chief Inspector General and the
Florida Department of Law Enforcement of the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund.
Specifically, requesting the following to be investigated:
a. Have all rules and laws of the State of Florida been followed in regards to the
creation, management and funding of the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund?
Specifically, were the rules and laws of the State of Florida followed in relation to the
creation of a specific pension plan that was designated for only one or two
beneficiaries?
b. Have the rules and the laws of the State of Florida been followed in regards to the
creation, management and regulation of the Deferred Retirement Option Program
(DROP) accounts? Specifically, have the rules been followed in regards to the
eligibility requirements into the DROP program? Are there participants in the DROP
program that were allowed to enter the program early or allowed to stay in the
program longer than the rules allow?
c. The first step in restoring confidence to all parties should be to gather the historical
facts to understand how this crisis arose. This combined with a balanced review will
allow lawmakers to craft common sense solutions and to prevent any future
occurrences.
SECTION 2. Sustainability for the Long-Term. The City of Atlantic Beach strongly
desires, and believes it is imperative for the safe and orderly operation of the county's protective
services to have these plans solvent. Further, it is necessary to restore the public trust in the
solvency and management of the pensions for county public service employees. These men and
women serve, and or have served, to protect our citizens and provide for their health safety and
welfare, in good faith, and deserve to have their pensions well managed in a fair, equitable and
transparent manner.
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SECTION 3. Distribution. The City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach hereby
authorizes and directs the City Clerk to send copies of this Resolution to Governor Rick Scott, all
members of the Duval Legislative Delegation and the Commissions/Councils of all municipal
bodies in Duval County.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of Atlantic Beach, Florida, on this
26th day of January, 2015.
CaPijr/
CAROLYN V*OODS
Mayor and Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
apith
DONNA L. BARTLE,
City Clerk
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