Chapter 2.64
FIREFIGHTERS’ RELIEF AND PENSION BOARD Revised 4/23
Sections:
2.64.010 Purpose.
2.64.020 Membership.
2.64.030 Officers.
2.64.040 Meetings.
2.64.050 Powers and duties.
2.64.060 Repealed. Revised 4/23
2.64.010 Purpose.
Beginning March 1, 1970, the state took over the provision of police and firefighter pensions through the passage of Chapter 41.26 RCW and the creation of the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System. However, the city continues to remain responsible for firefighter pension coverage for eligible firefighters who vested to benefits under Chapters 41.16 and 41.18 RCW prior to the passage of Chapter 41.26 RCW and the establishment of the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System. When the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority was formed, the city retained the firefighters’ pension fund established in accordance with Chapters 41.16 and 41.18 RCW and the responsibility to make required pension benefits to eligible participants.
(Ord. No. 4406, § 15, 7-6-21)
2.64.020 Membership.
A. The city’s firefighter pension fund is administered by a firefighters’ relief and pension board, whose members are:
1. The mayor;
2. The city clerk;
3. A councilmember appointed by the council president;
4. Two regularly employed or retired firefighters elected by secret ballot of those employed and retired firefighters who are subject to the jurisdiction of the board; and
5. A firefighter alternate selected by the firefighter board members who shall serve as an alternate in the event of an absence of one of the regularly elected members.
The firefighters elected to serve on the board shall each serve a two-year term.
B. If no eligible regularly employed or retired firefighters are willing or able to be elected, then the following individuals may be elected to the board:
1. Any active or retired firefighters who reside within the jurisdiction served by the board, including active and retired firefighters under Chapters 41.16, 41.18, 41.26, and 52.26 RCW;
2. The widow or widower of a firefighter subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
(Ord. No. 4406, § 15, 7-6-21)
2.64.030 Officers.
A. Chair. The mayor shall serve as the chair of the firefighters’ relief and pension board.
B. Chair pro tempore. In case of absence or inability of the chair to act, the board may select a chair pro tempore who shall during such absence or inability perform the duties and exercise the power of chair.
C. Secretary. The board may select and appoint a secretary who may, but need not be, a member of the board.
(Ord. No. 4406, § 15, 7-6-21)
2.64.040 Meetings.
The board shall meet, upon advance notice given:
1. At least once quarterly, the date to be fixed by regulation of the board;
2. At such other regular times as may be fixed by a regulation of the board; and
3. At any time upon call of the chair.
(Ord. No. 4406, § 15, 7-6-21)