Retirement Options
Benefits are an important consideration when planning for your retirement. We understand that each individual has a unique set of needs, based on life circumstances and personal priorities. In combination, our retirement options* enable you to develop a personalized plan to meet your needs.
* Retirement options, benefits, eligibility, and coverage may vary in accordance with individual labor agreements & job classifications.
Retirement Plan
Pittsfield Township offers retirement plans through the Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS) of Michigan. Vesting in a MERS retirement plan requires that you attain the minimum requirement for age and years of service (6 or 10 year vesting) which are also determined by your position classification. MERS-to-MERS and Act 88 employees may have a shorter vesting period.
Employees are required to contribute a set percentage of their pre-tax wages (as determined by their position classification) towards their MERS retirement plan. The Township contributes the remaining annual recommended contribution amount.
Retiree Health Insurance
The Township covers the cost of single subscriber coverage for the Township's current retiree health insurance plan, up to $600 per month, for an employee who has 25 or more years of service with the Township, and is at least 60 years of age at time of retirement.
Health Care Savings Program
In an effort to assist our retirees with their health care expenses after retirement, Pittsfield Township has also implemented the MERS Health Care Savings Program (HCSP). The Township contributes 2% of the employee's base wages to the HCSP (if hired after 01/01/2007). An employee is also required to contribute 1% of their base wages through a pre-tax salary deduction. The HCSP has a 10-year vesting period. After leaving employment, the HCSP vested account balance is available to the employee and any eligible dependents for tax-free reimbursement of IRS-approved medical expenses.
457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan
As a public employee of Pittsfield Township, you have a unique opportunity to supplement your retirement income with a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan. This is a voluntary program in which employees may elect to save for their retirement with pre-tax dollars through payroll deduction so your taxes are reduced each pay period. A 457 plan offers many advantages:
- Reduces your current income taxes while boosting your retirement savings
- Employer Match of 1% if Employee contributes at least 3%
- Allows earnings to accumulate tax-deferred
- Offers portability - you can move your savings to another public sector employer's 457 plan
The 457 plan allows you to increase, decrease, stop, and restart contributions as often as you wish, without fees or penalties.