TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Doug Hewett, City Manager
FROM: Benjamin Major, Fire Chief
DATE: June 11, 2018
RE:
Title
Firefighter’s Relief Fund
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Provide Safe and Secure Community
Executive Summary:
This report provides an annual update of the Firefighters’ Relief Fund, included are upcoming anticipated changes affecting the members of the board.
Background:
The Firefighters’ Relief Fund was established in 1907 with the original purpose of financially assisting firefighters that were injured while performing their duties, and to insure that no firefighter would become financially destitute through no fault of their own. It is funded by a portion (20%) of the gross premium tax on insurance policies containing fire and lighting protection, as well as, certain automotive policies pursuant to G.S. 105-228.5 (d)(3). The Firefighter’s Relief Fund (FRF) has seen several legislative revisions over the course of its history. In 1984, the General Assembly amended G.S. 58-84-35 to allow additional expenditures to local funds. Funds may be used to provide for benefits of supplemental retirement, workers compensation, and other insurance and pension protection for firefighters. It can provide educational benefits to firefighters and their dependents that otherwise would not qualify for benefits. It can also provide assistance to a destitute member firefighter who has served honorably for at least five years.
In 2014, the General Assembly amended the relief fund law further defining how funds can be used and establishing a recommended calculation for local relief funds to determine financially sound funds, and to require a maximum on the balance of a local fund.
The City of Fayetteville Fire Department, as well as, other Fire Departments within North Carolina must meet annual requirements in order to become eligible to receive these funds:
• Department must be a rated fire department
• Department must be a member of the State Firemen’s Association
• A financial report of the local Firefighters’ Relief Fund receipts, disbursements, and remaining balance must be submitted to the State Firemen’s Association twice a year.
All General Statute requirements must be met by October 31 of each year. The local FRF is comprised of five board members: two elected by the fire department, two appointed by City Council and one appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance. If the local fire chief is not one of the members appointed, they shall serve as an ex-officio member of the board.
Issues/Analysis:
None
Budget Impact:
None
Options:
None
Recommended Action:
None
Attachments:
None