HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 7656 GEORGIA MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES BENEFIT SYSTEM - DEFINED BENEFITS RETIREMENT PLAN - AN ORDINANCE AND ADOPTION AGREEMENT • ORDINANCE NO. 7656
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES
BENEFIT SYSTEM
DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN
AN ORDINANCE
and
ADOPTION AGREEMENT
for
Augusta, Georgia
Form Volume Submitter Adoption Agreement
Amended and Restated as of January 1,2013
(With Amendments Taking Effect on or Before January 1,2017)
•
Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
I. AN ORDINANCE 1
II. GMEBS DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN
ADOPTION AGREEMENT 2
1. ADMINISTRATOR 2
2. ADOPTING EMPLOYER 2
3. GOVERNING AUTHORITY 2
4. PLAN REPRESENTATIVE 2
5. PENSION COMMITTEE 3
6. TYPE OF ADOPTION 3
7. EFFECTIVE DATE 3
8. PLAN YEAR 4
9. CLASSES OF ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES 5
A. Eligible Regular Employees 5
B. Elected or Appointed Members of the Governing Authority 5
10. ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS 6
A. Hours Per Week(Regular Employees) 6
B. Months Per Year(Regular Employees) 7
11. WAITING PERIOD 7
• 12. ESTABLISHING PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN 7
13. CREDITED SERVICE 8
A. Credited Past Service with Adopting Employer 8
B. Prior Military Service 9
C. Prior Governmental Service 11
D. Leave Conversion for Unused Paid Time Off(e.g., Sick,
Vacation, or Personal Leave) 12
14. RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY 14
A. Early Retirement Qualifications 14
B. Normal Retirement Qualifications 15
C. Alternative Normal Retirement Qualifications 17
D. Disability Benefit Qualifications 21
15. RETIREMENT BENEFIT COMPUTATION 21
A. Maximum Total Credited Service 21
B. Monthly Normal Retirement Benefit Amount 22
C. Monthly Early Retirement Benefit Amount 24
D. Monthly Late Retirement Benefit Amount(check one): 25
E. Monthly Disability Benefit Amount 26
F. Minimum/Maximum Benefit For Elected Officials 26
16. SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS FOLLOWING BONA FIDE
SEPARATION OF SERVICE; COLA 27
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• A. Re-Employment as Eligible Employee After Normal,
Alternative Normal, or Early Retirement and Following
Bona Fide Separation of Service (see Master Plan Section
6.06(c)Regarding Re-Employment as an Ineligible
Employee and Master Plan Section 6.06(e) and(f)
Regarding Re-Employment After Disability Retirement) 27
B. Cost Of Living Adjustment 28
17. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BEFORE RETIREMENT;
VESTING 30
A. Eligible Regular Employees 30
B. Elected or Appointed Members of the Governing Authority 31
18. PRE-RETIREMENT DEATH BENEFITS 31
A. In-Service Death Benefit 31
B. Terminated Vested Death Benefit 33
19. EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS 34
20. MODIFICATION OF THE TERMS OF THE ADOPTION
AGREEMENT 35
21. TERMINATION OF THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT 35
22. EMPLOYER ADOPTION AND AUTHORIZATION FOR
AMENDMENTS 35
•
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
I. AN ORDINANCE
411,
An Ordinance to amend and restate the Retirement Plan for the Employees of Augusta,
Georgia in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the attached
Adoption Agreement, any Addendum to the Adoption Agreement, the Georgia Municipal
Employees Benefit System(GMEBS)Master Plan Document, and the GMEBS Trust Agreement.
When accepted by the authorized officers of the City and GMEBS, the foregoing shall constitute
a Contract between Augusta, Georgia and GMEBS, all as authorized and provided by O.C.G.A.
§ 47-5-1 et seq.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Augusta, Georgia Commission Council, and it is hereby
ordained by the authority thereof:
Section 1. The March 1, 1987 GMEBS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan for Certain
Employees of Augusta, Georgia (Ordinance No. 5399; as amended by Ga. L 1988, p. 5415;
Ordinance No. 5561, effective April 2, 1990; and Ordinance No. 5865) and the January 1, 1977
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan and Trust for certain Employees of Augusta (Ordinance No.
6655; as amended by Ordinance No. 6983 adopted June 19,2007)(hereinafter referred to as"1977
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan" or "1977 DB Plan" or "1977 Plan") were previously amended
and restated as set forth in and subject to the terms and conditions stated in the GMEBS Adoption
Agreement and the Addendum to the Adoption Agreement which became effective January 1,
2008 (Ordinance No. 7017). The January 1, 2008 GMEBS Adoption Agreement and Addendum
to the Adoption Agreement were amended and restated in the GMEBS Adoption Agreement and
the Addendum to the Adoption Agreement which became effective June 16,2009(Ordinance No.
• 7136). Ordinance No. 7136 was amended by Ordinance No. 7251 concerning implementation of
the March 30,2011 Augusta Reorganization Plan and the 2011 RIF Policy. Ordinance No. 7136,
as amended by Ordinance No. 7251,was superseded by Ordinance No.7296,in which the GMEBS
Adoption Agreement,General Addendum and Service Credit Purchase Addendum were amended
and restated, effective November 1,2011. Ordinance No. 7296 was superseded by Ordinance No.
7329, in which the GMEBS Adoption Agreement, General Addendum and Service Credit
Purchase Addendum were amended and restated, effective March 6, 2012. Ordinance No. 7329
was superseded by Ordinance No. 7482, in which the GMEBS Adoption Agreement, General
Addendum and Service Credit Purchase Addendum were amended and restated, effective March
17, 2015. Ordinance No. 7482 was superseded by Ordinance No. 7529, in which the GMEBS
Adoption Agreement, General Addendum and Service Credit Purchase Addendum were amended
and restated, effective October 1, 2015. Ordinance No. 7529 was superseded by Ordinance No.
7593, in which the GMEBS Adoption Agreement, General Addendum and Service Credit
Purchase Addendum were amended and restated, effective January 1, 2017. Ordinance No. 7593
was superseded by Ordinance No. 7615, in which the GMEBS Adoption Agreement, General
Addendum and Service Credit Purchase Addendum were amended and restated, effective July 1,
2018. Ordinance No. 7615 was superseded by Ordinance No. 7616, in which the GMEBS
Adoption Agreement, General Addendum and Service Credit Purchase Addendum were amended
and restated, also effective July 1, 2018. The Retirement Plan for the Employees of Augusta,
Georgia,including all amendments referred to above, is hereby amended and restated again, as set
forth in and subject to the terms and conditions stated in the following Adoption Agreement, any
Addendum to the Adoption Agreement, the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System
• (GMEBS)Master Plan Document, and the GMEBS Trust Agreement.
Ordinance continued on page 38
Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• II. GMEBS DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN
ADOPTION AGREEMENT
1. ADMINISTRATOR
Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System
201 Pryor Street, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Telephone: 404-688-0472
Facsimile: 404-577-6663
2. ADOPTING EMPLOYER
Name: Augusta, Georgia
3. GOVERNING AUTHORITY
Name: Augusta, Georgia Commission Council
Address: 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901
Phone: (706)821-1820
Facsimile: (706) 821-1838
• 4. PLAN REPRESENTATIVE
[To represent Governing Authority in all communications with GMEBS and Employees]
(See Section 2.49 of Master Plan)
Name: Augusta, Georgia Administrator
Address: 535 Telfair Street,Augusta, Georgia 30901
Phone: (706)821-2400
Facsimile: (706) 821-2891
•
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• 5. PENSION COMMITTEE
[Please designate members by position. If not, members of Pension Committee shall be
determined in accordance with Article XIV of Master Plan]
The "Pension Committee" when referred to in this Plan shall be the members of the Pension
and Audit Committee of the Augusta,Georgia Commission Council as currently constituted
to include the following office-holders: Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Administrator, Finance
Director, and the Finance Committee Chair.
Pension Committee Secretary: Clerk of Commission,Augusta,Georgia or,effective on or after
January 1,2015,his or her designee(the Clerk shall provide written confirmation to GMEBS
in the event the Clerk appoints or changes a designee or revokes such designation).
Address: 535 Telfair Street,Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706)821-1820
Facsimile: (706) 821-1838
6. TYPE OF ADOPTION
This Adoption Agreement is for the following purpose (check one):
❑ This is a new defined benefit plan adopted by the Adopting Employer for its Employees.
• This plan does not replace or restate an existing defined benefit plan.
❑ This is an amendment and restatement of the Adopting Employer's preexisting
non-GMEBS defined benefit plan.
• This is an amendment and restatement of the Adoption Agreement previously adopted by
the Employer, as follows (check one or more as applicable):
• To update the Plan to comply with PPA, HEART, WRERA, and other applicable
federal laws and guidance.
• To make the following amendments to the Adoption Agreement (must specify
below revisions made in this Adoption Agreement; all provisions must be
completed in a manner that satisfies the definite written program requirement
of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable
requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): This is an amendment
to include the Coroner's Office as a Public Safety Department (see General
Addendum subsection 15(a)).
7. EFFECTIVE DATE
NOTE: This Adoption Agreement and any Addendum, with the accompanying Master Plan
Document, is designed to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a), as applicable to a
governmental qualified defined benefit plan, and is part of the GMEBS Defined Benefit
Retirement Plan. Plan provisions designed to comply with certain provisions of the Pension
• Protection Act of 2006 ("PPA"); the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008
("HEART"); and the Worker,Retiree,and Employer Recovery Act of 2008("WRERA"); and Plan
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
411 provisions designed to comply with certain provisions of additional changes in federal law and
guidance from the Internal Revenue Service under Internal Revenue Service Notice 2012-76 (the
2012 Cumulative List) are effective as of the applicable effective dates set forth in the Adoption
Agreement and Master Plan Document. By adopting this Adoption Agreement, with its
accompanying Master Plan Document, the Adopting Employer is adopting a plan document
intended to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a), as updated by PPA, HEART,
WRERA, and the 2012 Cumulative List with the applicable effective dates.
(1) Complete this item (1) only if this is a new defined benefit plan which does not replace
or restate an existing defined benefit plan.
The effective date of this Plan is
(insert effective date of this Adoption Agreement not earlier than January 1,2013).
(2) Complete this item (2) only if this Plan is being adopted to replace a non-GMEBS
defined benefit plan.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Master Document or in this Adoption
Agreement,the effective date of this restatement shall be the (insert
effective date of this Adoption Agreement not earlier than January 1, 2013). This Plan
is intended to replace and serve as an amendment and restatement of the Employer's
preexisting plan, which became effective on (insert original effective date of
preexisting plan).
• (3) Complete this item (3) only if this is an amendment and complete restatement of the
Adopting Employer's existing GMEBS defined benefit plan.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Master Document or in this Adoption
Agreement,the effective date of this restatement shall be April 1,2019(insert effective date
of this Adoption Agreement not earlier than January 1, 2013).
This Plan is adopted as an amendment and restatement of the Employer's preexisting GMEBS
Adoption Agreement,which became effective on July 1,2018(insert effective date of most
recent Adoption Agreement preceding this Adoption Agreement).
The Employer's first Adoption Agreement became effective August 1,2003 (insert effective
date of Employer's first GMEBS Adoption Agreement). The Employer's GMEBS Plan
was originally effective March 1, 1987 (insert effective date of Employer's original
GMEBS Plan). (If the Employer's Plan was originally a non-GMEBS Plan, then the
Employer's non-GMEBS Plan was originally effective (if applicable,insert effective
date of Employer's original non-GMEBS Plan).)
8. PLAN YEAR
Plan Year means (check one):
® Calendar Year
❑ Employer Fiscal Year commencing
• 0 Other(must specify month and day commencing):
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• 9. CLASSES OF ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
Only Employees of the Adopting Employer who meet the Master Plan's definition of
"Employee"may be covered under the Adoption Agreement. Eligible Employees shall not include
non-governmental employees, independent contractors, leased employees, nonresident aliens, or
any other ineligible individuals,and this Section 9 must not be completed in a manner that violates
the "exclusive benefit rule" of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(2).
A. Eligible Regular Employees
Regular Employees include Employees,other than elected or appointed members of the Governing
Authority or Municipal Legal Officers,who are regularly employed in the services of the Adopting
Employer. Subject to the other conditions of the Master Plan and the Adoption Agreement, the
following Regular Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan (check one):
❑ ALL - All Regular Employees, provided they satisfy the minimum hour and other
requirements specified under"Eligibility Conditions" below.
® ALL REGULAR EMPLOYEES EXCEPT for the following employees (must specify;
specific positions are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
Any Employee who is not included in a Participant Class as defined in subsection 15(a)
of the General Addendum; any Employee who participates in any other City of
Augusta or Richmond County retirement plan; any person who is not a "Regular
Employee" as defined in the Augusta, Georgia Personnel Policy and Procedures; and
• any Employee classified as a temporary or seasonal employee. See also subsection
15(hh) of the General Addendum regarding treatment of employees of the Augusta-
Richmond County Tax Commissioner's office.
B. Elected or Appointed Members of the Governing Authority
An Adopting Employer may elect to permit participation in the Plan by elected or appointed
members of the Governing Authority and/or Municipal Legal Officers, provided they otherwise
meet the Master Plan's definition of"Employee" and provided they satisfy any other requirements
specified by the Adopting Employer. Municipal Legal Officers to be covered must be specifically
identified by position. Subject to the above conditions, the Employer hereby elects the following
treatment for elected and appointed officials:
(1) Elected or Appointed Members of the Governing Authority(check one):
❑ ARE NOT eligible to participate in the Plan.
® ARE eligible to participate in the Plan.
Please specify any limitations on eligibility to participate here(e.g.,service on or after certain date,
or special waiting period provision): With respect to elected or appointed members of the
Governing Authority who held office as of October 1,2007,they will participate in this Plan
only if they elected(affirmatively or by default)to participate in this Plan in accordance with
and subject to the election provisions of Sections 7.11-7.15 of the Addendum to the Adoption
• Agreement that became effective January 1, 2008 (Ordinance No. 7017). Elected or
appointed members of the Governing Authority who initially take office after October 1,
2007 will participate in this Plan, provided they affirmatively elect (or elect by default) to
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
participate in this Plan, in accordance with and subject to the 30-day time limit and other
• election requirements specified in subsections 15(b) and 15(gg) of the General Addendum to
this Adoption Agreement (see General Addendum subsection 15 (gg) concerning the effect
of later termination and return to Service). If a former elected or appointed member of the
Governing Authority who was not in office as of October 1, 2007 returns to Service as an
elected or appointed member of the Governing Authority after said date, he will participate
in this Plan,provided he affirmatively elects(or elects by default)to participate in this Plan,
in accordance with and subject to the 30-day time limit and other election requirements
specified in subsections 15(b) and 15(gg) of the General Addendum to this Adoption
Agreement.
(2) Municipal Legal Officers (check one):
ARE NOT eligible to participate in the Plan.
❑ ARE eligible to participate in the Plan. The term "Municipal Legal Officer" shall include only
the following positions (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
Please specify any limitations on eligibility to participate here(e.g.,service on or after certain date)
(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written program requirement of
Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury
Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): See General Addendum subsections 15(b) and 15(gg)
concerning participation by Augusta Law Department General Counsel and Law
• Department staff attorneys who meet applicable eligibility and election requirements.
10. ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
A. Hours Per Week(Regular Employees)
The Adopting Employer may specify a minimum number of work hours per week which
are required to be scheduled by Regular Employees in order for them to become and remain
"Eligible Regular Employees"under the Plan. It is the responsibility of the Adopting Employer
to determine whether these requirements are and continue to be satisfied. The Employer
hereby elects the following minimum hour requirement for Regular Employees:
O No minimum
• 20 hours/week(regularly scheduled)
O 30 hours/week(regularly scheduled)
❑ Other: (must not exceed 40 hours/week regularly scheduled)
Exceptions: If a different minimum hour requirement applies to a particular class or classes of
Regular Employees, please specify below the classes to whom the different requirement applies
and indicate the minimum hour requirement applicable to them.
Class(es)of Regular Employees to whom exception applies(must specify-specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
• Minimum hour requirement applicable to excepted Regular Employees:
❑ No minimum
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• 0 20 hours/week(regularly scheduled)
❑ 30 hours/week(regularly scheduled)
❑ Other: (must not exceed 40 hours/week regularly scheduled)
B. Months Per Year(Regular Employees)
The Adopting Employer may specify a minimum number of work months per year which
are required to be scheduled by Regular Employees in order for them to become and remain
"Eligible Employees" under the Plan. It is the responsibility of the Adopting Employer to
determine whether these requirements are and continue to be satisfied. The Employer hereby
elects the following minimum requirement for Regular Employees:
❑ No minimum
® At least 5 months per year(regularly scheduled)
Exceptions: If different months per year requirements apply to a particular class or classes of
Regular Employees, the Employer must specify below the classes to whom the different
requirements apply and indicate below the requirements applicable to them.
Regular Employees to whom exception applies (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
The months to year requirement for excepted class(es)are:
• ❑ No minimum
❑ At least months per year(regularly scheduled)
11. WAITING PERIOD
Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.02(b) of the Master Plan, Eligible Regular Employees
shall not have a waiting period before participating in the Plan. Likewise, elected or appointed
members of the Governing Authority and Municipal Legal Officers,if eligible to participate in the
Plan, shall not have a waiting period before participating in the Plan.
12. ESTABLISHING PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN
Participation in the Plan is considered mandatory for all Eligible Employees who satisfy
the eligibility conditions specified in the Adoption Agreement, except as provided in
Section 4.03(e) of the Master Plan. However, the Employer may specify below that participation
is optional for certain classes of Eligible Employees, including Regular Employees, elected or
appointed members of the Governing Authority,Municipal Legal Officers, City Managers, and/or
Department Heads. If participation is optional for an Eligible Employee, then in order to become
a Participant, he must make a written election to participate within 120 days after employment,
election or appointment to office, or if later, the date he first becomes eligible to participate in the
Plan. The election is irrevocable,and the failure to make the election within the 120 day time limit
shall be deemed an irrevocable election not to participate in the Plan.
• Classes for whom participation is optional (check one):
❑ None (Participation is mandatory for all Eligible Employees except as provided in
Section 4.03(e) of the Master Plan).
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• ® Participation is optional for the following Eligible Employees(must specify- specific
positions are permissible; specific individuals may not be named; all positions or
classes specified must be Eligible Employees): Prior to October 1, 2017,
participation in the Plan was optional for certain classes of Eligible Employees.
Effective on or after October 1,2017,participation in the Plan became mandatory
for all Eligible Employees who had not previously elected not to participate in the
Plan pursuant to subsections 15(b) and 15(gg)of the General Addendum in effect
prior to such date. See subsections 15(b) and 15(gg) of the General Addendum
regarding optional participation, 30-day election period, and other election
requirements in effect prior to October 1,2017.
13. CREDITED SERVICE
In addition to Current Credited Service the Adopting Employer may include as Credited
Service the following types of service:
A. Credited Past Service with Adopting Employer
Credited Past Service means the number of years and complete months of Service with the
Adopting Employer prior to the date an Eligible Employee becomes a Participant which are treated
as credited service under the Plan.
(1) Eligible Employees Employed on Original Effective Date of GMEBS Plan.
With respect to Eligible Employees who are employed by the Adopting Employer on the original
• Effective Date of the Employer's GMEBS Plan, Service with the Adopting Employer prior to the
date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant (including any Service prior to the Effective
Date of the Plan) shall be treated as follows (check one):
(See subsection 15(x) of the General Addendum concerning treatment of Service for
Classes 1-4 prior to original effective date of GMEBS Plan (March 1, 1987) for those
who are Participants in the GMEBS Plan immediately prior to January 1, 2008; see
the General Addendum concerning treatment of Service prior to January 1, 2008 for
other Participants.)
❑ All Service prior to the date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant shall be
credited(as Credited Past Service).
❑ All Service prior to the date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant shall be
credited (as Credited Past Service), except for Service rendered prior to
(insert date).
❑ All Service prior to the date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant shall be
credited (as Credited Past Service), except as follows (must specify other
limitation in a manner that satisfies the definite written program requirement
of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable
requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
•
O No Service prior to the date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant shall be
credited(as Credited Past Service).
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• (2) Previously Employed, Returning to Service after Original Effective Date. If
an Eligible Employee is not employed on the original Effective Date of the Employer's GMEBS
Plan,but he returns to Service with the Adopting Employer sometime after the Effective Date,his
Service prior to the date he becomes a Participant(including any Service prior the Effective Date)
shall be treated as follows (check one):
(See subsection 15(x)of the General Addendum concerning treatment of Service prior
to original effective date of GMEBS Plan (March 1, 1987) for those who are
Participants in GMEBS Plan immediately prior to January 1, 2008; see the General
Addendum concerning treatment of Service prior to January 1, 2008 for other
Participants.)
❑ All Service prior to the date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant shall be
credited (as Credited Past Service), subject to any limitations imposed above with
respect to Eligible Employees employed on the Effective Date.
❑ All Service prior to the date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant shall be
credited (as Credited Past Service), provided that after his return to employment,
the Eligible Employee performs Service equal to the period of the break in Service
or one (1) year, whichever is less. Any limitations imposed above with respect to
Eligible Employees employed on the Effective Date shall also apply.
❑ No Service prior to the date the Eligible Employee becomes a Participant shall be
credited (as Credited Past Service).
• Other limitation(s) on Recognition of Credited Past Service (must specify in a manner that
satisfies the definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and
the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
(3) Eligible Employees Initially Employed After Effective Date. If an Eligible
Employee's initial employment date is after the original Effective Date of the Employer's GMEBS
Plan, his Credited Past Service shall include only the number of years and complete months of
Service from his initial employment date to the date he becomes a Participant in the Plan.
(4) Newly Eligible Classes of Employees. If a previously ineligible class of
Employees becomes eligible to participate in the Plan,the Employer must specify in an addendum
to this Adoption Agreement whether and to what extent said Employees' prior service with the
Employer shall be treated as Credited Past Service under the Plan.
B. Prior Military Service
Note: This Section does not concern military service required to be credited under USERRA
—See Section 3.02 of the Master Plan for rules on the crediting of USERRA Military Service.
(1) Credit for Prior Military Service.
The Adopting Employer may elect to treat military service rendered prior to a Participant's initial
employment date or reemployment date as Credited Service under the Plan. Unless otherwise
• specified by the Employer under "Other Conditions" below, the term "Military Service" shall be
as defined in the Master Plan. Except as otherwise required by federal or state law or under"Other
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• Conditions" below, Military Service shall not include service which is credited under any other
local, state, or federal retirement or pension plan.
Military Service credited under this Section shall not include any service which is otherwise
required to be credited under the Plan by federal or state law. Prior Military Service shall be treated
as follows (check one):
• Prior Military Service is not creditable under the Plan (if checked, skip to
Section 13.C.—Prior Governmental Service).
❑ Prior Military Service shall be counted as Credited Service for the following
purposes (check one or more as applicable):
❑ Computing amount of benefits payable.
D Meeting minimum service requirements for vesting.
❑ Meeting minimum service requirements for benefit eligibility.
(2) Maximum Credit for Prior Military Service.
Credit for Prior Military Service shall be limited to a maximum of years (insert number).
(3) Rate of Accrual for Prior Military Service.
Credit for Prior Military Service shall accrue at the following rate (check one):
• ❑ One month of military service credit for every month(s) (insert number)
of Credited Service with the Adopting Employer.
❑ One year of military service credit for every year(s) (insert number) of
Credited Service with the Adopting Employer.
❑ All military service shall be creditable (subject to any caps imposed above) after
the Participant has completed years (insert number) of Credited Service
with the Employer.
❑ Other requirement (must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written
program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely
determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
(4) Payment for Prior Military Service Credit(check one):
❑ Participants shall not be required to pay for military service credit.
❑ Participants shall be required to pay for military service credit as follows:
❑ The Participant must pay % of the actuarial cost of the service credit
(as defined below).
O The Participant must pay an amount equal to (must specify in a manner
that satisfies the definite written program requirement of Treasury
• Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable requirement
of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• Other Conditions for Award of Prior Military Service Credit (must specify in a manner that
satisfies the definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and
the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
(5) Limitations on Service Credit Purchases. Unless otherwise specified in an
Addendum to the Adoption Agreement, for purposes of this Section and Section 13.C.concerning
prior governmental service credit, the term "actuarial cost of service credit" is defined as set forth
in the Service Credit Purchase Addendum. In the case of a service credit purchase,the Participant
shall be required to comply with any rules and regulations established by the GMEBS Board of
Trustees concerning said purchases.
C. Prior Governmental Service
Note: A Participant's prior service with other GMEBS employers shall be credited for
purposes of satisfying the minimum service requirements for Vesting and eligibility for
Retirement and pre-retirement death benefits as provided under Section 9.05 of the Master
Plan, relating to portability service. This Section 13(C) does not need to be completed in
order for Participants to receive this portability service credit pursuant to Section 9.05 of the
Master Plan.
(1) Credit for Prior Governmental Service.
The Adopting Employer may elect to treat governmental service rendered prior to a Participant's
initial employment date or reemployment date as creditable service under the Plan. Subject to any
• limitations imposed by law, the term "prior governmental service" shall be as defined by the
Adopting Employer below. The Employer elects to treat prior governmental service as follows
(check one):
• Prior governmental service is not creditable under the Plan (if checked, skip to
Section 13.D.—Unused Sick/Vacation Leave).
❑ Prior governmental service shall be counted as Credited Service for the following
purposes under the Plan(check one or more as applicable):
❑ Computing amount of benefits payable.
❑ Meeting minimum service requirements for vesting.
❑ Meeting minimum service requirements for benefit eligibility.
(2) Definition of Prior Governmental Service.
Prior governmental service shall be defined as follows: (must specify in a manner that satisfies
the definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
Unless otherwise specified above, prior governmental service shall include only full-time service
(minimum hour requirement same as that applicable to Eligible Regular Employees).
(3) Maximum Credit for Prior Governmental Service.
• Credit for prior governmental service shall be limited to a maximum of years (insert
number).
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• (4) Rate of Accrual for Prior Governmental Service Credit.
Credit for prior governmental service shall accrue at the following rate(check one):
❑ One month of prior governmental service credit for every month(s) (insert
number) of Credited Service with the Adopting Employer.
❑ One year of prior governmental service credit for every year(s) (insert
number) of Credited Service with the Adopting Employer.
❑ All prior governmental service shall be creditable (subject to any caps imposed
above) after the Participant has completed years (insert number) of
Credited Service with the Adopting Employer.
❑ Other requirement (must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written
program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely
determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
(5) Payment for Prior Governmental Service Credit.
❑ Participants shall not be required to pay for governmental service credit.
❑ Participants shall be required to pay for governmental service credit as follows:
• ❑ The Participant must pay % of the actuarial cost of the service credit.
0 The Participant must pay an amount equal to (must specify in a manner
that satisfies the definite written program requirement of Treasury
Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable requirement
of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
Other Conditions for Award of Prior Governmental Service Credit (must specify in a manner
that satisfies the definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2)
and the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
D. Leave Conversion for Unused Paid Time Off(e.g., Sick,Vacation,or Personal Leave)
(1) Credit for Unused Paid Time Off.
Subject to the limitations in Section 3.01 of the Master Plan, an Adopting Employer may elect to
treat accumulated days of unused paid time off for a terminated Participant, for which the
Participant is not paid, as Credited Service. The only type of leave permitted to be credited under
this provision is leave from a paid time off plan which qualifies as a bona fide sick and vacation
leave plan (which may include sick, vacation or personal leave) and which the Participant may
take as paid leave without regard to whether the leave is due to illness or incapacity. The Credited
Service resulting from the conversion of unused paid time off must not be the only Credited Service
applied toward the accrual of a normal retirement benefit under the Plan. The Pension Committee
shall be responsible to certify to GMEBS the total amount of unused paid time off that is creditable
• hereunder.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
. Important Note: Leave cannot be converted to Credited Service in lieu of receiving a cash
payment. If the Employer elects treating unused paid time off as Credited Service,the conversion
to Credited Service will be automatic, and the Participant cannot request a cash payment for the
unused paid time off.
The Employer elects the following treatment of unused paid time off:
❑ Unused paid time off shall not be treated as Credited Service (if checked, skip to
Section 14—Retirement Eligibility).
• The following types of unused paid time off for which the Participant is not paid
shall be treated as Credited Service under the Plan (check one or more as
applicable):
® Unused sick leave
o Unused vacation leave
❑ Unused personal leave
o Other paid time off (must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and
the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-
1(b)(1)(i)):
(2) Minimum Service Requirement.
• In order to receive credit for unused paid time off, a Participant must meet the following
requirement at termination(check one):
O The Participant must be 100%vested in a normal retirement benefit.
O The Participant must have at least years (insert number) of Total
Credited Service (not including leave otherwise creditable under this Section).
• Other (must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written program
requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely
determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
The Participant must be eligible for Early, Normal or Disability Retirement
benefits.
(3) Use of Unused Paid Time Off Credit. Unused paid time off for which the
Participant is not paid shall count as Credited Service for the following purposes under the Plan
(check one or more as applicable):
• Computing amount of benefits payable.
❑ Meeting minimum service requirements for vesting.
❑ Meeting minimum service requirements for benefit eligibility.
(4) Maximum Credit for Unused Paid Time Off.
Credit for unused paid time off for which the Participant is not paid shall be limited to a maximum
of 6 months (insert number).
•
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• (5) Computation of Unused Paid Time Off.
Unless otherwise specified by the Adopting Employer under "Other Conditions" below, each
twenty(20) days of creditable unused paid time off shall constitute one(1) complete month of
Credited Service under the Plan. Partial months shall not be credited.
(6) Other Conditions (please specify, subject to limitations in Section 3.01 of
Master Plan; must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written program
requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable
requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): To be eligible to receive credit for
unused sick leave hereunder, a Participant must Terminate employment with the Employer
on or after April 1, 2011, and Retire directly from active employment with the Employer
such that his/her effective Retirement date is the first day of the month coinciding with or
following his/her Termination date. Each twenty (20) days of unused sick leave shall be
counted as one(1) complete month of Credited Service under the Plan,with any remainders
of 10 or more days credited as one(1) complete month.For Eligible Regular Employees who
regularly work 24-hour shifts, nine(9)24-hour sick days will be credited as one(1) complete
month of Credited Service, with any remainders of five (5) or more 24-hour sick days
credited as one (1) complete month.
14. RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY
A. Early Retirement Qualifications
. Early retirement qualifications are (check one or more as applicable):
® Attainment of age 50 (insert number)
® Completion of 5 years (insert number) of Total Credited Service
Exceptions: If different early retirement eligibility requirements apply to a particular class or
classes of Eligible Employees,the Employer must specify below the classes to whom the different
requirements apply and indicate below the requirements applicable to them.
(1) Eligible Employees to whom exception applies (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named): Class 2 and Class 4.
Early retirement qualifications for excepted class(es) are (check one or more as applicable):
• Attainment of age 55 (insert number)
Completion of 10 years (insert number) of Total Credited Service
(2) Eligible Employees to whom exception applies (must specify): Class 6
Early retirement qualifications for excepted class(es) are (check one or more as applicable):
Attainment of age 50 (insert number)
S ® Completion of 15 years (insert number) of Total Credited Service with Augusta,
Georgia.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
B. Normal Retirement Qualifications
•
Note: Please complete this Section and also list "Alternative" Normal Retirement
Qualifications, if any,in Section 14.C.
(1) Regular Employees
Normal retirement qualifications for Regular Employees are (check one or more as applicable):
® Attainment of age 65 (insert number)
❑ Completion of years (insert number) of Total Credited Service
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service without
first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service), if Participant meets minimum
age and service requirements specified immediately above and is at least age 62
(unless a lower safe-harbor age is permitted under applicable federal law), subject
to applicable Plan provisions concerning recalculation and offset applied at re-
retirement to account for the value of benefits received prior to re-retirement. This
rule shall apply to (check one): ❑ all Participants 0 only the following class(es)
of Participants (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
• Exceptions: If different normal retirement qualifications apply to a particular class or classes of
Regular Employees, the Employer must specify below the classes to whom the different
requirements apply and indicate below the requirements applicable to them.
Class(es)of Regular Employees to whom exception applies(must specify-specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
Normal retirement qualifications for excepted class(es) are (check one or more as applicable):
❑ Attainment of age (insert number)
❑ Completion of years (insert number) of Total Credited Service
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service without
first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service), if Participant meets minimum
age and service requirements specified immediately above and is at least age 62
(unless a lower safe-harbor age is permitted under applicable federal law), subject
to applicable Plan provisions concerning recalculation and offset applied at re-
retirement to account for the value of benefits received prior to re-retirement. This
rule shall apply to (check one): 0 all Participants ❑ only the following class(es)
of Participants (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
•
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• (2) Elected or Appointed Members of Governing Authority
Complete this Section only if elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority or
Municipal Legal Officers are permitted to participate in the Plan. Normal retirement
qualifications for this class are(check one or more as applicable):
® Attainment of age 65 (insert number)
❑ Completion of years (insert number) of Total Credited Service
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service without
first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service),if Participant meets minimum
age and service requirements specified immediately above and is at least age 62
(unless a lower safe-harbor age is permitted under applicable federal law), subject
to applicable Plan provisions concerning recalculation and offset applied at re-
retirement to account for the value of benefits received prior to re-retirement. This
rule shall apply to (check one): 0 all Participants ❑ only the following class(es)
of Participants (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
Exceptions: If different normal retirement qualifications apply to particular elected or appointed
members of the Governing Authority or Municipal Legal Officers, the Employer must specify
below to whom the different requirements apply and indicate below the requirements applicable
• to them.
Particular elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority or Municipal Legal Officers
to whom exception applies (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
Normal retirement qualifications for excepted elected or appointed members of the Governing
Authority or Municipal Legal Officers are (check one or more as applicable):
❑ Attainment of age (insert number)
❑ Completion of years (insert number) of Total Credited Service
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service without
first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service),if Participant meets minimum
age and service requirements specified immediately above and is at least age 62
(unless a lower safe-harbor age is permitted under applicable federal law), subject
to applicable Plan provisions concerning recalculation and offset applied at re-
retirement to account for the value of benefits received prior to re-retirement. This
rule shall apply to (check one): 0 all Participants 0 only the following class(es)
of Participants (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• C. Alternative Normal Retirement Qualifications
The Employer may elect to permit Participants to retire with unreduced benefits after they satisfy
service and/or age requirements other than the regular normal retirement qualifications specified
above. The Employer hereby adopts the following alternative normal retirement qualifications:
Alternative Normal Retirement Qualifications (check one or more, as applicable):
(1) ❑ Not applicable (the Adopting Employer does not offer alternative normal
retirement benefits under the Plan).
(2) ® Alternative Minimum Age & Service Qualifications (if checked,please
complete one or more items below, as applicable):
• Attainment of age 55 (insert number)
• Completion of 25 years (insert number) of Total Credited Service
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service
without first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service), if Participant
meets minimum age and service requirements specified immediately above
and is at least age 62 (unless a lower safe-harbor age is permitted under
applicable federal law), subject to applicable Plan provisions concerning
11111 recalculation and offset applied at re-retirement to account for the value of
benefits received prior to re-retirement. This rule shall apply to (check
one): ❑all Participants❑only the following class(es)of Participants(must
specify-specific positions are permissible; specific individuals may not
be named):
This alternative normal retirement benefit is available to:
❑ All Participants who qualify.
® Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named): Participants in
Class 1, Class 2, Class 5, Class 7, Class 8, or Class 9 who are Public
Safety Personnel,provided they are at least age 55 and have at least 25
years of Total Credited Service as Public Safety Personnel with
Augusta, Georgia (see General Addendum subsection 15(a) for
definition of"Public Safety Personnel").
A Participant (check one): ❑ is required ® is not required to be in the service of
the Employer at the time he satisfies the above qualifications in order to qualify for
this alternative normal retirement benefit.
Other eligibility requirement(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
• definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• (3) 0 Rule of (insert number). The Participant's combined Total
Credited Service and age must equal or exceed this number. Please complete
additional items below:
To qualify for this alternative normal retirement benefit,the Participant(check one
or more items below, as applicable):
❑ Must have attained at least age (insert number)
❑ Must not satisfy any minimum age requirement
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service
without first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service), if the
Participant meets the minimum age and service requirements specified
immediately above and is at least age 62 (unless a lower safe-harbor age is
permitted under applicable federal law), subject to applicable Plan
provisions concerning recalculation and offset applied at re-retirement to
account for the value of benefits received prior to re-retirement. This rule
shall apply to(check one): ❑all Participants 0 only the following class(es)
of Participants (must specify-specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
This alternative normal retirement benefit is available to:
• 0 All Participants who qualify.
❑ Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
A Participant (check one): ❑ is required ❑ is not required to be in the service of
the Employer at the time he satisfies the Rule in order to qualify for this alternative
normal retirement benefit.
Other eligibility requirement(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
(4) ❑ Alternative Minimum Service. A Participant is eligible for an alternative
normal retirement benefit if he has at least years (insert number) of
Total Credited Service,regardless of the Participant's age.
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service
without first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service), if the
Participant meets the minimum service requirement specified immediately
above and is at least age 62 (unless a lower safe-harbor age is permitted
• under applicable federal law), subject to applicable Plan provisions
concerning recalculation and offset applied at re-retirement to account for
the value of benefits received prior to re-retirement. This rule shall apply
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• to (check one): 0 all Participants 0 only the following class(es) of
Participants (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
This alternative normal retirement benefit is available to:
❑ All Participants who qualify.
❑ Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
A Participant (check one): 0 is required 0 is not required to be in the service of
the Employer at the time he satisfies the qualifications for this alternative normal
retirement benefit.
Other eligibility requirement(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
(5) ® Other Alternative Normal Retirement Benefit.
Must specify qualifications (in a manner that satisfies the definite written
program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely
• determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): See age
and Service requirements below.
Attainment of age 62 (insert number)
• Completion of 25 years (insert number) of Total Credited Service with
Augusta, Georgia.
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying
Participant may commence receiving retirement benefits while in service
without first incurring a Bona Fide Separation from Service), if the
Participant meets minimum age and service requirements specified
immediately above and is at least age 62 (unless a lower safe-harbor age is
permitted under applicable federal law), subject to applicable Plan
provisions concerning recalculation and offset applied at re-retirement to
account for the value of benefits received prior to re-retirement. This rule
shall apply to(check one): 0 all Participants 0 only the following class(es)
of Participants(must specify-specific positions are permissible; specific
individuals may not be named):
This alternative normal retirement benefit is available to:
❑ All Participants who qualify.
• ® Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named): Participants in
Class 1, Class 3, Class 5, Class 6,Class 7, Class 8, or Class 9.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• A Participant (check one): ❑ is required El is not required to be in the service of
the Employer at the time he satisfies the qualifications for this alternative normal
retirement benefit.
Other eligibility requirement(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
(6) ❑ Other Alternative Normal Retirement Benefit for Public Safety
Employees Only.
Must specify qualifications (in a manner that satisfies the definite written
program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely
determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
❑ In-Service Distribution to Eligible Employees who are Public Safety
Employees permitted (i.e., a qualifying Participant may commence
receiving retirement benefits while in service without first incurring a Bona
Fide Separation from Service), if the Participant meets minimum age and
service requirements specified immediately above and is at least age 50
(unless a lower safe-harbor age is permitted under applicable federal law),
subject to applicable Plan provisions concerning recalculation and offset
applied at re-retirement to account for the value of benefits received prior
• to re-retirement. This rule shall apply to (check one): El all Participants ❑
only the following class(es) of Participants (must specify - specific
positions are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
This alternative normal retirement benefit is available to:
❑ All public safety employee Participants who qualify.
❑ Only the following public safety employee Participants (must specify -
specific positions are permissible; specific individuals may not be
named):
A public safety employee Participant(check one): ❑ is required❑ is not required
to be in the service of the Employer at the time he satisfies the qualifications for
this alternative normal retirement benefit.
Other eligibility requirement(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
Note: "Public safety employees" are defined under the Internal Revenue Code for this
• purpose as employees of a State or political subdivision of a State who provide police
protection, firefighting services, or emergency medical services for any area within the
jurisdiction of such State or political subdivision.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• D. Disability Benefit Qualifications
Subject to the other terms and conditions of the Master Plan and except as otherwise provided in
an Addendum to this Adoption Agreement, disability retirement qualifications are based upon
Social Security Administration award criteria or as otherwise provided under Section 2.23 of the
Master Plan. The Disability Retirement benefit shall commence as of the Participant's Disability
Retirement Date under Section 2.24 of the Master Plan.
To qualify for a disability benefit,a Participant must have the following minimum number of years
of Total Credited Service (check one):
❑ Not applicable(the Adopting Employer does not offer disability retirement benefits
under the Plan).
D No minimum.
❑ years (insert number) of Total Credited Service.
Other eligibility requirement (must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written
program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable
requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): No minimum, except for Class 6
Participants with respect to non-employment connected disability(see subsection 15(aa)(iii)
of the General Addendum for eligibility requirements applicable to Class 6).
15. RETIREMENT BENEFIT COMPUTATION
• A. Maximum Total Credited Service
The number of years of Total Credited Service which may be used to calculate a benefit is(check
one or all that apply):
D not limited.
❑ limited to years for all Participants.
❑ limited to years for the following classes of Eligible Regular Employees:
O All Eligible Regular Employees.
❑ Only the following Eligible Regular Employees:
❑ limited to years as an elected or appointed member of the Governing
Authority.
❑ limited to years as a Municipal Legal Officer.
❑ Other (must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written program
requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the definitely
determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
1111
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
. B. Monthly Normal Retirement Benefit Amount
(1) Regular Employee p Vee Formula
The monthly normal retirement benefit for Eligible Regular Employees shall be 1/12 of(check
and complete one or more as applicable):
® (a) Flat Percentage Formula. 2_0% (insert percentage) of Final Average
Earnings multiplied by years of Total Credited Service as an Eligible
Regular Employee.
This formula applies to:
O All Participants who are Regular Employees.
® Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
Participants in classes 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 who are employed with
Augusta on or after May 15, 2018, and who Retire on or after
July 1,2018.
® (b) Alternative Flat Percentage Formula. 1_0% (insert percentage)of Final
Average Earnings multiplied by years of Total Credited Service as an
Eligible Regular Employee. This formula applies to the following
Participants (must specify - specific positions are permissible; specific
• individuals may not be named): Participants in Class 6.
® (c) Split Final Average Earnings Formula. 1.25% (insert percentage) of
Final Average Earnings up to the amount of Covered Compensation (see
subsection (2) below for definition of Covered Compensation), plus
2.0% (insert percentage) of Final Average Earnings in excess of said
Covered Compensation,multiplied by years of Total Credited Service as an
Eligible Regular Employee.
This formula applies to:
O All Participants who are Regular Employees.
® Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
Participants in Class 2 and Class 4.
0 (d) Alternative Split Final Average Earnings Formula. % (insert
percentage) of Final Average Earnings up to the amount of Covered
Compensation (see subsection (2) below for definition of Covered
Compensation), plus % (insert percentage) of Final Average
Earnings in excess of said Covered Compensation, multiplied by years of
Total Credited Service as an Eligible Regular Employee.
This formula applies to:
• 0 All Participants.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• 0 Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
[Repeat above subsections as necessary for each applicable benefit formula and Participant
class covered under the Plan.]
(2) Covered Compensation (complete only if Split Formula(s) is checked above):
Covered Compensation is defined as (check one or more as applicable):
❑ (a) A.I.M.E. Covered Compensation as defined in Section 2.18 of the Master
Plan. This definition of Covered Compensation shall apply to(check one):
❑ All Participants who are Regular Employees.
❑ Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
• (b) Dynamic Break Point Covered Compensation as defined in Section 2.19
of the Master Plan. This definition of Covered Compensation shall apply
to (check one):
❑ All Participants who are Regular Employees.
• Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
• Participants to whom the benefit formula under Section
15(B)(1)(c) applies.
❑ (c) Table Break Point Covered Compensation as defined in Section 2.20 of
the Master Plan. This definition of Covered Compensation shall apply to
(check one):
❑ All Participants who are Regular Employees.
❑ Only the following class(es)of Participants(must specify-specific
positions are permissible; specific individuals may not be
named):
O (d) Covered Compensation shall mean a Participant's annual Earnings that do
not exceed $ (specify amount). This definition shall
apply to (check one):
❑ All Participants who are Regular Employees.
❑ Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
(3) Final Average Earnings
Unless otherwise specified in an Addendum to the Adoption Agreement, Final Average Earnings
is defined as the monthly average of Earnings paid to a Participant by the Adopting Employer for
the 60 (insert number not to exceed 60) consecutive months of Credited Service preceding the
Participant's most recent Termination in which the Participant's Earnings were the highest,
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• multiplied by 12. Note: GMEBS has prescribed forms for calculation of Final Average Earnings
that must be used for this purpose.
This definition of Final Average Earnings applies to:
All Participants who are Regular Employees.
❑ Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions are permissible;
specific individuals may not be named):
[Repeat above subsection as necessary for each applicable definition and Participant class
covered under the Plan.]
(4) Formula for Elected or Appointed Members of the Governing Authority
The monthly normal retirement benefit for members of this class shall be as follows (check one):
(See subsection 15(c) of the General Addendum.)
0 Not applicable (elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority or Municipal
Legal Officers are not permitted to participate in the Plan).
❑ $ (insert dollar amount)per month for each year of Total Credited Service as
an elected or appointed member of the Governing Authority or Municipal Legal Officer or
major fraction thereof(6 months and 1 day).
• This formula applies to:
❑ All elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority or Municipal Legal Officers
eligible to participate.
O Only the following elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority or Municipal
Legal Officers eligible to participate (must specify - specific positions are permissible;
specific individuals may not be named):
[Repeat above subsection as necessary for each applicable formula for classes of elected or
appointed members covered under the Plan.]
C. Monthly Early Retirement Benefit Amount
Check and complete one or more as applicable:
(1) Standard Early Retirement Reduction Table. The monthly Early
Retirement benefit shall be computed in the same manner as the monthly
Normal Retirement benefit, but the benefit shall be reduced on an
Actuarially Equivalent basis in accordance with Section 12.01 of the Master
Plan to account for early commencement of benefits. This provision shall
apply to:
❑ All Participants.
Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named): All
Participants except those in Class 6.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• (2) Alternative Early Retirement Reduction Table. The monthly Early
Retirement benefit shall be computed in the same manner as the monthly
Normal Retirement benefit, but the benefit shall be reduced to account for
early commencement of benefits based on the following table. This table
shall apply to:
❑ All Participants.
Only the following Participants (must specify - specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
Participants in Class 6 (See General Addendum subsection
15(aa)(ii)).
Alternative Early Retirement Reduction Table
Number of Years Before Percentage of
Age 65 or Age 62, as Normal Retirement Benefit*
applicable (complete as applicable)
(check as applicable)
® 0 1.000
® 1 0.95
® 2 0.90
® 3 0.85
• ® 4 0.80
® 5 0.75
® 6 0.70
® 7 0.65
® 8 0.60
▪ 9 0.55
® 10 0.50
® 11 0.45
® 12 0.40
• 13 0.35
• 14 0.30
® 15 0.25
*Interpolate for whole months
D. Monthly Late Retirement Benefit Amount(check one):
(1) The monthly Late Retirement benefit shall be computed in the same manner
as the Normal Retirement Benefit, based upon the Participant's Accrued
Benefit as of his Late Retirement Date.
❑ (2) The monthly Late Retirement benefit shall be the greater of: (1)the
monthly retirement benefit accrued as of the Participant's Normal
Retirement Date,actuarially increased in accordance with the actuarial table
• contained in Section 12.05 of the Master Plan; or(2)the monthly retirement
benefit accrued as of the Participant's Late Retirement Date,without further
actuarial adjustment under Section 12.06 of the Master Plan.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• E. Monthly Disability Benefit Amount
The amount of the monthly Disability Benefit shall be computed in the same manner as the Normal
Retirement benefit, based upon the Participant's Accrued Benefit as of his Disability Retirement
Date.
Minimum Disability Benefit. The Adopting Employer may set a minimum Disability Benefit.
The Employer elects the following minimum Disability benefit(check one):
❑ Not applicable(the Adopting Employer does not offer disability retirement benefits
under the Plan).
❑ No minimum is established.
• No less than (check one): ® 20% 0 10% D % (if other than 20% or 10%
insert percentage amount) of the Participant's average monthly Earnings for the
12 calendar month period (excluding any period of unpaid leave of absence)
immediately preceding his Termination of Employment as a result of a Disability.
(Unless otherwise specified in an Addendum to the Adoption Agreement, no
minimum will apply to elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority
or Municipal Legal Officers.)
❑ No less than(check one): 0 66 2/3 % 0 % (if other than 66 2/3%,insert
percentage amount) of the Participant's average monthly Earnings for the
• 12 calendar month period (excluding any period of unpaid leave of absence)
immediately preceding his Termination of Employment as a result of a Disability,
less any monthly benefits paid from federal Social Security benefits as a result of
disability .as reported by the Employer. (Unless otherwise specified in an
Addendum to the Adoption Agreement, no minimum will apply to elected or
appointed members of the Governing Authority or Municipal Legal Officers.)
Note: The Adopting Employer is responsible for reporting to GMEBS any amounts to be
used in an offset.
F. Minimum/Maximum Benefit For Elected Officials
In addition to any other limitations imposed by federal or state law, the Employer may impose a
cap on the monthly benefit amount that may be received by elected or appointed members of the
Governing Authority. The Employer elects (check one):
❑ Not applicable (elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority do not
participate in the Plan).
• No minimum or maximum applies.
❑ Monthly benefit for Service as an elected or appointed member of the Governing
Authority may not exceed 100% of the Participant's final salary as an elected or
appointed member of the Governing Authority.
• ❑ Other minimum or maximum(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
16. SUSPENSION OF BENEFITS FOLLOWING BONA FIDE
SEPARATION OF SERVICE; COLA
A. Re-Employment as Eligible Employee After Normal, Alternative Normal, or Early
Retirement and Following Bona Fide Separation of Service (see Master Plan Section
6.06(c) Regarding Re-Employment as an Ineligible Employee and Master Plan
Section 6.06(e) and (f)Regarding Re-Employment After Disability Retirement)
(1) Reemployment After Normal or Alternative Normal Retirement. In the event
that a Retired Participant 1)is reemployed with the Employer as an Eligible Employee(as defined
in the Plan) after his Normal or Alternative Normal Retirement Date and after a Bona Fide
Separation from Service, or 2) is reemployed with the Employer in an Ineligible Employee class,
and subsequently again becomes an Eligible Employee(as defined in the Plan)due to the addition
of such class to the Plan after his Normal or Alternative Normal Retirement Date, the following
rule shall apply(check one):
❑ (a) The Participant's benefit shall be suspended in accordance with
Section 6.06(a)(1) of the Master Plan for as long as the Participant
remains employed.
• ® (b) The Participant may continue to receive his retirement benefit in
accordance with Section 6.06(b) of the Master Plan. This rule shall
apply to (check one): ❑ all Retired Participants ® only the
following classes of Retired Participants (must specify (specific
positions are permissible; specific individuals may not be
named) - benefits of those Retired Participants not listed shall
be suspended in accordance with Section 6.06(a) of the Master
Plan if they return to work with the Employer): Retired
Participants who return to employment with the Employer
pursuant to a written reemployment agreement with the
Employer.
(2) Reemployment After Early Retirement. In the event a Participant Retires with
an Early Retirement benefit after a Bona Fide Separation from Service 1) is reemployed with the
Employer as an Eligible Employee before his Normal Retirement Date; or 2) is reemployed with
the Employer in an Ineligible Employee class, and subsequently again becomes an Eligible
Employee (as defined in the Plan)before his Normal Retirement Date due to the addition of such
class to the Plan, the following rule shall apply(check one or more as applicable):
(a) The Participant's Early Retirement benefit shall be suspended in
accordance with Section 6.06(a)(1) of the Master Plan for as long as the
Participant remains employed.
This rule shall apply to (check one): ❑ all.Retired Participants; D only the
• following classes of Retired Participants (must specify-specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named): All
Participants other than those described in Section 16(A)(2)(c)below.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
(b) ❑ The Participant's Early Retirement benefit shall be suspended in
• accordance with Section 6.06(a)(1) of the Master Plan. However, the
Participant may begin receiving benefits after he satisfies the qualifications
for Normal Retirement or Alternative Normal Retirement, as applicable,
and after satisfying the minimum age parameters of Section 6.06(a)(3) of
the Master Plan, in accordance with Section 6.06(b)(2)(B)(i) of the Master
Plan.
This rule shall apply to (check one): ❑ all Retired Participants; El only the
following classes of Retired Participants (must specify- specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named):
(c) The e Participant's Early Retirement benefit shall continue in
accordance with Section 6.06(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Master Plan.
This rule shall apply to(check one): ❑ all Retired Participants; ® only the
following classes of Retired Participants(must specify- specific positions
are permissible; specific individuals may not be named): Retired
Participants who return to employment with the Employer pursuant to
a written reemployment agreement with the Employer.
B. Cost Of Living Adjustment
411 The Employer may elect to provide for an annual cost-of-living adjustment(COLA)in the amount
of benefits being received by Retired Participants and Beneficiaries,which shall be calculated and
paid in accordance with the terms of the Master Plan. The Employer hereby elects the following
(check one):
(1) The Employer hereby elects the following(check one):
• (1) No cost-of-living adjustment.
❑ (2) Variable Annual cost-of-living adjustment not to exceed % (insert
percentage).
❑ (3) Fixed annual cost-of-living adjustment equal to % (insert
percentage).
The above cost-of-living adjustment shall apply with respect to the following Participants (and
their Beneficiaries) (check one):
❑ All Participants (and their Beneficiaries).
O Participants(and their Beneficiaries)who terminate employment on
or after (insert date).
• Other(must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite written
program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2)and
the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation
• 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)); specific positions are permissible; specific
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• individuals may not be named): Participants in Class 2 or Class
4 only.
The Adjustment Date for the above cost-of-living adjustment shall be (if not specified, the
Adjustment Date shall be January 1):
(2) The Employer hereby elects the following(check one):
❑ (a) No cost-of-living adjustment.
• (b) Variable Annual cost-of-living adjustment not to exceed 5% (insert
percentage).
❑ (c) Fixed annual cost-of-living adjustment equal to % (insert
percentage).
The above cost-of-living adjustment shall apply with respect to the following Participants (and
their Beneficiaries) (check one):
❑ All Participants (and their Beneficiaries).
❑ Participants(and their Beneficiaries)who terminate employment on
or after (insert date).
• Other(must specify): Participants in Class 6 only.
• The Adjustment Date for the above cost-of-living adjustment shall be (if not specified, the
Adjustment Date shall be January 1):
(3) The Employer hereby elects the following (check one):
❑ (a) No cost-of-living adjustment.
❑ (b) Variable Annual cost-of-living adjustment not to exceed % (insert
percentage).
(c) Fixed annual cost-of-living adjustment equal to 1_5% (insert percentage).
The above cost-of-living adjustment shall apply with respect to the following Participants (and
their Beneficiaries) (check one):
O All Participants(and their Beneficiaries).
❑ Participants(and their Beneficiaries)who terminate employment on
or after (insert date).
• Other (must specify): Participants in Class 1, Class 3, Class 5,
Class 7, Class 8, or Class 9 only.
•
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
. 1. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BEFORE RETIREMENT;
VESTING
A. Eligible Regular Employees
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Master Plan, a Participant who is an Eligible Regular
Employee and whose employment is terminated for any reason other than death or retirement shall
earn a vested right in his accrued retirement benefit in accordance with the following schedule
(check one):
❑ No vesting schedule(immediate vesting).
® Cliff Vesting Schedule. Benefits shall be 100%vested after the Participant has a
minimum of 5 years (insert number not to exceed 10) of Total Credited Service.
Benefits remain 0%vested until the Participant satisfies this minimum.
❑ Graduated Vesting Schedule. Benefits shall become vested in accordance with
the following schedule (insert percentages):
COMPLETED YEARS
_OF TOTAL CREDITED SERVICE VESTED PERCENTAGE
1
2 %
3 %
• 4
5
6 %
7 %
8 %
9 %
10 %
Exceptions: If a vesting schedule other than that specified above applies to a special class(es) of
Regular Employees, the Employer must specify the different vesting schedule below and the
class(es)to whom the different vesting schedule applies.
Regular Employees to whom exception applies (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named): (1) Participants in Class 2 or Class 4;
(2) Participants who are employed on or after January 1, 2009, and before April 1, 2011, in
a position that is listed as a senior executive service (SES) position in subsection 15(11)(iii) of
the General Addendum; (3) Participants who are employed on or after April 1, 2011, in a
position that is listed as a SES position in the Augusta, Georgia Personnel Policy and
Procedures Manual, provided the preconditions specified in subsection 15(ll)(i) of the
General Addendum are satisfied; and (4) the Chief Appraiser employed in such position on
July 26, 2010, pursuant to an employment Agreement with the Richmond County Board of
Assessors (i.e.,Mr. Alveeno Ross).
1111 Vesting Schedule for excepted class (must specify; schedule for 100% vesting cannot exceed
10 years): (1) For Participants in Class 2 or Class 4, benefits shall be 100% Vested after the
Participant has a minimum of 10 years of Total Credited Service, with benefits considered
0% Vested until the Participant satisfies this minimum; (2) Pursuant to 15(11)(i) of the
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• General Addendum,Participants who on or after January 1,2009, and before April 1,20111
held a senior executive service (SES) position listed in subsection 15(ll)(iii) of the General
Addendum will be considered immediately Vested in their accrued Normal Retirement
benefit (no Vesting schedule); (3) Participants who on or after April 1, 2011, hold a senior
executive service (SES) position as identified in the Augusta, Georgia Personnel Policy and
Procedures Manual will be considered immediately Vested in their accrued Normal
Retirement benefit(no Vesting schedule)(see General Addendum 15(1l)(i));and(4)the Chief
Appraiser employed in such position on July 26,2010(i.e., Mr.Alveno Ross) is immediately
Vested in his Normal Retirement benefit(no Vesting schedule) upon employment.
B. Elected or Appointed Members of the Governing Authority
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Master Plan,a Participant who is an elected or appointed
member of the Governing Authority or a Municipal Legal Officer shall earn a vested right in his
accrued retirement benefit for Credited Service in such capacity in accordance with the following
schedule(check one):
❑ Not applicable (elected or appointed members of the Governing Authority are not
permitted to participate in the Plan).
• No vesting schedule (immediate vesting).
❑ Other vesting schedule (must specify in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
• definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
2. PRE-RETIREMENT DEATH BENEFITS
A. In-Service Death Benefit
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Master Plan, the Employer hereby elects the following
in-service death benefit, to be payable in the event that an eligible Participant's employment with
the Employer is terminated by reason of the Participant's death prior to Retirement (check and
complete one):
(1) ® Auto A Death Benefit. A monthly benefit payable to the Participant's
Pre-Retirement Beneficiary, equal to the decreased monthly retirement benefit that
would have otherwise been payable to the Participant, had he elected a 100%joint
and survivor benefit under Section 7.03 of the Master Plan. In order to be eligible
for this benefit, a Participant must meet the following requirements (check one):
❑ The Participant must be vested in a normal retirement benefit.
❑ The Participant must have years(insert number)of Total Credited
Service.
• ❑ The Participant must be eligible for Early or Normal Retirement.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• Other eligibility requirement(must specify in a manner that satisfies the
definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-
1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury
Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): Participants in Class 2 and Class 4 must
be eligible for Early or Normal Retirement; Participants in any other
class must be Vested in a Normal Retirement benefit.
(2) 0 Actuarial Reserve Death Benefit. A monthly benefit payable to the
Participant's Pre-Retirement Beneficiary, actuarially equivalent to the reserve
required for the Participant's anticipated Normal Retirement benefit, provided the
Participant meets the following eligibility conditions(check one):
0 The Participant shall be eligible upon satisfying the eligibility requirements
of Section 8.02(c) of the Master Plan.
❑ The Participant must have years (insert number) of Total Credited
Service.
0 Other eligibility requirement(must specify in a manner that satisfies the
definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-
1(a)(2) and the definitely determinable requirement of Treasury
Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
Imputed Service. For purposes of computing the actuarial reserve death benefit,
• the Participant's Total Credited Service shall include(check one):
O Total Credited Service accrued prior to the date of the Participant's death.
❑ Total Credited Service accrued prior to the date of the Participant's death,
plus (check one): ❑ one-half(1/2) 0 (insert other fraction)
of the Service between such date of death and what would otherwise have
been the Participant's Normal Retirement Date. (See Master Plan
Section 8.02(b) regarding 10-year cap on additional Credited Service.)
Minimum In-Service Death Benefit for Vested Employees Equal to Terminated Vested Death
Benefit. Unless otherwise specified under "Exceptions" below, if a Participant's employment is
terminated by reason of the Participant's death prior to Retirement, and if as of the date of death
the Participant is vested but he does not qualify for the in-service death benefit, then the Auto A
Death Benefit will be payable,provided the Auto A Death Benefit is made available to terminated
vested employees under the Adoption Agreement(see"Terminated Vested Death Benefit"below).
(3) Exceptions: If an in-service death benefit other than that specified above applies
to one or more classes of Participants,the Employer must specify below the death benefit payable,
the class(es) to whom the different death benefit applies, and the eligibility conditions for said
death benefit.
Alternative Death Benefit (must specify formula that satisfies the definite written program
and definitely determinable requirements of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.401-1(a)(2)
• and 1.401-1(b)(1)(i) and does not violate limits applicable to governmental plans under Code
Sections 401(a)(17) and 415): "Minimum In-Service Death Benefit" provision in Section
-32—
Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• 18(A) above is not applicable; See subsection 15(aa)(iv) of the General Addendum for a
description of in-service death benefit applicable to Participants in Class 6.
Participants to whom alternative death benefit applies (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named): Participants in Class 6.
Eligibility conditions for alternative death benefit (must specify in a manner that satisfies the
definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): See subsection
15(aa)(iv) of the General Addendum.
B. Terminated Vested Death Benefit
(1) Complete this Section only if the Employer offers a terminated vested death
benefit. The Employer may elect to provide a terminated vested death benefit, to be payable in
the event that a Participant who is vested dies after termination of employment but before
Retirement benefits commence. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Master Plan, the
Employer hereby elects the following terminated vested death benefit(check one):
Auto A Death Benefit. A monthly benefit payable to the Participant's
Pre-Retirement Beneficiary, equal to the decreased monthly retirement benefit that
would have otherwise been payable to the Participant had he elected a 100%joint
and survivor benefit under Section 7.03 of the Master Plan.
• ❑ Accrued Retirement Benefit. A monthly benefit payable to the Participant's
Pre-Retirement Beneficiary which shall be actuarially equivalent to the
Participant's Accrued Normal Retirement Benefit determined as of the date of
death.
(2) Exceptions: If a terminated vested death benefit other than that specified above
applies to one or more classes of Participants, the Employer must specify below the death benefit
payable,the class(es)to whom the different death benefit applies,and the eligibility conditions for
said death benefit.
Alternative Death Benefit (must specify formula that satisfies the definite written program
and definitely determinable requirements of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.401-1(a)(2)
and 1.401-1(b)(1)(i) and does not violate limits applicable to governmental plans under Code
Sections 401(a)(17) and 415): No terminated vested death benefit.
Participants to whom alternative death benefit applies (must specify - specific positions are
permissible; specific individuals may not be named): Participants in Class 2, Class 4, and
Class 6 who terminated prior to October 1, 2016 and were not thereafter reemployed.
Eligibility conditions for alternative death benefit (must specify in a manner that satisfies the
definite written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)): Not
applicable.
•
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• 3. EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS
(1) Employee contributions (check one):
❑ Are not required.
® Are required in the amount of 3.5% (insert percentage) of Earnings for all
Participants. Participants in Class 2 or Class 4 (employee contribution rates
are subject to change).
® Are required in the amount of 4_0% (insert percentage) of Earnings for all
Participants. Participants in Class 6 (employee contribution rates are subject
to change).
® Are required in the amount of 5.75% (insert percentage) of Earnings for
Participants in the following classes (must specify): Participants in Class 1, or
Class 3 (employee contribution rates are subject to change).
® Are required in the amount of 6.25% (insert percentage) of Earnings for
Participants in the following classes(must specify):Participants in Class 5,Class
7, Class 8, or Class 9(employee contribution rates are subject to change).
[Repeat above subsection as necessary if more than one contribution rate applies.]
• (2) Pre-Tax Treatment of Employee Contributions. If Employee Contributions are
required in Subsection(1) above, an Adopting Employer may elect to "pick up" Employee
Contributions to the Plan in accordance with IRC Section 414(h). In such case, Employee
Contributions shall be made on a pre-tax rather than a post-tax basis,provided the requirements of
IRC Section 414(h) are met. If the Employer elects to pick up Employee Contributions, it is the
Employer's responsibility to ensure that Employee Contributions are paid and reported in
accordance with IRC Section 414(h). The Adopting Employer must not report picked up
contributions as wages subject to federal income tax withholding.
The Employer hereby elects (check one):
• To pick up Employee Contributions. By electing to pick up Employee
Contributions, the Adopting Employer specifies that the contributions, although
designated as Employee Contributions, are being paid by the Employer in lieu of
Employee Contributions. The Adopting Employer confirms that the executor of
this Adoption Agreement is duly authorized to take this action as required to pick
up contributions. This pick-up of contributions applies prospectively, and it is
evidenced by this contemporaneous written document. On and after the date of the
pick-up of contributions, a Participant does not have a cash or deferred election
right (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.401(k)-1(a)(3)) with
respect to the designated Employee Contributions, which includes not having the
option of receiving the amounts directly instead of having them paid to the Plan.
O Not to pick up Employee Contributions.
• (3) Interest on Employee Contributions. The Adopting Employer may elect to pay
interest on any refund of Employee Contributions.
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Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• ❑ Interest shall not be paid.
Interest shall be paid on a refund of Employee Contributions at a rate established
by GMEBS from time to time. (This provision applies only to Participants in
Class 2 or Class 4; see subsection 15(aa)(i) of the General Addendum for
r
p ovisions on crediting interest for Class 6 and subsection 15(dd) of the
General Addendum for provisions on crediting interest for other classes.)
0 Other rate of interest (must specify rate in a manner that satisfies the definite
written program requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(a)(2) and the
definitely determinable requirement of Treasury Regulation 1.401-1(b)(1)(i)):
4. MODIFICATION OF THE TERMS OF THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT
If an Adopting Employer desires to amend any of its elections contained in this Adoption
Agreement (or any Addendum), the Governing-Authority by official action must adopt an
amendment of the Adoption Agreement (or any Addendum) or a new Adoption Agreement (or
Addendum) must be adopted and forwarded to the Board for approval. The amendment of the
new Adoption Agreement (or Addendum) is not effective until approved by the Board and other
procedures required by the Plan have been implemented.
The Administrator will timely inform the Adopting Employer of any amendments made by the
Board to the Plan.
• 5. TERMINATION OF THE ADOPTION AGREEMENT
This Adoption Agreement (and any Addendum) may be terminated only in accordance with the
Plan. The Administrator will inform the Adopting Employer in the event the Board should decide
to discontinue this volume submitter program.
6. EMPLOYER ADOPTION AND AUTHORIZATION FOR
AMENDMENTS
Adoption. The Adopting Employer hereby adopts the terms of the Adoption Agreement and any
Addendum, which is attached hereto and made a part of this ordinance. The Adoption Agreement
(and,if applicable,the Addendum)sets forth the Employees to be covered by the Plan,the benefits
to be provided by the Adopting Employer under the Plan, and any conditions imposed by the
Adopting Employer with respect to, but not inconsistent with, the Plan. The Adopting Employer
reserves the right to amend its elections under the Adoption Agreement and any Addendum, so
long as the amendment is not inconsistent with the Plan or the Internal Revenue Code or other
applicable law and is approved by the Board of Trustees of GMEBS. The Adopting Employer
acknowledges that it may not be able to rely on the volume submitter advisory letter if it makes
certain elections under the Adoption Agreement or the Addendum.
The Adopting Employer hereby agrees to abide by the Master Plan, Trust Agreement, and rules
and regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees of GMEBS, as each may be amended from time
• to time, in all matters pertaining to the operation and administration of the Plan. It is intended that
the Act creating the Board of Trustees of GMEBS, this Plan, and the rules and regulations of the
-35—
Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
Board are to be construed in harmony with each other. In the event of a conflict between the
• provisions of any of the foregoing, they shall govern in the following order:
(1) The Act creating the Board of Trustees of The Georgia Municipal Employees'
Benefit System, O.C.G.A. Section 47-5-1 et seq. (a copy of which is included in
the Appendix to the Master Defined Benefit Plan Document) and any other
applicable provisions of O.C.G.A. Title 47;
(2) The Master Defined Benefit Plan Document and Trust Agreement;
(3) This Ordinance and Adoption Agreement(and any Addendum); and
(4) The rules and regulations of the Board.
In the event that any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Plan shall be declared
or adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall in no manner affect the previously
existing provisions or the other section or sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases of
this Plan,which shall remain in full force and effect, as if the section, subsection, sentence,clause
or phrase so declared or adjudicated invalid or unconstitutional were not originally a part hereof.
The Governing Authority hereby declares that it would have passed the remaining parts of this
Plan or retained the previously existing provisions if it had known that such part or parts hereof
would be declared or adjudicated invalid or unconstitutional.
This Adoption Agreement (and any Addendum) may only be used in conjunction with Georgia
• Municipal Employees Benefit System Master Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Document
approved by the Internal Revenue Service under advisory letter J501718a dated March 30, 2018.
The Adopting Employer understands that failure to properly complete this Adoption Agreement
(or any Addendum),or to operate and maintain the Plan and Trust in accordance with the terms of
the completed Adoption Agreement(and any Addendum),Master Plan Document and Trust, may
result in disqualification of the Adopting Employer's Plan under the Internal Revenue Code.
Inquiries regarding the adoption of the Plan, the meaning of Plan provisions, or the effect of the
IRS advisory letter should be directed to the Administrator. The Administrator is Georgia
Municipal Employees Benefit System, with its primary business offices located at: 201 Pryor
Street, SW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303. The business telephone number is: (404) 688-0472. The
primary person to contact is: GMEBS Legal Counsel.
Authorization for Amendments. Effective on and after February 17, 2005, the Adopting
Employer hereby authorizes the volume submitter practitioner who sponsors the Plan on behalf of
GMEBS to prepare amendments to the Plan, for approval by the Board, on its behalf as provided
under Revenue Procedure 2005-16, as superseded by Revenue Procedure 2015-36, Revenue
Procedure 2011-49, and Announcement 2005-37. Effective January 1, 2013, Georgia Municipal
Association, Inc., serves as the volume submitter practitioner for the Plan. Employer notice and
signature requirements were met for the Adopting Employer before the effective date of
February 17,2005. The Adopting Employer understands that the implementing amendment reads
as follows:
On and after February 17, 2005, the Board delegates to the Practitioner the
• authority to advise and prepare amendments to the Plan, for approval by the Board,
on behalf of all Adopting Employers, including those Adopting Employers who
have adopted the Plan prior to the January 1, 2013, restatement of the Plan, for
changes in the Code, the regulations thereunder, revenue rulings, other statements
-36—
Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
• published by Internal Revenue Service, including model, sample, or other required
good faith amendments (but only if their adoption will not cause such Plan to be
individually designed), and for corrections of prior approved plans. These
amendments shall be applied to all Adopting Employers. Employer notice and
signature requirements have been met for all Adopting Employers before the
effective date of February 17, 2005. In any event, any amendment prepared by the
Practitioner and approved by the Board will be provided by the Administrator to
Adopting Employers.
Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, no amendment to the Plan shall
be prepared on behalf of any Adopting Employer as of either:
• the date the Internal Revenue Service requires the Adopting
Employer to file Form 5300 as an individually designed plan as a
result of an amendment by the Adopting Employer to incorporate a
type of Plan not allowable in a volume submitter plan as described
in Revenue Procedure 2015-36; or
• as of the date the Plan is otherwise considered an individually
designed plan due to the nature and extent of the amendments.
If the Adopting Employer is required to obtain a determination letter for any
reason in order to maintain reliance on the advisory letter, the Practitioner's
authority to amend the Plan on behalf of the Adopting Employer is conditioned on
• the Plan receiving a favorable determination letter.
The Adopting Employer further understands that, if it does not give its authorization
hereunder or, in the alternative, adopt another pre-approved plan, its Plan will become an
individually designed plan and will not be able to rely on the volume submitter advisory letter.
-37—
Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)
IIIAN ORDINANCE (continued from page 1)
Section 2. Except as otherwise specifically required by law or by the terms of the Master
Plan or Adoption Agreement (or any Addendum), the rights and obligations under the Plan with
respect to persons whose employment with the City was terminated or who vacated his office with
the City for any reason whatsoever prior to the effective date of this Ordinance are fixed and shall
be governed by such Plan, if any, as it existed and was in effect at the time of such termination.
Section 3. The effective date of this Ordinance shall be April 1, 2019.
Section 4. All Ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are expressly
repealed.
Ap roved by the Aug sta, Georgia Commission Council this ieft6 day of
C , 20 .
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. .A2k�/i -Ali' F.; .r:. i,/. .,..
City Attorney
The terms of the foregoing Adoption Agreement are approved by the Board of Trustees of
Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the Board of Trustees of Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit
4 to has causes its Sea and the signatures of its duly authorized officers to be affixed this
day ofy, , 20)9 .
Board of Trustees
Georgia Municipal Employees
Benefit System
(SEAL)
-4,,,,„/ PA-swig"
Secretary
•
-38-
Augusta GMEBS Plan I(Amended Effective April 1,2019)