To: Pension Recipients
From: Bill Stefka
Date: August 30, 2001
Re: 6.45% Increase Effective September 1, 2001- General Update

Dear Pension Recipients:

This is a reminder that there will be a 6.45% permanent increase in your pension benefits effective September 1, 2001. This increase will be effective with the next benefits to be paid September 25, 2001 (Paid at the end of the month for that month). The retirement multiplier (factor) is increasing from 3.10% to 3.30% effective September 1, 2001 for the active firefighters. This is a 6.45% increase in the amount of the multiplier. Your pension board wanted to approve a corresponding increase in the benefits for the retirees as well. Congratulations on this increase!

Since our last update of April 10, 2001 we have lost the following retirees:

NAME	DATE DIED	BENEVOLENT FUND?	SPOUSE
Thelmer Bowles	May 4, 2001	Yes	N/A
Jack Lewis	August 10, 2001	No	Edrine

Mr. Bowles was 93 and Mr. Lewis was 76 at the time they passed away. For those retirees (not our widows) who are in the benevolent fund, payments can be sent to Gary Pounds at St. 20 (6601 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745). Other benevolent fund trustees are Eric Mackey (Dispatch), Becky (Malone) Brooks (18C), and Doug Fowler (20B). Please be sure your benevolent fund beneficiaries are up to date by calling Gary Pounds at 288-0591. Also, rather than just dropping a check off at any fire station, checks will be processed much faster by going directly through Gary Pounds or the trustees listed above. They appreciate your help on this!

It is my understanding that the City of Austin medical insurance plan may be available to retirees next year (2002). This could be good news in terms of lower rates in some cases! You may hear more about this during the City's open enrollment process between now and November. We will keep you posted as more details are made available to our office.

Don't forget the retiree breakfast group which meets every second Wednesday at Owens Restaurant about 8:00 a.m. near IH35 and Hwy 290E. If you have any questions, or if we can be of further assistance, please contact our office.

Sincerely,

William E. Stefka
Administrator