Newsletter Archives: September 2001
To: Pension Recipients
From: Bill Stefka
Date: September 18, 2001
Re: General Update/IAFF Relief Fund
Dear Pension Recipients:
We have had several inquiries at our pension office related to
the catastrophic events last week. One question raised was what
can be done for the firefighters in New York? The IAFF has set up
a relief fund which both our Local 975 and the Austin Fire Department
encourages donations to be made, for those of you who would like
to help in some way. (There is a web site at www.iaff.org)
All contributions are tax deductible and can be made out to: "New
York Fire 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund" Their address is:
IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer's Office
Attn: New York Fire 9-11 Relief Fund
1750 New York Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-5395
Another concern was if these events and the corresponding conditions in the financial
markets would jeopardize the 6.45% increase in benefits to our retirees
starting this month. The increase in benefits will still take place
at the end of this month, with the September check as planned.
Our fund's actuaries take 5 year rolling averages of investment returns
into account when they do their studies. Any one year, good or bad,
will not have as much effect that way.
Also on a positive note, the City of Austin's medical insurance plan will be available to retirees in 2002. The premiums will be much lower in some cases. The Amil plan will also be offered. Be sure and ask any questions you have during the open enrollment process by the City of Austin in October and November.
Please don't forget the upcoming trustee nominations and elections as outlined in the attached notice. If you have any questions, please contact our pension office.
Sincerely,
William E. Stefka
Administrator
| 
