Page 13 - March-2015-Life-in-Naples-Magazine

“Do not be misled by A Veally
this uncomplicated Good Deal

proposal, as it “2 Dinners
”1Bottle of Wine
maintains home rule
29.99$
of local governments,
Available 7 Days. Noon till Close.
simplifies the statute,
LUNCH AT LUNA
and allows the parties
Served Daily 11:30 - 4:00 p.m.
to negotiate based on Pizza • Pasta • Parmesan • Soups

”their needs and desires. • Salads • Sandwiches

contributions, and the use of premium tax are subject to PIZZA HEAVEN
negotiations between the parties during the collective bargaining
process. Over 19 Signature Pizzas or Build Your Own
Pizza by the Slice (Lunch Only)
These proposed changes simplify the statute, allow the parties
to negotiate based on the needs and desires of the parties, maintain GLUTEN FREE MENU AVAILABLE
the minimum benefit protection that has previously been provided LUNATIC HOUR
to firefighters and police officers, and promotes establishment
of sustainable retirement benefits for public safety professionals. Happy Hour Gone Crazy
Included is a June 2013 pie chart from the Department of
Management Services depicting the benefit accrual rates of local DAILY 4-6 P.M. AT THE BAR
police and fire pension plans. This chart visually represents the fact
that 36 percent of local police and fire plans in Florida have benefit 2ND LOCATION
accrual multipliers greater than the 3 percent FRS accrual rate.This NOW OPEN!
may be attributable to the extra benefit requirement applicable to
local fire and police pensions and to the previous interpretation 4270 Tamiami Trail E
of the State (prior to the Naples Letter) on how premium taxes Rt 41 and Avalon
must be used. Taxpayers may be correct in arguing that this level
of benefits is unsustainable, and perhaps unconscionable. Even (Formerly Boston’s)
the 3 percent accrual rate is generous, as a January 2010 report
from State Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Hours of Operation:
Accountability (OPPAGA) notes, the median accrual rate for 7 Days a Week
public safety (special risk) employees across the nation is 2.5 11:30 - Close
percent. Only 10 states, including Florida, have a special risk
accrual rate that averages 3 percent or more. While not included in 467 Fifth Ave. S., Naples
our draft legislation, another pension reform concept that may be a 239.213.2212
viable alternative to control local fire and police pension costs and cafelunanaples.com
provide sustainable retirement benefits is as follows:
• Restrict the use of state premium tax revenues to fund only
benefits that are equal to or less than Florida Retirement System
benefit levels.
• Local governments may negotiate higher retirement benefits;
however, these must be paid for by member contributions and
other funding sources.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments, please call me
at 239.248.1550 or email me at mayor@naplesgov.com.

Offer not valid with any other promo, trade, coupons, etc.
“A Veally Good Deal” not available for take out.
Catering and Private Parties available.

Life in Naples | March 2015 13