Poochigian on Retirement
Public pension costs are a special concern to local governments throughout California, and the economic conditions in the Central Valley make our situation particularly challenging. We must assure that decisions involving the retirement system reflect proper actuarial principles and are based on realistic projections of return on investment, etc. Leadership requires asking tough questions and making tough decisions.
Regarding recruitment and retention of a dependable, satisfied work force, it is important to manage the county’s resources with common sense and balance and make decisions that are affordable and sustainable. As a supervisor, I will protect taxpayers by ensuring that the county can afford any new benefit packages that it offers employees. I will work to balance the interest of taxpayers and employees so that we continue to have a welltrained workforce while offering fair wages and benefits.
During the past few years, the increase in the size of the county’s workforce has increased costs not only in the retirement system, but other areas as well. The current Board has chosen to keep approximately 600 job positions vacant. In a continuing effort to control costs, I would support keeping those positions vacant through at least the next fiscal year. Future hiring decisions must be fully vetted and affordable in the out years.