Update July 2006 

The analysis for the post Ventura/Francis Settlement project has been completed.  StanCERA received and processed 767 applications.  376 (49%) of the applicants will receive additional benefits.  Retroactive amounts will be paid on the September 1, 2006 check,  and the affected retirees will begin receiving an increase in their monthly allowance on the October 2, 2006 check.  We especially thank the project staff: retirees Galdys Falk, Mary Hauselman, Arlene Kangas, and Susan Salmi, and deferred member Jeanette Lawrence.  Without their enthusiastic and professional help this project would have been impossible for StanCERA to complete so timely!

Update June 2005

In June 2005 the following general steps were identified as needing to be completed before judgment for the coordinated action known as the \"Ventura\" appeal would be satisfied. Staff has continued to work hard with the Plantiff\'s attorney, to determine how to recalculate the benefits for those retirees who will actually benefit from the judgment.

Step 1) Attorneys for the class action participants (retirees), the County and the Retirement Association complete discussing terms of settlement. - Complete

Step 2) The proposed settlement terms to implement the final judgment are reduced to writing. - Complete

Step 3) The proposed settlement will be then submitted to the court with request for approval of the notice of proposed settlement, etc. and request for a fairness hearing.

Step 4) Notice of the proposed settlement, etc. and fairness hearing will be sent to all class participants (retirees, et al.).

Step 5) Class participants will be given a period of time to file written objections to the proposed settlement, which will be heard by the court at the fairness hearing.

Step 6) The County and Retirement System may then respond to the objections.

Step 7) The fairness hearing will be held and any objections filed will be heard.

Step 8) If the objections are overruled or provided for as directed by the court, and the settlement is approved by the court, an order will be issued (i.e., including any changes from the fairness hearing).

Step 9) Administrative staff work on implementing the final judgment and the terms of settlement.

Revised 08/14/06