Retirement and OPEB: Keeping the County Afloat
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 12
CSAC Conference Center, Sacramento
You’ve see the recent news stories about local governments trying to change pension benefits – now learn about the policy issues in this timely course, which examines county retirement systems and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) and their impact on county finances. The course covers both PERS and 1937 Act programs, how they originated, the benefits, and how they are funded. Reporting requirements and county liabilities are also discussed. The course will unveil the mysteries of understanding costs and projections, and explores options and case examples to reduce county costs.
Faculty: John Bartel
John Bartel is President of Bartel Associates, LLC. He has more than 35 years employee benefits experience primarily in pension and retiree healthcare consulting, serving over 250 California public sector clients. John specializes in OPEB plan valuation, study and design, and helping clients understand actuarial, accounting and regulatory issues. He is a member of the California Actuarial Advisory Panel, appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger in January 2010. He has spoken at an array of organizational meetings, was a member of GASB’s OPEB task force, and has authored numerous articles.
Understanding County Social Services
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday, August 20
CSAC Conference Center, Sacramento
The provider of most social services in California , counties are under intense pressure to maintain these “safety net” services despite cuts in state and federal funds. Many argue that cuts to these programs now result in significantly higher costs to counties and the community in the long run. This course examines social service program history and the current requirements, programs and funding streams for these programs. Discussion focuses on the outcomes from the programs and how to measure progress. Case studies highlight innovations and alternatives for county programs. Participants explore how to achieve desired outcomes with severely limited resources. This course will provide a policy-level introduction to social services in California and county responsibilities.
Faculty: Grantland Johnson and Chet Hewitt
The Institute has assembled two of the state’s leading experts on county social services to serve as faculty; they are sure to generate a stimulating conversation on current and future social services in California.
Grantland Johnson is the former Secretary of the Health and Human Services Agency for the State of California . He previously served in the Clinton Administration as a Regional Director of HHS, and served as a member of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the Sacramento City Council.
Chet Hewitt is the President and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation, a private philanthropy based in Sacramento. He previously served as director of the Alameda County Social Services Agency and as director of the state Department of Children and Family Services. Earlier Chet served as an associate director of the Rockefeller Foundation in New York.
To register for courses or to learn more about the Institute, credential programs and courses, please visit www.csacinstitute.org, or email csacinstitute@counties.org and request an informational packet.
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
1100 K Street, Suite 101, Sacramento, CA 95814
PHONE: 916/327-7500 FAX: 916/441-5507