i_pofprc_2016a_2016-09-27t10:03:00z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 09/27/2016

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present.



10:03 AM -- Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA)



Mr. Dan Slack, Executive Director of the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA), came to the table and gave some introductory remarks. He distributed an annual update to the committee (Attachment A). He discussed the diversity of the FPPA's board of directors and highlighted sections of the annual update. He noted that the current low-interest, low-return rates have imposed some challenges, but that FPPA plans are still well funded. He stated that there is some state and local funding for volunteer firefighter plans.



Attachment A.pdf



10:14 AM



Mr. J. Scott Simon, FPPA's Chief Investment Officer, came to the table to discuss FPPA's investments and the overall financial state of FPPA. He noted the asset allocation of FPPA funds and that FPPA investments had a strong performance over the last three to five years. He noted that FPPA is focusing on total fund risk management and reducing risks to the portfolio. He responded to a question about long/short investments and noted that long/short investments are designed to be a lower-risk investment.



The committee continued by discussing the future audit study on volunteer firefighters pensions. In response to committee questions, Mr. Slack discussed the current new member moratorium and noted that the FPPA board is planning on lifting the moratorium by the end of the year. The committee discussed state funding of FPPA and Mr. Slack stated that the state currently does not fund FPPA. In response to committee questions regarding state oversight, Mr. Slack noted that the FPPA board has not yet discussed removing legislative oversight. Mr. Slack continued by discussing how other state governments have lessened certain restrictions on local pension funds.



10:32 AM



Mr. Kevin Lindahl, FPPA's General Counsel, came to the table to respond to committee questions regarding state oversight and funding of FPPA. He highlighted the state's relationship to old hire plans and its discussions with stakeholders. He noted the state's 25 year commitment to funding the old hire plan and stated that the state made its final payment in 2013.