About (cont'd)

Originally created in 1937 as part of Essex County government, the retirement system is a member of the Massachusetts Contributory Retirement System and is governed by Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws.  The Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) is the state agency responsible for oversight of the Commonwealth's public retirement systems, including ERRS.  ERRS members received retirement benefits based on the requirements of Chapter 32, supplemental regulations submitted by the retirement system and approved by PERAC, or in compliance with policies adopted by members of the Board.  
 
ERRS was created by special legislation signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick in July of 2010 (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 34B, Section 19A.)  ERRS is governed by a five member Board who establish the policies under which ERRS operates. Board members also approve all financial transactions, including the approval of retirement benefits to members.  The Board also conducts hearings into disability applications and awards other retirement related benefits in accordance with Chapter 32.  Board members also approve all contract awards, personnel appointments and a variety of other retirement system business matters.  The Board typically meets once per month, usually on the last Monday of the month.  Meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. at the offices of the retirement system.
 
ERRS is managed by a six member staff led by the Executive Director.  The Executive Director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of ERRS, which includes the oversight of all ERRS finances, personnel, operations and other business matters.  The Executive Director is the main point of contact for ERRS with the public, its members units, legislators and state officials.  ERRS staff are responsible for the variety of services ERRS provides to its units, members and retirees, including benefit counseling, guidance on membership eligibility issues, processing the monthly pension payroll, and refunding or transferring member accounts as necessary.
 
The legislative body for the Essex Regional Retirement System is the Advisory Council.  The Advisory Council consists of the full-time treasurers or other qualified officials of the member units of ERRS.  The Advisory Council is required by law to meet twice per year and is responsible for receiving certain financial reports and for approving certain actions of the Board.  All Advisory Council meetings are open to the public.
 
The Essex Regional Retirement System is located in Danvers, Massachusetts, at 491 Maple Street, in the Hathorne Office Park. ERRS occupies Suites 201 and 202 in Building 200 and its offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ERRS staff can be reached at (978) 739-9151 or via email.