Title
Resolution to Authorize Administrative Approval of Distributions from the Police and Fire Relief Fund
Memorandum
The Police and Fire Relief Fund was created by the City in 1926 (the "Fund"). (The Trust's full legal name is the "Police and Fireman's Relief Fund" and hereafter referred to as the "The Police and Fire Relief Fund" or simply the "Fund.") Money from the Fund was to be used for the benefit of "the widows and orphans of firemen and policemen." From 1926 until approximately 1972, the Fund was funded through proceeds from the sale of certain unclaimed personal property held by the City. In 2018, the City registered the Fund with the State of Michigan as a charitable trust and reclassified the Fund in the City budget from a special revenue fund to a private-purpose trust fund. Although the City no longer contributes to the Fund, the City continues to act its Trustee. Currently the Fund provides that money may be withdrawn "for the relief of the widows and orphans of firemen and policemen" upon recommendation by the joint action of the [Police Chief and Fire Chief] to the [City Council] and its action there."
This resolution seeks City Council approval for payments from this Fund to be administratively approved by the City Administrator, or their designee, upon the joint recommendation with the Police and Fire Chiefs, and upon the death of any active or retired sworn police officer or firefighter for reasons including, but not limited to the following: a line of duty death; an unexpected death of an active employee that is not considered a line of duty death; or occupational cancer.
To the extent funding is available, distributions of $25,000.00 shall be made to the deceased's spouse at the time of death. If no such spouse is living, then the distribution shall be made to the deceased's children, who are born and living at the time of death. If there is more than one born and living child at the time of death, then each child shall receive the...
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