Friday, July 25, 2003

Senior resolution passed

At its July 16 meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners overwhelmingly approved a resolution by District 5 Commissioner Emma I. Darnell that could allow caregiver employees to name grandchildren or disabled dependents as beneficiaries under the county's defined benefit retirement plan.

The resolution calls for an actuarial study to be completed in 120 days that would make recommendations regarding the feasibility of the policy change.

Under the proposal, employees who provide total support, including food, clothing, shelter, and other care, to one or more grandchildren or mentally or physically incapacitated persons would be able to name those individuals as beneficiaries.

Currently, only employees hired after 1999 can name persons other than spouses or children under age 18 as beneficiaries under the defined contribution plan.The proposal would not affect eligible employees who are married or who have children under age 18.

The resolution was introduced to address the needs of employees who are caregivers to parents, grandparents, grandchildren, other family members, or to any other 'care receivers,' who may or may not be relatives.

"The purpose of the resolution is consistent with board policy that promotes families rather than institutions with respect to the well-being and stability of the community," said Commissioner Darnell.

The Atlanta Regional Commission estimates that 18,000, or 12 percent, of Fulton County seniors over age 55 live with caregivers, and that 2,774 grandparents in Fulton County are raising their grandchildren.

To view a copy of the resolution, log onto the official Fulton County website, www.myfultoncountyga.us.