The City of Sacramento announced on Mar. 26 that it is inviting residents to provide feedback on how a possible future surplus from the Sacramento City Employees’ Retirement System (SCERS) could be used.
SCERS, which was closed to new participants in 1977, currently serves just over 700 retirees and beneficiaries and has only one active employee. All employees hired after 1977 are enrolled in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System instead.
City officials said that as of July 1, 2025, SCERS is overfunded with about $1.10 in assets for every $1.00 in liabilities. If a surplus remains after all benefits are paid and there are no longer any beneficiaries, those funds could be available for other uses.
To plan ahead, the City is conducting a community survey through Polco to gather input on how any future surplus might best serve Sacramento residents. Options under consideration include investments in housing, economic development, small business support, homelessness services, public safety initiatives or allocation to the general fund.
“These funds represent a unique, one-time opportunity, and we want to ensure that any future surplus reflects the priorities and needs of Sacramento residents,” said City Treasurer John Colville.
Officials emphasized that no surplus would be available until all obligations have been met—a process expected to take years—but said early community involvement will help ensure transparency and responsible planning.
