Laserfiche WebLink
Discount Rate. Calculation of the Single Discount Rate. GASB Statement No. 74 <br />includes a specific requirement for the discount rate that is used for the purpose of the <br />measurement of the Total OPEB Liability. This rate considers the ability of the fund to <br />meet benefit obligations in the future. To make this determination, employer contributions, <br />employee contributions, benefit payments, expenses and investment returns are projected <br />into the future. The Plan Net Position (assets) in future years can then be determined and <br />compared to its obligation to make benefit payments in those years. As long as assets are <br />projected to be on hand in a future year, the assumed valuation discount rate is used. In <br />years where assets are not projected to be sufficient to meet benefit payments, the use of a <br />municipal bond rate is required, as described in the following paragraph. <br />The Single Discount Rate ("SDR") is equivalent to applying these two rates to the <br />benefits that are projected to be paid during the different time periods. The SDR reflects <br />(1) the long-term expected rate of return on OPEB Plan investments (during the period in <br />which the fiduciary net position is projected to be sufficient to pay benefits) and (2) tax- <br />exempt municipal bond rate based on an index of 20 -year general obligation bonds with an <br />average AA credit rating as of the measurement date (to the extent that the contributions <br />for use with the long-term expected rate of return are not met). <br />For the purpose of this valuation the expected rate of return on OPEB Plan <br />investments is 6.00%, the municipal bond rate is 4.63%; and the resulting SDR is 6.00%. <br />The County has adopted a broadly diversified investment portfolio composition consisting <br />of equity, debt, and cash. Asset allocations are divided between short-term and long-term <br />investments. Short-term asset allocations include cash and investments with maturities of <br />180 days or less. Long-term asset allocations range from 0-60% for equities, 0-60% for <br />fixed income securities, and 0-100% for cash. <br />The County has a policy and a track record of depositing the full amount of the <br />Actuarially Determined Contribution developed under the Entry Age Method. <br />Consequently, the plan's fiduciary net position is projected to be sufficient to pay benefits <br />and the resulting SDR is 6.00%. <br />Sensitivity of Net OPEB Liability. Regarding the sensitivity of the net OPEB <br />liability to changes in the SDR, the following presents the plan's net OPEB liability, <br />calculated using a SDR of 6.00%, as well as what the plan's net OPEB liability would be <br />if it were calculated using a SDR that is I% lower or I% higher: <br />.R <br />