Human Resources

PERA Information

The Public Employee’s Retirement Association (PERA) is a retirement system that provides benefits for eligible employees of county and local governments in Minnesota. Both the employee and the City make contributions to the retirement system.

PERA is governed by an eleven member board of trustees. The state auditor is a member, five members are appointed by the governor of Minnesota, and five members are elected by PERA members. There are two plans available to City employees: 1) the Coordinated Plan includes members who are subject to the rules and regulations of Social Security; and 2) the Police and Fire Plan, where members are public employees who serve as police officers and firefighters. 

Employees may contact PERA toll free at 800-652-9026 to arrange for a meeting or to discuss PERA retirement benefits.  All applications to commence pension benefits must be made through a PERA counselor.  We suggest that employees meet with a PERA counselor no later than 60 days prior to the commencement date of pension benefits.