South Miami Police Officers' Retirement Board Operates With One Vacancy, Affecting Pension Oversight

The Board of Trustees for the City of South Miami Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund currently operates with one vacant position. This board oversees the pension management for the city's police officers, a critical function for the financial security of those who serve the community.

City Code Section 16-33(a) and Section 185.05, Florida Statutes, mandate the board's composition and duties. The board consists of five trustees. Two trustees must be legal residents of South Miami, appointed by the City Commission. Two others must be police officers participating in the Trust Fund. The remaining fifth member is chosen by the other four trustees and then ratified by the South Miami Commission.

Current members listed on the board include Sergeant Robert Bukens, Thomas E. Byrne, Thomas Kosky, and Captain John Barzola. The absence of a fifth member means the board operates with four individuals, potentially impacting decision-making processes or the breadth of perspectives brought to pension oversight. The ordinance governing the board's structure was last revised on November 19, 2019.

Siera Feketa of Foster and Foster serves as the Plan Administrator for the Trust Fund. Foster and Foster's office is located at 2503 Del Prado Blvd. S., Suite 502, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Residents with questions about the Trust Fund can contact them at (239)333-4872.

The South Miami Commission will need to address the vacancy to ensure the board functions at its full capacity as prescribed by city code and state statutes. The process involves the remaining four trustees selecting a candidate, followed by Commission ratification.