Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS)

Looking ahead, how concerned are you, if at all, that your jurisdiction will not be able to fulfill its pension obligations to its retirees? (Among those jurisdictions that reported having defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

Regardless of whether or not your jurisdiction's defined benefit and/or hybrid plan pension obligations are currently fully funded, in your opinion, are these obligations a significant fiscal problem, somewhat of a problem, not much of a problem, or not a problem at all for your jurisdiction's fiscal health? (Among those jurisdictions that reported having defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

To the best of your knowledge, are your jurisdiction's pension obligations currently fully funded? (Among those jurisdictions that reported having defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

A jurisdiction's "actuarially required contribution" (ARC) to its pension fund is based on the benefits earned by employees in the current year, plus an amount to reduce any unfunded liabilities for past years. Some jurisdictions pay their ARC in full each year. Others do not, and may just pay as they go for only that year's pension costs. Thinking specifically about defined benefit (i.e., traditional pensions) and/or hybrid plans, which of the following statements best describes your jurisdiction's contributions to its pension fund during its previous fiscal year?

Overall, how effective would you say your jurisdiction's efforts, if any, have been at controlling costs related to its retirement income benefits? (Among those jurisdictions that reported having defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

Regardless of whether or not your jurisdiction expects to have a budget surplus this year, in your opinion, what would be the highest priority for using any potential surplus (if it had one) according to the following groups or individuals? Do you think that they would prefer to spend the budget surplus on public services or infrastructure, save that money for future use, use it to pay down any debt your jurisdiction may have, or reduce taxes? You personally in your role as a local official would prefer to...

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its defined benefit and/or hybrid pension plans for any of its employees, elected officials, or retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those who reported taking some action on their defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

i. Converted to a hybrid (defined benefit and defined contribution) plan

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its defined benefit and/or hybrid pension plans for any of its employees, elected officials, or retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those who reported taking some action on their defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

h. Converted to a defined contribution (IRA, 401a, 457b, or 401k-type) plan

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its defined benefit and/or hybrid pension plans for any of its employees, elected officials, or retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those who reported taking some action on their defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

g. Closed defined benefit pension to new individuals

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its defined benefit and/or hybrid pension plans for any of its employees, elected officials, or retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those who reported taking some action on their defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

f. Decreased the assumed rate of return for stock market investments in the pension fund

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its defined benefit and/or hybrid pension plans for any of its employees, elected officials, or retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those who reported taking some action on their defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

e. Reduced, eliminated, or postponed the cost of living adjustment (COLA)

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its defined benefit and/or hybrid pension plans for any of its employees, elected officials, or retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those who reported taking some action on their defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

d. Reduced the multiplier that helps determine pension payments based on final average salary

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its defined benefit and/or hybrid pension plans for any of its employees, elected officials, or retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those who reported taking some action on their defined benefit or hybrid retirement income benefit plans)

c. Increased employee contribution to defined benefit portion of the pension

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding actual public safety spending?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding the number and/or scope of interlocal agreements or other cost-sharing plans with other governments?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding privatizing or contracting out of services?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding the sale of public assets?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding the amount of debt?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding funding for economic development programs?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding actual general government operations spending?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding actual human services spending?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding actual infrastructure spending?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding your jurisdiction's workforce hiring?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding the number of services provided?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding reliance on "rainy day" funds?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding charges for fees, licenses, etc.?

Thinking about the next fiscal year, which action has your jurisdiction taken or is likely to take regarding property tax rates?

Has there been a decrease, an increase, or no change from the previous fiscal year in the cost of retired government employee health benefits for your jurisdiction?

Has there been a decrease, an increase, or no change from the previous fiscal year in the cost of current government employee health benefits for your jurisdiction?

Has there been a decrease, an increase, or no change from the previous fiscal year in the cost of government employee pensions for your jurisdiction?