Under state law, municipal and county boards now have the right to vote for COLAs on their own after giving advance notice to their governing authority. Newton could have voted for a lesser 2.6% CPI (consumer price index) COLA, but under our Association's successful 1997 legislation, opted to go for a full three percent.

"The Board wanted to vote as early as possible and eliminate any uncertainty among our retirees," said Newton Retirement Board Director Kelly Byrne. "The retirees depend on this COLA and the vote was actually a nice Christmas present."

Bob Magni, Fran Capello, David Wilkinson, Nunzio Piselli and Dick Heidlage are the members of the Newton Retirement Board. Magni and Piselli are City of Newton retirees.

"We expect a rash of local boards to be voting on July COLAs early this year. In fact, some have already voted," said Association President Ralph White. "There is really no reason to wait until the last minute. Newton is right, why keep the retirees waiting under an air of uncertainty."