This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Palo Alto's Benefit Plans available to REGULAR employees (those regularly scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week). If there is a conflict between the information in this summary and the official plan/contracts, the official documents will determine how the plans work and the benefits they pay. The benefits described may be changed and terminated at the City's discretion.
Some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated Union Agreements. More specific compensation information may be found in the "Summary of Compensation" section located below.
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
2.7% at 55 formula for Miscellaneous employees
3% at 50 formula for Safety employees
One-year final compensation
Pre-Retirement survivor benefits
City pays 6% of miscellaneous employees' 8% required employee contribution
City pays 9% required employee contribution for Police Safety
Non-Contributory Deferred Compensation Plan
Fully paid employee and dependent Dental Plan
Fully paid employee and dependent Medical Plan (Up to the second most expensive plan offered)
Fully paid employee and dependent Vision Plan
Fully paid Life and AD&D insurance equal to annual salary
Long Term Disability plan (except Police and Fire)
12 annual paid holidays (most employees)
Two to five weeks vacation annually depending on years of service (most employees)
96 hours annual sick leave (most employees)
Credit Union Services
The City of Palo Alto maintains compensation plans for the following seven employee groups: Limited Hourly, Hourly Unit, Classified, Police, Fire, Fire Management, and Management/Professional. See the Memorandum of Agreements section listed below.
Labor Agreements Labor agreements contain information about wages, hours and fringe benefits as well as the terms and conditions of employment for classification within the Union or Association's representation unit.
Service Employees International Unit (SEIU) Memorandum of Agreement between City of Palo Alto and Local 715, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Item Dated: 06/26/2008
Salary Rate Sheets These pages contain the actual salary rates for the classifications of each respective employee group.
Summary of Compensation The summary of compensation includes special compensation, pay differentials, medical and insurance plans, tuition reimbursement, leaves, commute incentives, vacation and uniform purchase plans. Not all benefits are listed nor apply to every employee group.
Classified Personnel (SEIU) SEIU Classified Employees Compensation Plan - May 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009 Item Dated: 06/01/2007
Fire Chiefs Association (FCA) Fire Chiefs Association (FCA) Compensation Plan - July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2010 Item Dated: 07/01/2006
Hourly Unit Employees (SEIU) SEIU Hourly Unit Employees Compensation Plan - May 1, 2007 through April 30, 2009 Item Dated: 05/01/2007