Question 1

What is a pension funded ratio?

Accepted Answer

The funded ratio is the percentage of future pension obligations covered by current assets. A 100% funded ratio means the fund has enough money to pay all promised benefits. Below 60% is generally considered financially distressed.

Question 2

What is an unfunded liability?

Accepted Answer

Unfunded liability is the gap between what a pension fund owes retirees and what it currently has in assets. If a fund has $50 million in obligations but only $30 million in assets, the unfunded liability is $20 million. This gap must be closed through employer contributions, investment returns, or benefit changes.

Question 3

What pension funds do Tennessee municipalities have?

Accepted Answer

Municipalities in Tennessee typically maintain separate police and fire pension funds governed by state law. General employees may be covered by a statewide retirement system. Police and fire pensions are often locally managed, which is why funded ratios vary widely by town.

Question 4

Why do pension costs keep rising for municipalities?

Accepted Answer

State law often sets funding targets that municipalities must reach over a defined timeline. Many funds fell behind due to underfunding in prior decades, so annual required contributions keep increasing to close the gap. Investment returns below assumptions, longer retiree lifespans, and benefit increases also drive costs up.

Pension Funds — FY 2025i