State law requires cities with a population of 20,000 or more that have employed uniformed police employees, fire employees, or both between March 1, 1970, and October 1, 1977, to establish a disability board to consider disability retirement and medical claims; and

In 2017, the State Office of Financial Management (OFM), pursuant to RCW 43.62.030, determined that the City’s population is greater than 20,000.

Individuals who are members of the State's Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Plan 1 (LEOFF 1 Members) may have certain medical services paid for by their employer or, in the case of retirement, their former employer. This board, once established, will review claims and will determine whether medical services are necessary, determine "reasonable" cost, and designate the provider of the services. The City of Bainbridge Island has three LEOFF 1 Members, all of whom are retirees, whose claims will fall under the purview of this board.

Once the board is established, the Mayor will appoint two Councilmembers to serve on the board. Two police representatives will be elected by the City's three LEOFF 1 Members to serve on the board. The fifth and final member of the board will be a resident, appointed by the four other members of the board.

This item was considered by the Council at its April 10, 2018, meeting, at which time it was forwarded to the Consent Agenda for the April 24 meeting.