FROM: Christina Cintron, Chief of Member Services
SUBJECT: Returning Retiree Certification: Ellen Hargrove
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Approve the request to extend the employment of Ellen Hargrove from January 3, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in accordance with SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032, Retirees Returning to Work. The request meets the policy criteria for extensions beyond the 18-month employment limit, based on the employer's demonstration of extreme necessity and the time-limited scope of the assignment
(limited duration).
body
BACKGROUND:
The California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) establishes limitations for retirees returning to work in the same retirement system from which they receive a pension. Under SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032, extensions beyond 18 consecutive months of re-employment must be approved by the Board of Retirement and are permitted only under conditions of extreme necessity and for a limited duration.
Ellen Hargrove retired from San Bernardino County, Department of Public Works - Special Districts on March 9, 2024, after over 39 years of service with the County. At the time of her retirement, she was serving as a Special Districts Project Manager. Her original returning retiree certification covered the period from October 7, 2024, through January 2, 2026, during which she resumed duties in the same classification.
CURRENT REQUEST:
The employer requests an extension of Ms. Hargrove's returning retiree employment from January 3, 2026, through June 30, 2027, continuing in the classification of Special Districts Project Manager for the Department of Public Works.
Extreme Necessity:
The employer reports that Ms. Hargrove is responsible for overseeing a major design contract tied to the California State Water Resources Control Board's October 2027 compliance deadline for addressing the presence of chromium-6 in five Hesperia wells. Chromium-6 is a toxic heavy metal that can pose serious long-term ...
Click here for full text