Scranton’s nonuniform pension board Friday approved former Controller Roseann Novembrino’s request to make her pension effective a month earlier than she initially planned.
Novembrino, 82, resigned Tuesday, about a month before her term expired, for health reasons. The board approved her pension effective that date, instead of Dec. 31.
Pension board solicitor Larry Durkin said the request complies with pension regulations. He noted Novembrino, who had worked for the city since 1987, was qualified to take her pension years ago but opted to continue working. The board’s vote changes only the effective date of the pension. Payments will not start until December, he said.
The nonuniform pension plan gives employees an option to choose a survivor to receive benefits upon the employee’s death. If an employee dies before retirement, survivors are entitled only to the contributions the employee made into the plan.
The plan pays retirees $700 a month. That amount is reduced if the retiree, at the time of retirement, opts to name a surviving beneficiary.
Durkin said Novembrino selected that option, which reduces her pension to $465 per month. Upon her death, a daughter will continue to receive that amount for 10 years.
The board ordinarily would vote on the matter at its regular meeting, which is scheduled for next week. It held a special meeting Friday to approve the change.
Durkin said Novembrino, who sat on the nonuniform and composite pension boards, was not given any special treatment.
“I don’t think there is any doubt the board would do this for any member,” he said. “It had nothing to do with her position. It had to do with her physical status.”
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