Highlights

MEET THE TEAM: KALEIGH GANSKE

2025 COLA RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD OF RETIREMENT

ACTIVE & DEFERRED MEMBERS: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP STATEMENT MAILED AND AVAILABLE ON MYSBCERS

ONLINE PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOP FOR ACTIVE & DEFERRED MEMBER

RETIRED MEMBERS: 1099-R MAILED AND AVAILABLE ON MYSBCERS

MEET THE TEAM: KALEIGH GANSKE

Kaleigh first started with SBCERS in late 2018 as Retirement Financial and Systems Analyst II until 2022. After a year away on the east coast, we're thrilled to say she found her way back to Santa Barbara — this time stepping into a new role as SBCERS Compliance Officer. Kaleigh is tasked with making sure the organization is operating accurately under the laws, regulations, and policies that protect the retirement system and the members who depend on it. Kaleigh is a credentialed Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) and Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

Since her return, she has hit the ground running, implementing compliance protocols and bringing a little extra life to the office with her love of plants and greenery.

What is your specialty in your position?

"I have the privilege of being the first Compliance Officer at SBCERS. I love to dig into the details of how processes work and collaborate with the System’s General Counsel to underwrite compliance with the CERL – the piece of legislation that governs California’s County retirement systems. Drawing from my skillset as a credentialed Actuary, I also specialize in data analysis and process automation through technology."

What have you enjoyed most since starting at SBCERS?

"Aside from being able to work with an exceptionally kind group of humans every day, it is rewarding to align my work with ensuring the integrity and longevity of the System that provides financial support to public servants and their families."

What do you hope to accomplish at SBCERS?

"I hope to foster a strong compliance culture at SBCERS while enhancing accountability and promoting transparency across all operations."

2025 COLA RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD OF RETIREMENT

SBCERS estimates the Los Angeles Area Inflation averaged 3.16% over calendar year 2025. County Employees Retirement Law provides that inflation should be rounded to the nearest half percent. As a result, a 3.0% COLA is anticipated to be considered by the Santa Barbara County Board of Retirement at its February 25, 2026 meeting. The approved COLA will take effect on May 1, 2026.

Note that all Safety Plan members, General Plan 5 members, and APCD Plan 1 & 2 members have a 3% COLA cap. General Plan 7 & 8 members and APCD Plan 8 members have a 2% COLA cap with the remainder "banked," which can be applied in future years when the approved COLA level is below the plan's cap. General Plan 2 members do not receive a COLA.

ACTIVE & DEFERRED MEMBERS: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP STATEMENT MAILED AND AVAILABLE ON MYSBCERS

SBCERS has distributed Membership Statements to Active and Deferred Members, along with the SBCERS Popular Annual Financial Report. Active and Deferred Members can also view their Membership Statement online at MySBCERS, by clicking “Statements” under “Communications.” Retired Members do not receive a Membership Statement.

Here are a few things to confirm as you review your annual membership statement:

• Is your marital status up-to-date?
• Have you claimed reciprocity with a previous employer?
• Are the retirement plans correct?
• Are your hire dates correct?
• Do you have any leave time that can be purchased such as medical leave or extra help?
• Are your beneficiaries up-to-date?

If you need to update your account or have questions about your retirement benefits, you can schedule an appointment with an SBCERS representative at https://www.sbcers.org/appointments. You may also contact SBCERS via email at info@sbcers.org or via phone at 1-877-568-2940.

ONLINE PRE-RETIREMENT WORKSHOP FOR ACTIVE & DEFERRED MEMBERS

SBCERS is hosting an online Pre-Retirement Workshop for Active and Deferred Members on Thursday, February 26 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Whether you’re just beginning to learn about your SBCERS retirement benefits or planning to retire in the near future, this session will help you feel confident and prepared. The workshop will discuss topics such as reviewing the retirement process, best practices for retirement readiness, understanding the COLA, and more.

RETIRED MEMBERS: 1099-R MAILED AND AVAILABLE ON MYSBCERS

SBCERS payees were sent a 3-copy version of their 1099-R in February. Instructions were included on the back of the page, similar to last year's format. Click HERE to view a sample 1099-R.

Members may also view their 1099-R online at MySBCERS. Login or enroll at https://mysbcers.org/.

If you believe an error was made on your 1099-R, please contact SBCERS before March 31, 2026 for a correction.

Phone: 1-877-568-2940

Email: benefits@sbcers.org