FRA Benefits Information from Total FinancialBoardsBoard Meeting Prep
FRA Board MeetingsFRA Board Discovery Checklist
Questions we review with your board at a first meeting. Having these answers handy helps the meeting go quickly.
Governance and Structure3
- Do you have current bylaws and written FRA policies (beyond the bylaws)?
- How are benefits approved (board process, documentation, criteria)?
- Do you have a written relief/benefit policy (who qualifies, how amounts are determined)?
Coverage and Benefits4
- What insurance coverage is in place (life, AD&D, disability, health; 24-hour vs. duty-only)?
- Who owns, and who is the beneficiary of, each policy (FRA, city, individual)?
- Do members contribute to premiums (15% for 24-hour coverage, other voluntary benefits)?
- Are there any annuity or long-term benefit programs for volunteers?
Funding and Investments3
- What are the current asset balance, investment mix and typical annual relief-fund receipts?
- Is there a written investment policy or spending policy?
- Have you ever requested a redetermination of your relief-fund share? If so, when and why?
Processes and Pain Points4
- How are premiums collected from members (payroll, ACH, manual, not at all)?
- How do you handle delinquent member contributions or canceled coverage?
- What happens when a firefighter goes on military leave, long-term disability or unpaid leave?
- Any recent situations that were confusing or contentious (death, disability, off-duty incident, departure)?
Coordination and Communication3
- How do FRA benefits coordinate with KP&F, city/union benefits and workers’ compensation?
- What written material do members receive about FRA benefits (at hire, annually, at retirement)?
- Are changes coming (department growth, mergers, new stations, staffing-model changes)?