This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Palo Alto's Benefit Plans available to REGULAR employees (those regularly scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week). If there is a conflict between the information in this summary and the official plan/contracts, the official documents will determine how the plans work and the benefits they pay. The benefits described may be changed and terminated at the City's discretion.
Some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated Union Agreements. More specific compensation information may be found in the "Summary of Compensation" section located below.
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
2% at 60 formula for Classic employees
One-year final compensation for 2% at 60 employees
2% at 62 for New CalPers Members
Three-years final compensation for 2% at 62 employees only
3% at 55 formula for Classic Safety employees
2.7% at 57 for New Safety CalPers Members
Three-years final compensation for all Safety employees
Pre-Retirement survivor benefits
City pays 9% required employee contribution for Police Safety Management
Non-Contributory Deferred Compensation Plan
Fully paid employee and dependent Dental Plan
90% paid employee and dependent Medical Plan (Up to the second most expensive plan offered)
Fully paid employee and dependent Vision Plan
Fully paid Life and AD&D insurance equal to annual salary
Long Term Disability plan
12 annual paid holidays (most employees)
Two to five weeks vacation annually depending on years of service
96 hours annual sick leave (most employees)
Credit Union Services
The City of Palo Alto maintains compensation plans for the following seven employee groups: Limited Hourly, Hourly Unit, Classified, Police, Fire, Fire Management, and Management/Professional. Visit the Memorandum of Agreements webpage.
