PURPOSE: This rule clarifies procedures for buying back prior service following forfeiture of creditable service.

1. (1) A member with less than eight (8) years of creditable service who terminates employment after August 28, 1994, other than by death, shall forfeit all rights in the fund, including accrued creditable service.

2. (2) A former member who forfeited creditable service may restore the service by—

   1. (A) Again becoming a county employee;
   2. (B) Completing a total of eight (8) years of continuous membership service; and
   3. (C) Purchasing forfeited service through a buyback subject to applicable statutory penalties.
3. (3) Members who are buying back forfeited service shall buy back their prior service either through a lump-sum payment or through a payroll deduction. The member may request that the payroll deduction be made in equal monthly installments over a period not to exceed the period of prior service being purchased or four (4) years whichever is shorter. Any plan for installment payments is subject to approval by the board.
4. (4) If the member elects to buy back forfeited service through an installment plan of payroll deductions and dies prior to completing the installment plan, the member shall not receive credit towards his/her retirement benefits for the forfeited service subject to the installment plan.

AUTHORITY: section 50.1032, RSMo Supp. 1997.* Original rule filed Oct. 11, 1995, effective May 30, 1996. Amended: Filed Sept. 17, 1998, effective March 30, 1999.

*Original authority 1995.