Austin Fire

Austin Fire has a funded ratio of 63.9% as of FY2023, earning a health grade of C. A funded ratio of 100% means the plan has enough assets to cover all projected liabilities. Ratios above 80% are generally considered adequately funded; ratios below 60% indicate significant underfunding and risk to future benefits.

Public pension plans like Austin Fire are backed by the sponsoring government entity — in this case Texas. If a plan's assets are insufficient, the state or local government is typically required to make up the difference through increased contributions, benefit adjustments, or tax measures. Unlike private pensions, public pensions are not insured by the PBGC, but they do carry the full faith and credit of the sponsoring government.

A funded ratio of 63.9% means that Austin Fire currently has assets equal to 63.9% of its projected benefit obligations. The unfunded liability — the gap between assets and liabilities — stands at $656M. This represents a moderate funding gap that requires ongoing monitoring.

Austin Fire is a Police & Fire plan in Texas serving 2,277 members. Nationally, the average funded ratio for public pension plans tracked by the Public Plans Database is approximately 72–75%. Austin Fire's funded ratio of 63.9% places it below the national average, indicating elevated fiscal pressure.

Austin Fire covers 2,277 total members, including 1,246 active employees and 995 retirees currently receiving benefits. The ratio of active members to retirees is a key indicator of plan sustainability — when the number of retirees grows relative to active contributors, funding pressure increases.

Austin Fire pays 33.0% of its Annual Required Contribution (ARC). Consistently underpaying the ARC accelerates the growth of unfunded liabilities and places future benefits at greater risk. Employer contribution patterns are tracked annually in the Public Plans Database.