Henning council increases pension for Henning Fire Department
News | Published on October 29, 2026 at 5:58pm EDT | Author: Kendall Koenen
0By Chad Koenen
Publisher
Henning firefighters received a small bump in their pension last week.
During its regularly scheduled second meeting of the month last Monday night, the Henning City Council approved an increase from $1,500 to $1,800 per year for the firefighters PERA benefit. The increase was done at the recommendation of the fire department, which has received a steady increase in its PERA account.
Each firefighter, who meets the minimum required years of service for vesting as a member of the SVF Plan administered by PERA, will receive $1,800 per year of service when they retire.
Sarah Booker, who is a member of the fire department, said the PERA account is fully funded and there will be enough money in the account to pay out the retirement benefits at the new level.
The council approved the request to increase the increase in benefits.
In other news
• Heard a report from George Eilertson from Northland Securities about the issuance, sale and delivery of a $995,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Bond for the city’s utility and road surface improvement project.
• Approved the low bid of $269,911 from Ruther Excavating from Richville for the city’s lead pipe replacement project. The project will be covered by a grant from the State of Minnesota.
• Discussed a potential rate study with Missouri River Energy System. The last time the city conducted a rate study was in 2021, but the council said it would like additional information about the study before moving forward.
• Discussed the city’s water contract extension proposal with the City of Ottertail. The contract extension had previously been approved by the Ottertail City Council, but Henning Mayor Jesse Hermanson suggested the City of Henning hold off on approving the contract pending some minor changes to the contract.