11. How is membership in CMERS determined?
Membership in the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System (CMERS) is governed by state statute. CMERS was established to prove a sound and efficient system for the payment of retirement benefits to municipal employees. On being hired by a participating municipality, municipal employees automatically become members of the system. Deductions are made by the municipality for each eligible employee, recorded in the member’s account, and deposited with the state treasurer. By statute, members may purchase additional benefits for military and prior service with a participating municipality. Members may obtain a refund of their contributions upon resigning from CMERS if the member has less than 5 years of service. Municipal contributions belong to the CMERS plan and are not refunded to an employee.