The last in a series of increases in UC Retirement Plan contributions is coming July 1, when most employees will see their contribution rate climb to 6.5 percent (from 5 percent). At the same time, the university will begin contributing 12 percent (up from 10 percent).

At a combined rate of 18.5 percent, the employee and university contributions will cover the plan’s annual liability for the first time since the university suspended contributions in 1990, for a contribution “holiday” that would last 20 years.

Also taking effect July 1:

• A new pension tier for new and rehired employees.
• New eligibility rules for retiree health benefits.

UC officials said the new retiree health benefit eligibility rules will affect about half of the people who are already working for UC, and everyone who is hired or rehired on July 1 or later. One of the most significant impacts is a change in the formula for determining UC’s contribution to the post-employment health premium.

Q&A on the retiree health benefit changes, and a fact sheet, including the graduated eligibility formula in chart form.

More facts on post-employment benefits.

How to file whistleblower reports

An email to all employees last week provided information on how to file whistleblower reports of improper activities. Such information must be provided annually, in accordance with the California Government Code.

Wendi Delmendo, chief compliance officer, encouraged employees to review the email’s poster attachment, which includes information on what you can report, where to report and how to report, on the Davis campus and at the UC Davis Health System. The poster also includes a section on protection from retaliation.

Fireworks and food: safety tips from UCDHS

Fireworks and food are a central part of celebrating the Fourth of July, but they also can be health hazards without proper precautions — which is why the UC Davis Health System has provided tips on how to enjoy these traditional holiday pastimes while safeguarding against illness and injuries. Read more.

Tickets going fast for Six Flags picnic

The ticket order deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, July 12, for UC Davis Family Picnic at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo.

Tickets are going fast, according to Staff Assembly, which organizes the annual summer event — scheduled this year for Saturday, July 27. The cost is $36 per person for ages 3 and up, and free for children 2 and under.

Admission includes parking and an all-you-can-eat picnic from 2 to 4 p.m., with hamburgers and hot dogs, baked beans, garden salad and Italian pasta, corn cobbettes, watermelon slices and ice cream sandwiches, plus soft drinks. Vegetarian options are available.

The ticket form is available online. If you’re ordering by mail, enclose a check or money order. You can buy tickets in person at the Human Resources Administration Building, on Orchard Road just west of La Rue Road, from 9 to 11 a.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. (except July 4); checks are preferred, otherwise you will need the exact amount in cash.

Fire hydrant testing to begin July 10

The Fire Department announced that it will begin its annual round of fire hydrant tesing on Wednesday, July 10, starting in the vicinity of the west entry parking garage. The operation may stir up sediment in pipes, which could lead to discolored water in buildings. If that happens, let the water run for a while until it clears up.

Testing will move from location to location around the campus through September. You can find out out when and where by following the Fire Department on Twitter: @UCDavisFire.

For more information, send an email to ucdfirecontact@ucdavis.edu.

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