Rochester City Manager Honored by Michigan Municipal League

Rochester City Manager Jaymes Vettraino's legislative work in Lansing earned him a kudos from the Michigan Municipal League at its annual Capital Conference, held April 9-10 in Lansing, according to Matt Bach from the MML.

Vettraino received the MML's Outstanding Service Award on April 10, an honor given to those who go above and beyond to support the MML's legislative efforts in Lansing on behalf of Michigan communities, Bach indicated.

In his role as Rochester city manager, Jaymes Vettraino played a key role in legislation that would give communities additional pension flexibility. According to Bach, in the last session, Vettraino worked with the MML on a package of legislation designed to maximize resources and allow communities to make more cost-effective pension decisions.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill in the fall of 2012 allowing communities with an AA bond rating to bond for the cost of switching from defined benefit to defined contribution plans, according to Bach. The MML continues to work on legislation allowing communities to switch from defined benefit to defined contribution more easily, as well as remove barriers to more cost-effective pensions, Bach indicated.

"You don't go into public service for awards and accolades and don't do specific projects for that reason," said Vettraino, who said he was "surprised" by the honor.

Vettraino visited Lansing to testify on multiple occasions while working regularly with the MML reviewing legislative language and talking to legislators, Bach indicated.

"Vettraino has been instrumental in working on this legislation, and the League is grateful for his invaluable counsel," Bach said in a news release. 

Vettraino said he was grateful for the honor.

"I'm honored they chose to honor me," Vettraino said. "There are many people who do great work for the Michigan Municipal League."

Vettraino said Rochester Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Cuthbertson also was instrumental in working on the legislation, including offering testimony on behalf of the bill. He also acknowledged the MML's work on behalf of municipalities in Michigan.

"What the Michigan Municipal League and its staff does on legislative efforts is what needs to be recognized," he said.