The Cherokee Tribal Council has passed a resolution authorizing the Tribal Pension Task Force to craft a pension plan for tribal emplyoees. The task force has been working with Aon Consulting to establish a defined benefit pension plan.

Tribal Finance Officer Michell Hicks told council that the task force still had some “legal legwork” to do but they were close to a fianalized plan. The Tribal Pension Task Force will continue to work with Aon and legal counsel to develop any further details needed for the plan, to seek any needed governmental rulings and to develop a plan and time frame for including Cherokee Boys Club Inc., Qualla Housing Authority, Cherokee Museum and other related entities in the Tribe’s benefit package.

Principal Chief Leon Jones praised the council’s decision. Jones said tribal emplyoees wanted and deserved this plan.

Also at the regular March meeting, Mary W. Thompson, council representative from Big Cove, announced that Buckeye Construction of Canton had been contracted to carry out the Big Cove Sewer Project. The project is expected to eliminate the use of septic systems for nearly 300 homes and several commercial campgrounds in the Big Cove community. The project will begin in early March and should be completed by September 2002.

Thompson also announced that a Construction Stormwater Management and Watershed Protection Workshop will be offerred in early May. ENSR Consulting & Engineering of Raleigh will conduct the workshop and representatives from all federally recognized tribes in EPA Region IV are expected.
The Tribal Environmental Planning Office is planning a “Kids in the Creek” program on April 24. Ritchie Ruth of the Tennessee Valley Authority will facilitate the program.

 

Back to Top

The Smoky Mountain News