Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans at Wayne County

Wayne County offers several retirement savings options to help you prepare for your future. Whether you enrolled in a guaranteed pension, investment-based savings, or tax-free growth options, there’s a plan designed to fit your needs.

Plan 5 – Defined Benefit (Hybrid Plan)

This plan combines a guaranteed pension with an optional savings account.

How It Works

Defined Benefit (Pension) – Mandatory

• Guaranteed lifetime monthly income at retirement
• Employee contribution: 6% or 7% of base wages (per Union agreement)
• Employee contributions go to 7% once employees reach the threshold of $52,155.00
• Vests after 10 years of service
• Full retirement age: 62
• Deferred retirement available after 10 years (Must be 65 years of age) 

Plan 4 – Defined Contribution 401(a)

This is an investment-based retirement savings plan.

Key Features

• Includes mandatory 4% employee pre-tax contributions
• Includes employer 10% pre-tax contribution
• Allows for voluntary after-tax contributions
• Investments grow tax-deferred
• Taxes are paid when funds are withdrawn at retirement

Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan

This option allows you to contribute additional funds beyond required contributions.

• Employee-funded
• Invested for long-term growth
• Immediate vesting

✔ Great for increasing your retirement savings.

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

This is a voluntary savings plan that allows you to set aside additional money for retirement.

2026 Contribution Limits

• $24,500 per year
• $32,500 if age 50 or older

You may choose between:

Pre-Tax Contributions

• Reduces your taxable income now
• Grows tax-deferred
• Taxes paid at withdrawal

✔ You can contribute to both the 401(a) and the 457 plan — limits are separate.

Roth 457 (After-Tax) Contributions

• Contributions are made after taxes
• Earnings grow tax-free
• Qualified withdrawals are tax-free

✔ A strong choice if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Plan 5 (Pension)	401(a)	457Pre-Tax	457 Roth
Guaranteed income	Yes	No	No	No
Mandatory contributions	Yes	Yes	No	No
Tax break now	N/A	Tax-deferred	Yes	No
Tax-free growth	No	No	No	Yes
Separate contribution limits	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes

Important: Review Your Beneficiary

You designated a beneficiary when you were hired. Life changes — such as marriage, divorce, or children — may require updates.

To Update:

• Plan 5 (Defined Benefit): Contact the Retirement Office at (313) 224-7795.
• Plan 4, 401(a), or 457(b): Log into the Empower website to review and update your beneficiary online or call Empower at (800) 701-8255.

Keeping this information current ensures your benefits go to the right person.