Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions



FAQs About City Employment

FAQs About Retirement

How will I know if a position is available?
Vacancies that are open for recruitment are announced weekly in the Abilene Reporter News, Sunday edition. In addition, job opportunity notices are sent to local civic and community action groups, the local office of the Texas Workforce Commission and posted at Room 103 of City Hall each Monday morning. Vacancies are also recorded on the City of Abilene Job Information Line, (325)676-6247 and the city's website. The Job Information Line and website are updated every Friday by 5:00p.m., which enables interested persons to call and obtain all current vacancies that are being recruited for the following week.

How do I file an employment application?
Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street, Room 103 or at this website (jump to download application). Applications are accepted thru 5:00p.m. of the closing date except for "Open Until Filled" positions. "Open Until Filled" positions are those vacancies that have no closing date and applications can be accepted Monday through Friday. A separate application must be completed for each position and the application must be submitted by the closing date listed on the job notice. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and also complete all spaces on the application to be considered for employment.

How will I know if I'll be interviewed?
After the closing date for a position, the supervisor for the position will review all applications to determine which persons will be interviewed. Only the applicants that are scheduled for interviews will be contacted. (back to top)

How will I know if I'm selected for a job?
Once the interview process is complete, the Department returns all applications to Human Resources, Human Resources then completes all background checking, drug testing and driving records if applicable to the position. When all information is completed, the selected applicant is contacted and offered the position, and a date is set to begin employment with the City of Abilene. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to notify each applicant individually when the selection process for an available position is complete.

Does my application stay on file for future positions?
No, you will be required to complete another application for any position which you are interested in.

Do I need to fill out separate applications for each position?
Yes, you are required to fill out separate applications for each position that you are applying for. The position title needs to be completed on the application so that Human Resources knows what position is being applied for. This enables Human Resources to direct the application to the correct Department.

How do I apply to be a Fire Fighter or Police Officer?
Positions for Abilene Fire Fighter and Abilene Police Officer are civil service positions. Therefore, applications are only accepted when civil service entrance exams are scheduled. These exams are widely advertised and are placed on the Job Information Line, (325)676-6247, approximately two months before the testing. (back to top)

How much is deducted from my paycheck for retirement?
7%

Can I request more or less?
No

At what age can I retire?
Must have 5 years of service credit and have attained the age of 60, or after 20 years of credit at any age.

What is vesting?
A member who has at least 5 years of creditable service in the retirement system, and who terminates employment with the City, has the right to leave their deposits in the System, continue to earn interest, and become eligible for service retirement at age 60. (back to top)

What is service credit?
If you quit working for one city and go to work for another city, the credit earned in TMRS transfers with you. Service credit earned in TMRS is also portable to other statewide retirement systems in Texas: Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Employees Retirement System of Texas, Texas County and District Retirement System, and Judicial Retirement System of Texas. You may be able to combine service credit with these systems for determining service retirement eligibility or vesting.

What is the “Pop-Up” provision?
If the designated beneficiary, under a joint-survivor option, dies before the retiree, the retiree’s benefit will “pop-up” to the monthly amount that would have been payable based only on the retiree’s remaining life expectancy. This would result in an increase in the monthly payment for the retiree.

What is a Partial Lump Sum?
Members who are eligible for service retirement may elect at the time of retirement to receive a portion of their accumulated deposits and interest in a lump sum, and use the remaining to provide a reduced monthly retirement benefit. The partial lump sum is subject to 20% Federal Income Tax withholding unless you elect to have that portion transferred to an IRA or another employer plan that accepts rollovers.

What is restricted prior service?
Credit can be granted for service performed in the following entities: A non-TMRS city in Texas (at the time service was performed) or any incorporated municipality in the United States. A Council of Governments (COG) in Texas Military or Government Service Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, or Previously forfeited service under one of the five statewide retirement systems in Texas (Texas Municipal Retirement System, Texas County & District Retirement System, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Employees Retirement System of Texas, and Judicial Retirement System of Texas).

What are my retirement options?
TMRS will provide estimated retirement benefits to give a projection of retirement benefits. There are seven (7) benefit payment plans. TMRS can be reached at 1-800-924-8677. Members must give the City they work for and their social security number to receive estimates.

How is my retirement calculated?
It is based on the total deposits you have made, plus interest; the sums the city has agreed to pay on your retirement; life expectancy at retirement; future interest rate assumption as set by law; and which of the benefit payment plans selected for retirement.

Can I borrow money from my retirement deposits, it’s my money?
You may not withdraw from your account while you are an active member. You may receive your deposits only at termination or under the retirement options when you become eligible to retire. If you withdraw your deposits prior to retirement eligibility, you only receive your deposits plus interest. The city matches an employee’s deposits at the time of retirement 2 to 1.

I worked for the City before, can I buy-back my retirement time?
The city has not elected to allow buy-back credit. Forms may be completed to have the time reinstated, but money value can not be reinstated. This can only be adopted through Council approval. Military Buy-Back, up to 60 months, is allowed for current employees who are employed at least 5 years, and who have not previously retired from military service. 



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