The City of Taunton’s retirees and survivors will receive a 3% COLA effective July 1, 2012. The 3% COLA is calculated up to the first $14,000 of a member’s allowance. Therefore, the maximum benefit that can be received is $35.00 per month. Only retirees/survivors who retired on or before June 30, 2011 are eligible. The 3% rate is the maximum percentage allowed by law despite the Social Security COLA that was set at 3.6%. At its monthly meeting on April 27, 2012, board member Peter H. Corr motioned to approve the COLA and board member Richard T. Avila seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous by the remaining board members. The Board is pleased to provide this COLA to assist retirees and survivors who have been facing ever-increasing costs to food, energy, and health insurance premiums.