KPERS explores idea of cutting 7.75% investment return forecast, adding to liability

Trustees of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System discussed Friday the possibility of following a national trend by lowering assumptions on long-term investment returns, signaling the state’s taxpayers could be asked to contribute more to a system serving 315,000 people.

Nothing is likely to be decided about modifying the current 7.75% return on investment standard for KPERS until completion in January of a lengthy study of economic and demographic trends.

“This is obviously one of the most important decisions the board makes,” said Kelly Arnold, the board’s chairman. “We need to make sure we’re making the right decision for the members.”