b'DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLANEffective May 1, 2002, the System began administering a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). DROP is a voluntary program whereby a member with a minimum of 25 years of service (members of Tiers 3, 5, and 6 must also be at least age 50) may file for a service pension but continue to work and earn salary and receive benefits as an active employee. The monthly service pension benefit is deposited into an interest-bearing account (5% per annum), payable upon exiting DROP. Participation in DROP is normally limited to a maximum of five years. All eligible members of the System, except the Fire and Police Chiefs, may elect to participate in DROP. DROP must be cost neutral with regard to plan funding and the City is required to conduct an actuarial study at least every five years to determine whether the program is maintaining cost neutrality and/or meeting the Citys goal of retain-ing sworn personnel. SECTION 6 Statistical 119'