Tennessee Code Title 8. Public Officers and Employees § 8-35-208

(a) The chief legislative body of any political subdivision employer participating in the retirement system may by resolution legally adopted and approved by two-thirds ( 2/3 ) majority of that body elect to discontinue the cost-of-living benefit provisions for all employees employed after the effective date of the resolution. Employees who were employed prior to this date will continue to be eligible for cost-of-living benefits being funded as described in § 8-35-206. This option shall be exercised prior to April 1 of any given year.

(b) It is further provided that the chief legislative body of any political subdivision employer may elect at a later date to provide cost-of-living benefits in accordance with § 8-36-701 by legally adopting a resolution for an actuarial study and thereafter by legally adopting a resolution approved by a two-thirds ( 2/3 ) majority of the governing body to accept the associated liability and costs to provide such benefits. This increase in benefits will become effective the following July 1 after the adoption of the resolution. No retroactive benefits are to be paid under this subsection (b).