Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions contained in this section govern the construction of this article.

not consecutive, for a person who became a general member of the plan prior to January 1, 2013, or, for a person who became a general member of the plan on or after January 1, 2013, final compensation means the average annual compensation earnable by a general member during any 36 consecutive months, to be elected by the member at or before the time an application for retirement is filed, or, if no election is made, during the three years in which the member or former member last earned compensation preceding retirement. If a member or former member has less than three years of service, final compensation shall be determined by dividing total compensation by the number of months of service credited to the member or former member and multiplying by 12. In no event shall final compensation include any disability benefits received by the member or former member under a disability plan provided by the employer.

means an employee hired on a permanent basis, as defined by the employer, except an employee eligible for safety member.

otherwise provided, service shall not include military service or public service other than service with the employer.