Note 9. Pension

The components of pension expense for the periods presented are as follows:


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2019		2018
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	$	80	$	90
Interest cost		158		138
Expected return on plan assets		(270)		(279)
Recognized net actuarial loss		152		176
Net period cost	$	120	$	125

The Bank expects its pension expense to decrease to approximately $420 thousand in 2019 compared to $500 thousand in 2018, due primarily to decreases in service costs and recognized net actuarial losses. The service cost component of pension expense is in the salaries and employee benefits line on the income statement. All other cost components are in the other expense line on the income statement.