In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the upcoming insurance options for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, focusing on general liability and property insurance. The meeting highlighted three coverage options, with a recommendation to select Option 1, which would cost approximately $875,409. This option, while more expensive than the others, was deemed the most prudent due to the significant increase in risk associated with the lower deductible options.
The discussion included a review of the district's claim history, which has seen 49 claims since the last review, primarily minor incidents. Officials noted that the district's favorable insurance rates compared to neighboring areas are likely due to this positive claim history and stable property values.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the anticipated increase in insurance costs due to the addition of new properties, which could raise expenses by approximately $257,900. This increase is attributed to rising property replacement costs, reflecting broader trends in construction expenses.
The board also reviewed workers' compensation insurance, which is expected to rise by 28% due to increased payroll costs from new positions added over the past year. Despite the lack of competitive bids for this insurance, the board moved forward with the necessary approvals to ensure coverage for the upcoming fiscal year.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of strategic financial planning in managing insurance costs while maintaining adequate coverage for the district's assets and liabilities.