As the clock ticked down to midnight on December 31, 2024, the Cleburne County Commission convened an emergency meeting to address a pressing issue: the county's insurance coverage. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as officials grappled with the implications of a significant increase in insurance costs, a situation that had developed over the past few weeks.

The county's long-time underwriter, Adguard, had ceased offering municipal government policies, leaving the commission scrambling for alternatives. With only one response from a new provider, the proposed insurance premium soared to $155,000, a figure that raised eyebrows among the commissioners. The discussions revealed a shared concern about the financial strain this increase would place on the county's budget.

Commissioners explored various options to manage the situation. They considered a minimum payment plan that would allow them to secure coverage while continuing to search for a more affordable rate. The suggestion was to pay 25% of the auto insurance premium upfront, which would provide three months of coverage, while opting for a month-to-month arrangement for buildings and equipment. This approach would give them the necessary time to shop around for better deals without incurring penalties.

The conversation also touched on the experiences of neighboring counties, with some reporting similar spikes in their insurance costs. The comparisons highlighted the challenges of navigating different coverage needs and vehicle counts, making it difficult to draw direct parallels.

As the meeting progressed, concerns about high deductibles emerged, particularly regarding the county's vehicles. With the potential for costly repairs following accidents, commissioners debated the wisdom of maintaining high deductibles that could lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.

In the end, the commission's decision to proceed with a strategic payment plan reflected a cautious yet proactive approach to a challenging situation. As they prepared to ring in the new year, the commissioners left the meeting with a renewed commitment to finding a sustainable solution for the county's insurance needs, aware that the financial landscape would require careful navigation in the months ahead.