Maywood approves membership in California Intergovernmental Risk Authority, expects $155K savings

Maywood City Council on May 28 voted to join the California Intergovernmental Risk Authority (CIRA), a statewide joint powers risk‑sharing authority, a move staff said will increase the city’s liability limits while lowering the city’s contribution.

Staff told council the 5‑year CIRA commitment provides increased general liability limits (up to $40 million per occurrence) and lowers the retention used to calculate contributions compared with the city’s expiring pool. Staff said the shift will reduce the city’s annual insurance cost from the expiring premium (approximately $270,000) to an estimated $215,000 — a projected general‑fund savings of about $155,150 for FY 2025–26. Staff also noted member benefits such as annual safety grants, contract‑review support, on‑site risk assessments and access to training resources.

The council adopted a resolution to approve membership, to authorize the city manager to execute the amended and restated joint exercise of powers agreement with CIRA and to participate in CIRA’s general liability program. Staff warned that withdrawal before the five‑year term would require the city to pay a share of expenses for three years.

Council members who spoke thanked staff for risk management improvements and cited the fiscal benefits and expanded coverage limits as a good fit given the city’s limited budget and previous challenges with liability exposure.

The resolution passed by roll call; staff said the premium savings will be accounted for in the FY 2025–26 budget.