BTC approves $100,000 liability insurance renewal without getting quotes

By John Estridge

Brookville Town Council members usually approach items that come up at council meetings with a unified effort.

Most of the time, votes are unanimous in one direction or the other. And, usually, there is very little debate or conversation before a vote. However, at the last BTC meeting, at least two councilmen were upset over how the property/liability insurance renewal was handled.

Brookville did not seek quotes on the issue, and the renewal included a 6 percent increase over the previous year. The total bill was around $100,000. Southeastern Insurance received the renewal.

Clerk Treasurer Gina Gillman presented it to council and said the Workman’s Comp went down due to the employees having safety meetings. The insurance itself went up due to the needed insurance on people constructing the aquatic center.

BTC member Curtis Ward said the county put its insurance out for bids and was able to save money. With the 6 percent increase, he wanted the town to also seek quotes.

“I think this year we are too far past because of the renewal policy date,” Gillman said. “But next year we can put it on the books.”

“We’re looking at spending $100,000,” Ward said. “Whenever we’re spending that much money, we definitely need to get a second opinion.”

Council member Eric Johnson said maybe the town could talk to the agent and see if there is anything the town can do to reduce the costs.

Gillman said she and town administrator Tim Ripperger are working on updating the town’s capital assets list. She said they are working with the representative of Southeastern Insurance, Paul Moster, on that.

Ward asked Gillman when the deadline for renewal was. She answered August 16. The council meeting occurred on Tuesday, August 25.

“I think we need to go ahead with this, this year, but I agree with Curtis that in future years and for next year we need to check into shopping around,” Johnson said.

The renewal passed.