Supervisors hear insurance update during regular session

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting Monday, February 13, the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met with Jane Regan of Leschensky Insurance Agency, who updated the Board on the County’s property, liability, automobile and workers compensation insurance. Regan explained that an increase in the County’s total annual premium from $185,279 last year to $197,814 this year was the result of an increase in the County’s total property value and an increase in the workers compensation premium due to several larger claims.
Regan told the Board that the County is currently not covered for liability stemming from the exposure of personal information (such as social security numbers and credit card information) but that coverage could be purchased for less than $1,000 for a $100,000 liability policy. Regan also recommended increasing the deductible on the County’s workers compensation policy from $1,000 to $2,000. The Board voted to accept the insurance policy renewal as presented, allowing for later modifications to include personal information coverage and an increase in the workers compensation deductible.
The Board also met with County Attorney Jill Kistler, who presented an agreement with the City of Waukon regarding the transfer of the alley behind the Vets Club and the land on which City Hall is located. Kistler explained that the agreement includes the City’s payment of its portion of the cost of paving the alley several years ago as well as a provision to give the County the option of reclaiming the property if at some time it is no longer devoted to public use. The Board accepted the agreement, which was also approved by the Waukon City Council last week.
In other business, the Board accepted the high bid of $1,000 from Aharon Brandsdorfe of Postville for a used 2004 Dodge Intrepid previously used by the Sheriff’s Department for prisoner transports. The Board also reappointed Kay Zimmerman of Waukon to the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission and approved an amendment to the contract with Veterans Memorial Hospital for crisis beds.
Following its regular business, the Board began reviewing the budgets of various departments for the next fiscal year, a process scheduled to continue through February 14.