County Government 101

Transcription

1 County Government 101 Introduction to Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust 1

2 PRESENTED BY: Robyn Sykes MCIT Executive Director The information contained in this document is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or coverage advice on any specific matter. 2

3 What Is MCIT? NOT an Insurance Company Public Entity Joint Risk Sharing Pool Brain Child of County Commissioners Born of Necessity Hard Insurance Market Workers Compensation in 1979 Property/Casualty in 1984 Sponsored by the Association of Minnesota Counties Free Standing Public Entity in 1984 Headquarters Constructed in

4 What Is MCIT? Joint Powers Entity: Made Up of Counties and Their Sponsored Entities Minnesota Statute Minnesota Statute

5 What Does MCIT Do? Provide Coverage for Counties and Sponsored Entities Property Casualty Workers compensation Provide Services that Help Counties and Other Members Identify and Manage Risk Information Education Advice 5

6 How Does MCIT Work? Counties Come Together to Pool Their Assets and Liabilities to: Administer the program Cover losses Provide risk management advice Provide loss control services Purchase reinsurance for catastrophic losses 6

7 Who Belongs to MCIT? 81 of Minnesota s 87 Counties Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, St. Louis and Olmsted Counties are not members 93 soil and water conservation districts and associated joint powers 350 other public entities 7

8 How Does MCIT Work? Decision Makers: The Board of Directors Elected and appointed county officials 6 county commissioners 2 county auditors or auditor-treasurer 1 county coordinator/ administrator 1 vacancy Eight members are elected at large at the annual meeting (4 yr. term) One board member is recommended by MACA (2 yr. term) Experience the outcome of their decisions 8

9 MCIT Board of Directors 9

10 How Does MCIT Work? MCIT Staff Program and contract administration Accounting and finance Claims administration Risk management and loss control Membership services and communications Underwriting Systems support Facility management 10

11 How Does MCIT Work? Service Providers Defense counsel Actuarial work (Actuarial Advisors) Independent audit (Eide Bailly) Employee assistance program (Sand Creek) Minnesota Safety Council Variety of attorneys and consultants 11

12 What Does MCIT Cover? Cover Over 28,000 employees $4.3 billion in property values Over 10,300 autos, trucks, trailers Property Buildings, contents, property in the open Inland marine Contractor s equipment Electronic data processing (EDP) Misc. property 12

13 What Does MCIT Cover? Equipment breakdown (Boiler and Machinery) Employee dishonesty Liability coverage Bodily injury and property damage Personal injury/ advertising injury Public employees liability (E&O) 13

14 What Does MCIT Cover? Auto Liability Physical damage Workers compensation 14

15 Does Coverage Apply to a County Commissioner? MCIT Coverage Document: Coverage Part D Public Employees Liability Coverage Covered Party Only Acts within the scope of their employment by or duties on behalf of the Member [county], in their official capacity Any elected or appointed official of the member Subject to the terms and conditions of the Coverage Document Minn. Stat provides that every municipality is subject to liability for its torts and the torts of its officers, employees and agents acting within the scope of their employment or duties Workers Compensation Elected officials are covered subject to a county board resolution (Minn. Stat ) 15

16 What Is MCIT S Secret For Success and Longevity? Homogeneous membership Minn. Stat. Ch. 466 Provides certain immunities and defenses Limits liabilities for state tort claims Economy of scale Reduced expenses No commissions or sales fees Tax exempt 16

17 What Is MCIT S Secret for Success and Longevity? Long-term commitment of members Membership is a privilege Relationships Face-to-face contact Personal delivery of services Value Added Resources Information and education Risk management and loss control advice 17

18 What Are the Advantages of Membership? Fully Funded Stable rates (prospective) Dividends (retrospective) Coverage enhancements (ongoing) Service enhancements (as needed) Avoids the Cyclical Nature of Insurance Easy to budget for: Renewal notices by Aug. 15 each year Tailored to county government 18

19 How Can You Add to MCIT S Success? Take advantage of meetings with MCIT representatives Board reports Training Ask questions Call us: or Refer to MCIT s website for timely and accurate advice on topics that expose you to risk Publications Bulletin Resource Briefings Resource materials 19

20 How Can You Add to MCIT S Success? Integrate risk management into county operations Support your staff s involvement in risk management Learn more about us at MCIT.org BE INVOLVED 20

21 Congratulations on Your Election to County Commissioner Welcome to County government Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust It promises to be Exciting Challenging Fun 21