Sarah Crawford

The Personnel Committee meeting agenda focused on several key operational and staffing matters. Discussions included reviewing the current staffing status, including updates on hiring a Senior Claims Adjuster and promotions within the staff. The committee also planned to review the organizational performance appraisal results for 2020/2021 and proposed goals for 2021/2022. Further agenda items covered the recruitment process for the Assistant Executive Officer position and a review of recent staffing activities, such as wellness webinars and internal check-ins. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the date for the next meeting.

The Executive Committee meeting addressed several key areas including Administration, Finance, Programs, and Membership. Key actions included tabling the decision on the 2018 Calendar of Meeting Dates and deferring the Strategic Planning Session to 2018, with the session ultimately planned for February 2018. The committee accepted recommendations to approve changes to the Investment Policy, revisions to the Memorandum of Liability Coverage, reinsurance terms, and the Underwriting Policy. Personnel matters included approving the JPIA Pay Schedule, benefit changes for surviving spouses and dependents, staff participation in the Vision Service Plan, and changes to the Employee Handbook. The committee approved the admission of four new entities into the Liability Program: Mid-Kaweah Groundwater Subbasin Joint Powers Authority Groundwater Sustainability Agency, Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency, Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, and Arroyo Santa Rosa Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, and Kings River East Groundwater Sustainability Agency. Discussions in closed session involved labor negotiations and specific liability and workers' compensation claims. The committee approved the Organizational Goals & Objectives for 2018, including researching the creation of a Captive Insurance Company, and approved the Chief Executive Officer's Performance Appraisal and a $20,000 contract increase effective October 1, 2017.

Key discussions included a review of claims analysis for Liability, Property, and Workers' Compensation Programs, highlighting top loss categories such as Vehicle Operations, Security, Natural/Environmental/Chemical events for Property, and Water Line Failure/Break for Liability. The committee reviewed the Risk Management Department's 2023-24 Fiscal Year Summary, including H.R. LaBounty Safety Award winners and Risk Control Grant recipients. The 2024-25 risk assessment focus areas were identified as Underground Service Alert (811), Cross Connections, and Serious Injury/Illness Reporting. The committee recommended approval for the Commitment to Excellence Program Ergonomics: Sprains/Strains Reduction Program for Field Employees. A loss review detailed an incident involving heavy equipment loading procedures, recommending the development of a Standard Operating Procedure. The Cyber Liability Program update covered a review of the insured group plan, including partnerships with KYND and KnowBe4, and outlined a strategic evolution toward a self-funded model. Staff updates detailed the reorganization into the Member Education department and discussed current vacancies in the Director of Member Outreach role.

The meeting addressed several critical areas concerning the Property Program. Key discussions included an actuarial update detailing significant growth in Total Insured Values (TIV) and the sharp increase in the Self-Insured Retention (SIR), noting that 9% of claims account for 87% of total incurred losses. The Committee also explored concepts related to parametric insurance, prioritizing earthquake coverage as the most viable option, followed by wildfire and flood coverage, to provide immediate financial relief following disasters. Recommendations were made to approve the 2025-26 Crime Memorandum of Coverage (MOC) and the 2025-26 Property MOC with no changes, although a comprehensive MOC review is planned for the following year. Favorable 2025-26 Property Program Reinsurance Renewal terms were approved, including a transition to an April 1 renewal date starting in 2026. Furthermore, the Committee recommended Option 3 for member contributions, which entails a 10% rate increase and a $3 million contribution to the new Property Catastrophic (CAT) fund, aiming for a $14 million target fund size. Staff updates noted the successful migration of property assets to the RiskStar system.

The meeting agenda included the review and recommendation regarding Parametric Earthquake Insurance concepts, as well as an actuarial update detailing the historical growth of Self-Insured Retention and Total Insured Values, noting that 9% of claims account for 87% of total losses. The Committee discussed the concept of parametric coverage as a complement to existing insurance, particularly for earthquake risk, and supported further exploration for wildfire and flood options. Furthermore, the Committee reviewed and recommended approval for the 2025-26 Crime Memorandum of Coverage and the 2025-26 Property Memorandum of Coverage with no changes. A favorable renewal for the 2025-26 Property Program Reinsurance was recommended, including a transition to an April 1 renewal date starting in 2026. Finally, the Committee reviewed funding options and recommended Option 3, which involves a 10% rate increase with a $10 million Self-Insured Retention level and a $3 million contribution to the Catastrophic Fund for the July 1, 2025 renewal. Staff updates included the successful migration of property assets to the RiskStar system and personnel changes.