The Springfield City Council Work Session on November 25, 2024, focused on the city's general liability claims and the effectiveness of its risk management strategies. The meeting highlighted a significant downward trend in general liability claims over the past five years, with numbers decreasing from 31 claims in fiscal year 2020 to 20 claims in fiscal year 2024. This reduction is attributed to improved risk management practices and leadership changes within the city.

During the discussion, it was noted that 56% of the claims closed without any payment, indicating a strong performance in managing potential liabilities. As of June 30, 2024, only 11 claims remained open, showcasing the efficiency of the city's claims processing. The introduction of enterprise risk management, which focuses on proactive risk assessment and prevention, has played a crucial role in this improvement. This approach contrasts with traditional risk management, which is more reactive.

The meeting also addressed the financial implications of litigated claims, which accounted for a significant portion of the total incurred costs in fiscal year 2021. The city manager's support for enterprise risk management was highlighted as a key factor in advancing these initiatives, with city staff expressing appreciation for the leadership that has enabled progress in this area.

Overall, the discussions underscored the city's commitment to reducing liability risks and improving operational efficiency, setting a positive trajectory for future risk management efforts. The council plans to continue monitoring these trends and the effectiveness of their strategies in the coming fiscal years.