Boone County evaluates insurance options as contract with Walker Hughes approaches renewal

The Boone County Commissioners held a meeting on April 21, 2025, to discuss various topics, primarily focusing on the county's insurance coverage and the process for selecting an insurance agent. The meeting began with a review of the current three-year contract with Travelers Insurance, which is set to expire soon. The commissioners emphasized the importance of starting the request for proposals (RFP) process at least 90 days before the contract's end to ensure a smooth transition and competitive bidding.

During the discussions, it was noted that securing comprehensive law enforcement liability coverage has become increasingly challenging due to market conditions. The representatives from Travelers expressed their commitment to providing competitive insurance packages and highlighted their ongoing relationship with Boone County, which includes regular communication and support for county projects.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the potential change of the agent of record. One commissioner proposed a motion to approve an agent of record letter, which would allow for a second look at the county's insurance options. This proposal was met with concerns from other commissioners about the implications of changing agents mid-contract and the potential disruption to services.

The conversation revealed that while it is possible to have multiple brokers seek bids from different carriers, only one agent can represent the county at a time for a specific insurance package. This led to discussions about the feasibility of retaining the current agent while exploring other options, with some commissioners advocating for a thorough review to ensure the best coverage and pricing for Boone County.

Ultimately, the meeting concluded without a definitive decision on the motion, as further discussions and considerations regarding the insurance process and the agent of record were deemed necessary. The commissioners agreed to continue evaluating their options to ensure that Boone County secures the best possible insurance coverage moving forward.