The Stephenson County Board unanimously approved a renewal of the county's property-casualty and workers' compensation insurance and the recommendation to remain with the current carrier at its Oct. 16 meeting.

Carrie Scribe of Diamond Brothers presented the renewal materials and noted the proposal includes liability coverage that continues to list the nursing home while its sale is finalized. Scribe told the board that recent safety programming and department engagement have driven down premiums and that the county's premiums are about $100,000 lower than in an earlier renewal period.

A motion to approve the renewal was made by Dale Diddens and seconded by Tim Whelan. The clerk took roll call and the motion carried 15-0.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the nursing-home liability coverage and the length of the premium trend; presenters emphasized that keeping liability coverage in place provides a fallback should litigation arise while the nursing-home management and sale process continues.

The board recorded the vote on the property-casualty and workers' compensation renewal as 15 ayes and 0 nays.