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Staff recommends simplifying NERMA insurance allocations; commissioners to consider central general-fund approach
Summary
County staff reviewed NERMA renewal spreadsheets, found departmental allocations inconsistent with earlier breakout formulas, and suggested moving the insurance renewal to a single general-fund line to simplify budgeting; commissioners asked staff to survey other counties and bring options back.
County staff presented an analysis of NERMA (Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association) renewal breakdowns and told commissioners that prior internal allocations (prepared by a previous staff member) did not match current calculated departmental wage and asset values. Staff said reconstructing the breakdown required many hours and recommended considering a single general-fund appropriation to cover NERMA renewals rather than splitting cost estimates across every individual budget.
Staff described discussions with a NERMA representative, who said the county-specific departmental breakdowns were courtesy estimates and not exact formulas. Given that, staff proposed simplifying by budgeting NERMA in one general-fund line for next year and asked commissioners whether to contact peer counties to see how they handle allocations.
Commissioners did not adopt a final approach at the meeting. Staff were directed to consult other counties and return with options; staff noted special concerns for restricted funds (for example, visitor or EMS funds) where direct charging into those funds may be required or complicated.
The board also noted that accurate building, contents and vehicle valuations remain important for fair premium assessment, and staff will continue refining inventory values for future renewals.
