Finance committee approves paint purchase and insurance renewals in single vote session

The City of Charleston Finance Committee approved three resolutions on March 3, 2025: a low-bid purchase of traffic marking paint, renewal of property/casualty and cyber insurance, and renewal of workers' compensation and related contracts.

Resolution 25-22 authorized purchase of traffic marking paint for the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department. Finance staff said the low bid came from Allstate's Coatings Company and the total purchase listed in meeting materials was $45,620.3. The committee approved the resolution by voice vote.

Resolution 25-23 authorized renewal of the city’s property, casualty and cyber insurance with West Virginia Counties Group Self Insurance Risk Pool, Inc., doing business as West Virginia Communities Risk Pool, including third-party administrative services. Staff reported an annual premium of $1,112,637, an increase of about 6% from the prior year attributed primarily to rising property values and vehicle replacement costs. Vice Chairman Burton said he would abstain from that vote because of a potential conflict related to his new job; the committee approved the resolution by voice vote with Burton abstaining.

Resolution 25-024 authorized renewal of workers' compensation coverage with Encova, a one-year contract renewal with USI Insurance Services for brokerage and loss-control services at $75,000, and continued third-party administration by West Virginia Corp for legacy claims with fees not to exceed $20,000. Staff listed the Encova annual premium at $274,000.49. The committee approved the resolution by voice vote; one committee member stated they would abstain from this vote (the transcript did not specify the member’s name).

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-22 (traffic paint): Approved; low bid Allstate's Coatings Company; total shown as $45,620.3. - Resolution 25-23 (property/casualty/cyber insurance): Approved; annual premium reported $1,112,637; Vice Chairman Burton abstained. - Resolution 25-024 (workers' compensation and related contracts): Approved; Encova premium $274,000.49; USI contract $75,000; West Virginia Corp TPA not to exceed $20,000; one abstention (not specified).

Why this matters: These are routine but budgeted contracts and insurance renewals that fund daily city operations and shape near-term budgetary obligations. The insurance renewals reflect ongoing upward pressure on premiums that were also discussed in the budget presentation.