Children & Youth: Reach Out Mentoring Program liability policy renewed with Brotherhood Mutual; premium rises 4.9% to $2,992

Children & Youth staff told Clinton County commissioners at a Sept. 15 work session that the county's Reach Out Mentoring Program will continue to carry liability coverage with Brotherhood Mutual, with an annual deductible of $2,500 and a premium of $2,992 — a 4.9% increase from the previous year.

Tristan, Children & Youth staff, said the policy provides coverage for one-to-one mentoring matches and for large off-site events involving youth. Tristan told commissioners the county switched to Brotherhood Mutual relatively recently and that the current premium is lower than the prior provider’s recent charges: “That is still less than what we have been paying, previously in the past,” he said.

When a commissioner asked how often staff compares providers to ensure reasonable costs, Tristan said the department solicits quotes if a renewal shows an “unreasonable” increase: “So that's sort of what triggered it the last time is that they increased by what we felt was an unreasonable amount, in 1 year. And so that we reached out to several different companies, and that's how we ended up with Brotherhood.” He said Brotherhood Mutual has been “really easy to work with, very responsive.”

No formal vote was taken on the insurance policy during the work session. Commissioners were informed of personnel items and a transfer of funds to be included on the Sept. 18 commissioners meeting agenda.

The coverage ensures the county maintains liability protection for mentoring matches and off-site youth events; staff said they will seek new quotes if premiums rise beyond what they consider reasonable.