Mercer County Commissioners agree to deposit $23,008 risk‑management refund into county risk fund

Mercer County commissioners voted to deposit a risk‑management refund check into the county's risk management fund after a staff explanation of the refund's components.

The refund check totals about $23,007.94, county staff said. Jim (staff member) told the commission that the check includes a $2,535.10 premium discount tied to participation in an online learning management system; a separate 5 percent premium safety discount earned through mandatory annual employee safety training; and a premium dividend credit of $18,724.64 that reflects the program's statewide claims and safety performance. Jim said the county currently has about $12,000 in the risk management fund and asked that the full refund be placed into that account for future safety purchases and ergonomic office items.

Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to place the check into the risk management fund. Commissioner Jamie voted aye, Commissioner Mark voted aye, Commissioner Casey voted aye, Commissioner Rick voted aye and Commissioner Jean voted aye; the motion passed unanimously.

County staff said the practice of placing refunds and credits into the risk management fund helps limit general‑fund spending on safety items and preserves a dedicated balance for equipment and training. The deposit will be recorded in the county's financial accounts and used for items such as safety equipment and ergonomic furniture, Jim said.

The commission did not specify a timetable for spending the deposited funds beyond the general purpose Jim described.