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Commission discusses switching public-official bonds from Travelers to K‑Camp; staff to bring resolution
Summary
County staff briefed commissioners on public-official bond coverage and proposed switching from Travelers to K‑Camp, which would tie bonds to positions rather than individuals and change the billing structure; staff will return Dec. 30 with a resolution for consideration.
Saline County staff presented a discussion on Dec. 17 about public-official bonds and a potential switch in providers from Travelers to K‑Camp.
A staff member explained that public-official bonds guarantee an elected or appointed official will perform duties ethically and that statutory minimums determine bond amounts for certain positions. The staff presentation said Travelers’ bonds are tied to the person — requiring a new bond when a person changes — while K‑Camp’s bonds would be tied to the position, reducing renewal paperwork when officials change. “So what I have in front of you today is more of a discussion point because what I would have to do is bring back an item for the 30 first, signing a resolution to request a change from our public official bonds from travelers to k camp,” the staff presenter said.
Commissioners asked for cost comparisons. The presenter said Travelers charged $250 per bond renewal, regardless of bond amount, while K‑Camp would charge $386 annually for the county’s full set of bonds. Commissioners discussed specific bond amounts suggested in the packet (for example, a $5,000 bond for county commissioners and a recommended $50,000 bond for the county treasurer); staff noted K‑Camp’s minimum guarantee for treasurer is $25,000 but recommended keeping the current $50,000 bond for that position. The county appraiser’s bond status was discussed; staff and the appraiser researched statute and concluded there is no current statutory requirement for a county appraiser bond, and the recommendation was to continue with no bond for that position unless the commission directs otherwise.
No final action was taken; commissioners directed staff to prepare a formal resolution and bring it back at the Dec. 30 meeting for decision.
