Board approves 2026 property and liability insurance placements not to exceed $2.83 million

Johnson County authorized the placement and renewal of property and liability insurance policies for calendar year 2026 on Dec. 4, approving a not‑to‑exceed premium of $2,833,831.

Pat Phillips of FMA Risk Management summarized renewal results, saying overall premiums are slightly lower year‑over‑year and that credits and long‑term relationships have produced savings. He noted a material policy term change: for 2026 the wind peril deductible will change from a flat $500,000 per location to 2% of a location’s total insured value, which will affect any location insured for more than $25 million.

Phillips recommended combining the public liability and law‑enforcement liability policies under a new carrier to obtain premium savings and a two‑year rate lock. He also reported a roughly 10% year‑over‑year decrease in cyber liability premiums and that department‑specific policies (mental health, JCDS, ACT) saw some increases tied to operating changes.

Commissioners asked about the marketing process and broker independence; Phillips said staff and their broker begin renewal discussions in August, use benchmarking data and informal industry contacts, and that the county's contract with Lockton prohibits commissions that would bias carrier selection.

Commissioner Myers moved approval of the placement and renewal in an amount not to exceed $2,833,831; Commissioner Brewer seconded. A roll call indicated unanimous approval.