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Reno County commission approves 2025 Travelers insurance renewal, authorizes Hutton design contract for EMS station
Summary
The commission approved moving forward with a Travelers insurance renewal for 2025 and authorized a $59,600 architectural design contract with Hutton for a new EMS station; both motions passed unanimously amid discussion about rising costs and procurement limits.
Reno County commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the county's 2025 insurance renewal through Travelers and to authorize a design‑services contract for a new EMS station.
County insurance broker Bob Fee of Fee Insurance Group told the commission that the marketplace remains strained in the region and that Reno County will see a notable increase: "The property premium is up by over 20%," Fee said, and he highlighted elevated seven‑year loss ratios in several lines, including an inland marine loss ratio of 667% and general liability at 128%. Fee said the renewal includes a 3% wind and hail deductible with a $250,000 minimum and that the county shifted some movable equipment into unscheduled property to work with underwriters.
After discussion about higher deductibles and whether some components are effectively uninsured at current thresholds, the commission approved a motion to proceed with Travelers through Fee Insurance Group. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote of 5–0.
Separately, commissioners authorized a design‑only contract with Hutton for architectural services on a planned EMS station at the Nelson Heating & Air building on Fifth Avenue. The contract is structured as design‑bid‑build; the lump‑sum architectural fee is $59,600 for a project budgeted up to $500,000. Commissioners questioned whether the fee percentage was higher than expected but administration said market conditions and procurement rules constrained options; Hutton agreed not to charge travel expenses for meetings within an hour's drive.
Both votes were procedural approvals that clear the way for next steps: staff will proceed with the insurance renewal process and return to the commission with construction bids after Hutton completes design work.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved 5–0. - Travelers insurance (2025): approved 5–0; motion to move forward with policy through Fee Insurance Group (moved and seconded on the record). - Hutton design agreement (EMS station): approved 5–0; design services only, $59,600 fee for project up to $500,000.
The commission adjourned at the end of the session; staff will bring construction bids and any amended insurance options back to the commission as they become available.
