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Leawood approves Travelers insurance renewal, discusses conflicts concerns; adopts mutual-aid ordinance change
Summary
Council approved a Travelers Insurance property-liability proposal and a first addendum to the city's brokerage agreement with Arthur J. Gallagher; staff reported a 2.6% renewal increase versus a budgeted 22% contingency. The council also adopted an ordinance clarifying mutual-aid authority so municipalities can provide or receive aid without a formal declaration of emergency.
Leawood’s governing body unanimously approved a resolution to accept a Travelers Insurance Company proposal for 2026 property-liability coverage and authorized the mayor to sign a first addendum to the brokerage agreement with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services.
Council Member Larson raised a conflict-of-interest question about overlapping roles among carriers and the broker program. Consultant James Charlesworth, identified as representing Charlesworth Consulting, said the program created a more competitive environment and that disclosures of any fees or additional compensation would be required. When asked directly if he had any association with Gallagher, Charlesworth answered, “No, ma’am.”
Staff reported council had budgeted a conservative 22% increase for renewals but the final renewal came in at approximately 2.6% over last year. Council complimented staff and the broker for the lower-than-anticipated increase.
Separately, the council adopted an ordinance amending Section 11-401 of the City Code to codify mutual-aid and resource-sharing authority. Fire Chief Collin Fitzgerald said the ordinance clarifies that the city may provide or receive aid without a formal declaration of emergency and expands the range of services that can be requested or provided—beyond traditional fire and EMS mutual-aid—under the regional resource-sharing agreement. The council adopted the ordinance by roll-call vote, 8–0.
Outcome: Insurance renewal and brokerage addendum were authorized and the Code amendment was adopted to streamline mutual-aid responses.
