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County risk manager flags pool premium increase; board discusses insurance strategy after large historic claim
Summary
Doña Ana County’s risk manager outlined projected increases in pool premiums and recommended declining an expensive excess layer. Commissioners discussed a historic costly claim (Slevin) that still affects pooled calculations and signaled interest in exploring self‑insurance or alternative carriers for law‑enforcement coverage.
Steve Mauer, the county’s risk manager, presented the annual New Mexico Pool benefits summary and said the county faces a net premium increase this year (staff estimated roughly $225,000–$300,000 after discounts tied to law‑enforcement/detention credits). He explained staff reviewed available excess coverage and recommended declining a $1 million excess purchase because the county’s required share would make the option costly.
Commissioners raised the long‑running impact of an historic large claim (the Slevin case), which Mauer and commissioners said still influences pooled reserve calculations and premium allocations. One commissioner recounted the Slevin case as a multi‑million‑dollar judgment that has affected the county's insurance history.
Board members and staff discussed continuing work with consultants to explore alternatives, including self‑insurance for multiline law‑enforcement coverage and seeking better terms from pool administrators. The county manager and risk manager said they would continue the procurement and evaluation process and update the board on recommended coverage options.
The meeting ended shortly after the risk manager's presentation; commissioners took no formal vote at the session’s close.
