County trust presents workers’ compensation option; presenters say their targeted pool and loss‑cost multiplier can cut Weber County premiums
Loading...
Summary
Trust representatives told the commission their workers’ compensation proposal uses the county’s same payroll and eMod but a lower loss‑cost multiplier, which they said yields a lower premium than the state fund; commissioners asked staff to 'trust but verify' and requested written guaranteed quotes and references from hybrid counties.
Representatives of a county insurance trust visited the Weber County Commission work session to present a workers’ compensation coverage option they say could lower the county’s premium compared with the state Workers’ Compensation Fund.
The presenters explained the standard underwriting inputs — payroll by class code, National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) rates and the county’s experience modifier (eMod, reported at 1.06) — are the same inputs used by any carrier. The trust’s representative said the primary difference is the trust’s "loss cost multiplier," which the presenter said is lower than the workers’ comp fund’s multiplier because the trust insures only public entities in Utah.
"As nicely as I can say it, ours is better than workers' comp fund," the presenter said, describing a targeted underwriting pool and training resources focused on municipal and county employees. The presenters added their quote contained no subjective discount at present but said discounts could be applied later if the county’s performance warranted it. They also said there are no contractual penalties — a county could leave mid‑policy and receive a prorated refund, the presenters said.
Commissioners responded cautiously. One said the presentation looked favorable but asked staff to contact Emery and Wasatch counties (listed as hybrids) as references and to verify the hybrid comparisons. Commissioners asked for a guaranteed premium quote for the 2027 policy (which would be based on 2026 payroll) and for written backup showing the math behind the stated savings. The trust representatives agreed to provide detailed figures, contact references and a guaranteed premium for the 2027 policy year. They also advised that by state practice a June 30 notice to the incumbent fund would be required if the county intends switching so coverage could begin Jan. 1, 2027.
No formal action was taken at the work session; commissioners asked staff to 'trust but verify' and asked the trust to return with the written numbers and local references.
