Council approves $21,674 renewal for risk‑management services after hearing work‑comp savings data

Nikki briefed the council on the county's relationship with IPMG and the group's role in rewriting policies and reducing liability exposure. "Our mod rate for this year is 1.46 and the conservative estimate is expected at 1.02," Nikki said, adding that continued improvements could bring the rate below 1.0 by early 2027 if current trends hold.

Nikki told members the cost to renew IPMG's services for the coming year is $21,674, and that the county had previously covered similar payments from local income tax (LIT) lines routed through the sheriff's department. Staff said the first year typically costs more because policies and tailored programs are developed, then maintenance and training costs decline.

Members pressed staff on what parts of IPMG's suite the county is using now. Staff said the initial focus has been on custom policy drafting (reducing 'fluff' in older template policies) and on the jail side—both areas the county identified as highest liability. Officials also described included training, internal‑affairs assistance and operational policy updates intended to lower lawsuit risk and reduce insurance premiums over time.

After discussion about cost and projected savings per employee tied to the mod‑rate change, the council moved and seconded payment of $21,674 from the safety budget line (Safety L). One member protested lack of full clarity on all invoices, but the motion carried and staff was asked to provide a reconciliation and to confirm which line item will fund the renewal.

Staff said they would continue tracking savings and report back as the contract moves from initial implementation into routine maintenance.