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Cowlitz County officials warn of growing risk‑pool pressure as SAM cases and tree liabilities rise
Summary
Commissioners and staff said statewide risk‑pool trends — including new SAM cases, reinsurer caution, and an increase in tree‑related claims — are straining pools; staff warned that several counties and reinsurers have signalled exits, increasing fiscal risk for member counties.
County commissioners reported alarming trends from a recent risk‑pool conference, saying large and persistent claims are putting pressure on pooled insurance and reinsurance markets.
A commissioner who attended the conference said officials were told some SAM cases (a category of claims discussed at the meeting) have high potential to ‘bankrupt the pool.’ The presenter said several counties have submitted letters to leave pools and that two reinsurers (Gallagher and Safety National were mentioned in discussion) are evaluating whether to continue business in Washington, which would reduce reinsurance capacity.
Shelley Pierce of Risk and Safety told the board that some large, drawn‑out claims that have been open for two years or more are now closing, producing a temporary uptick in payouts. “We’re closing some large drawn out claims that have been on the books for 2 years or more,” Shelley said, warning that payouts will likely increase in the next two quarters as those claims finalize.
County presenters also flagged an increase in liability claims related to aging trees in parks and public spaces, noting branches falling from old trees have become a recurring source of claims and payouts.
“Forty percent of the claims are coming from one law firm… there’s three main law firms that are pushing them,” one commissioner reported from the conference account; attendees emphasized a need to explore mitigation options and said legislative changes may be required to stabilize pools.
Board members said they will continue monitoring the pool, follow potential reinsurer and county departures, and consider policy options to limit exposure.
No formal policy changes or votes were taken at Monday’s meeting; staff said they will continue to track claims and discuss options with regional partners.
