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County attorney proposes tighter insurance rules for special-event permits
Summary
County Attorney Morgan Smith told commissioners May 12 she plans to update the county's special-event permit form to require event-specific proof of liquor-liability coverage, commercial auto insurance for vehicles used off designated travel areas, and additional-insured endorsements naming the county; several upcoming events were noted as pending updated certificates.
County Attorney Morgan Smith told the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission at its May 12 work session that the county's Special Event Permit application (Resolution 10-32) should be revised to require clearer, event-specific insurance documentation.
"If we are permitting an event where alcohol will be served on county property, we need to make sure that either the host or the individual serving the alcohol has a liquor liability policy," Morgan Smith said. She also described guidance from MMIA and local insurance brokers that event certificates should reference the specific event, include a commercial auto policy if vehicles will be in non-travel areas, and provide the endorsement page that lists Anaconda Deer Lodge County as an additional insured.
Smith said the sample form in the packet often produces certificates that lack language describing the operations, locations, vehicles and special provisions, and that many general policies do not confirm coverage for one-time or volunteer-run events. She said adding the county as an additional insured is commonly available on larger policies and that one-time endorsements for smaller events can cost roughly $50 to $250.
Chairman Kevin Hart and CEO Bill Everett discussed how staff should handle pending events until the application is revised; Smith said she will follow up with MMIA and carriers and bring recommended edits to the commission for review. The staff noted several pending permits that will be approved only after required certificates and endorsements are received, including the Anaconda A's American Legion baseball season, Junkapalooza, Smeltermen's Days and at least one private wedding application.
Next steps: County Attorney Morgan Smith will work with insurers and MMIA to draft updated application language and a checklist of required documentation and return to the commission for future consideration.
