Board authorizes insurance renewal, architect contract and utility agreement in routine finance actions

During its regular agenda the St. Louis County Board approved several finance and procurement items the administration said are routine but consequential to operations.

Joe Austin, director of safety and risk management, asked the board to authorize renewal of the county’s property insurance with the Chubb Group, procured through Marsh McLennan. Austin said the policy proposal carries a premium of $626,046 for the coverage period running July 24, 2026 to July 24, 2027, a $25,000 deductible and a premise loss limit of $125,000,000 per campus; it includes specified coverage for contractor equipment, electronic data processing, boiler and machinery and earthquake/flood risks. The board approved the renewal by voice vote.

The board also authorized a contract with Widseth (architects and engineers of Hibbing, Minnesota) for planning and architectural services related to renovating the Hibbing sheriff’s office and reallocating courthouse space once the Hibbing Police Department relocates.

Public Works reported and the board approved an agreement with Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation to extend natural gas service to the new Central Range Transportation campus; staff said the long‑term investment will yield operational savings and cited an approximate contract amount of $548,000.

Finally, the board formally authorized use of state contract purchasing (Strikers) for gear and uniform purchases tied to the sheriff’s office, noting cumulative inflationary cost pressures and the need to comply with purchasing thresholds.

All items were approved by voice vote as presented in the board packet.