Council accepts Bremer insurance renewal as premiums fall overall

The Morris City Council voted June 9 to accept a renewal proposal from Bremer Insurance at the city's current deductible, citing lower overall premiums driven by improved workers' compensation performance.

Joel Qua of Bremer Insurance presented the renewal and a market overview, telling the council the city's net premium was down largely because of a lower experience modification and reduced work‑comp loss costs. He said property rates had fallen with favorable storm years and that the city's property premium would have decreased year‑over‑year if not for the addition of the new Morris liquor store, which temporarily raised that line.

Qua flagged ongoing market pressures in liability insurance and rising vehicle repair costs; he also recommended continued attention to cyber risk after noting an increase in client hacks in the past year. City staff and council members praised the lower work‑comp results as a reflection of local safety efforts.

A council member moved to accept the renewal as presented; the motion passed by voice vote during the meeting and was later formalized by roll call on a resolution accepting the insurance renewal.

The action does not change the city's deductible, and council members said the city will continue to monitor claims experience going forward. The council approved the measure without a recorded roll‑call breakdown of individual yes/no tallies in the public discussion portion; the subsequent resolution vote was recorded by roll call and showed all members voting in favor.