Sunman council ratifies small insurance overage, tables $75 theft recovery and approves scrapping totaled vehicle

The Town of Sunman’s council ratified staff action to pay a $351 increase on the town’s 2026 insurance policy to avoid a lapse and discussed several small finance items including a $75 theft-related shortfall and disposition of a totaled vehicle.

Clerk/Treasurer explained the insurance invoice exceeded the budgeted amount by $351 because terrorism coverage was included. The clerk said staff paid the amount to prevent an insurance lapse and asked the council to ratify the payment; a motion to ratify was moved and seconded.

On a separate matter, the clerk reported a $75 loss related to theft (the customer account was not affected). The town attorney outlined options for recovery, including criminal restitution or a civil claim; council members noted the small amount might cost more to pursue than the recovery. A council member moved to table the decision to pursue collection and the motion was seconded.

Council also debated options for disposing of a totaled municipal vehicle: sealed bid, salvage title, selling to a person or dealer, or scrapping for metal. After discussion about likely proceeds and administrative burden, a motion to scrap the vehicle was made and seconded. The clerk said insurance proceeds for a replacement vehicle had been received and suggested the proceeds be returned to the rainy-day fund and used to pay for decals; council approved that treatment.

The transcript records motions and seconds for these items but does not include roll-call vote tallies in the meeting record.