Raymond moves to Maine Municipal Association insurance pools after MMA presentation

The Raymond select board on June 23 authorized the town manager to execute contracts to join the Maine Municipal Association's workers' compensation and property and casualty insurance pools, a move staff said will take effect July 1.

At a presentation before the vote, Marcus Bellew of Maine Municipal Association Risk Management Services told the board MMA provides in‑house underwriting and claims adjusting, a loss control team that conducts property and hazard assessments, an online learning and policy management system, grant programs, and safety incentive credits. “We build in almost these safeguards, these credit structures that will give you benefits down the road,” Bellew said.

Bellew estimated the initial combined savings for Raymond would be about $12,000 in the first year and described a workers' compensation safety incentive program that can reduce contributions further — a three‑tier program offering up to a 10% immediate reduction and an additional 5% after three years of participation. He also said MMA members may receive dividend distributions after three consecutive years if the pool's reserves and claims experience permit it, but cautioned dividends are voted annually and are not guaranteed.

Town Manager Glenn (first presented the year‑end budget report later in the meeting) and board members pressed Bellew on inspection frequency and coverage details. Bellew said loss control visits typically occur within the first year for new members and at least once every three years thereafter, with written hazard reports citing applicable safety standards and suggested corrective actions.

After members agreed to proceed without one absent board member, the board moved and approved a motion authorizing the town manager to execute the MMA contracts as presented.

Next steps include finalizing contract documents and coordinating the MMA loss control team’s first year inspections and reports.