Newfields district approves 2026 insurance policy; declines $156 terrorism rider

The Newfields Village Water & Sewer District on Feb. 11 approved a 2026 insurance policy after an update from the district’s insurance agent.

Linda Tuttle of Tobey & Merrill told commissioners the district is in the fourth year of a five-year claim cycle, which has kept rates elevated this year. “We have one more year with higher rates and then after that cycle is complete more agencies will be bidding for our insurance making it more competitive resulting in lower premiums,” Tuttle said. She noted the increase from last year’s policy is about $2,000 and recommended declining a $156 terrorism policy, which the board declined.

Commissioner Bill Meserve moved to approve the policy; George Drinkwater seconded and the motion passed unanimously, 3-0. John Hayden signed the policy on behalf of the commission and Tuttle will provide a hard copy and electronic copy of the new policy. The board also added Hayden to the list of authorized agents who can discuss the insurance policy; Treasurer Wendy Chase remains an authorized agent.

The insurance is placed through Grundy Insurance (specializing in water distribution systems), and the commissioners discussed that after the current claim-cycle year concludes they expect more competitive bids. The district did not vote to purchase the optional terrorism endorsement.

The commission directed staff to record the authorization and to file the signed policy with district records.