CTSI presentation: pooling saved Elbert County millions and provides stability, staff says

Meredith of CTSI told the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners that counties formed shared insurance pools in the 1980s to spread risk and secure better coverage and buying power. She described three pools — a county health pool (medical, dental, vision, life), a workers’ compensation pool for statutory employees and volunteers, and a casualty and property pool covering property, liability, law enforcement and cyber exposures.

Meredith said Elbert County was one of the original founding members and provided historic contribution and distribution figures that illustrate how equity has helped offset contributions. According to the presentation, CAP contributions since 1986 total about $5,200,000 and CAP equity distributions have totaled about $1,500,000 (roughly a 15% return); CWCP contributions were cited at about $1,900,000 with pool equity distributions of about $1,800,000 (roughly 12%). Meredith said staff evaluates whether to distribute equity each year after ensuring statutory reserve and runout obligations are met.

"The county health pool is actually the 1st 1 formed in '84," Meredith said, describing the pools' origins and purpose. She framed pooling as a county-owned, non‑profit approach that aims to smooth year-to-year volatility compared with commercial carriers. The presentation noted a 10‑band rate structure for CHP to manage premium movement between years and protect members from abrupt spikes.

Commissioners thanked CTSI staff for the presentation and for providing county-focused services; no formal action followed from this presentation. The board expects CTSI to return budget and contribution proposals for member consideration as renewal season approaches.