Drexel Heights board votes to join Securis insurance pool for workers' compensation

The Drexel Heights Fire District Governing Board voted to join Securis Insurance Pool, Inc., a not-for-profit cooperative organized under A.R.S. 11-952.01(B), to obtain workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance on a cooperative basis with other Arizona fire districts.

Board Chair Gary Bynum moved the resolution and James Bertrand seconded; the motion was approved unanimously, 4-0. Chief Douglas Chappell told the Board: "the Securis proposal is budget neutral. It is a cooperative that the District has to buy into and we are comfortable with that." When asked by Mr. Bertrand about Securis' history and size, Chief Chappell responded that "Securis has been around for five years and most of the large Fire Districts have joined." The transcript also notes that "Chief Bradley with Northwest Fire District is part of the Securis Board."

The motion relies on A.R.S. 11-952.01(B) to authorize public entities to form or join a not-for-profit cooperative for insurance purposes. The Board did not record on-the-record premium levels or projected budget savings; Chief Chappell said the proposal is budget neutral. Staff follow-up is required to finalize membership paperwork and any implementation steps.