City renews insurance policy with Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 18, 2014 3:45 p.m.

Sean Woleshin
Sean Woleshin

Shaun Woleshin, the city’s insurance consultant, briefed the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) during its September 16, 2014 Regular Meeting on the positive track record for Workers Compensation insurance claims that have led to a lowering of the annual insurance premium billed to the city.  Woleshin reported that the city’s insurance bill had decreased 5.13% mainly due to improved safety record leading to fewer Workers Compensation claims and a transfer of airport insurance to Global Aerospace, a firm that insures smaller airports.  That transfer saved the city 14% on its airport insurance premium while the policy provides broad coverage.  He presented a few slides to demonstrate how, with a premium calculated based on the past 3 years of claims, the city’s insurance premium paid to Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust (PGIT) will continue to decrease.

WC Claims

wc claims text

Woleshin singled out the city’s Safety Committee for special praise in achieving the rate reduction.  He said that it is good to see the City Manager attend these meetings, because it reinforces the importance of safety to other committee members.  City Manager Gerrity said that he is working toward making safety on the job a state of mind for employees.  Both Gerrity and Woleshin singled out the importance of the sign at the entrance to the city highlighting the number of days without an accident.

The FBCC approved the contract renewal with PGIT (Resolution 2014-128) on a unanimous vote to the applause of the audience.

Suanne ThammEditor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.