Contact: Blair Rogacki or Vance Forrest
Aegis Corporation
1.800.236.6885 or
414.380.9030/414.380.9035
Wis. County Mutual Insurance Corp. Presents Check at Board Meeting
Keeping a close eye on safety during the construction of their new law enforcement center has had big payoffs for Columbia County. Today, the county was presented with a $39,778 dividend check from the Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation (County Mutual) for having a reduced number of lost-time accidents during the construction of the Columbia County Law Enforcement Center.
“This dividend presented to Columbia County is a perfect example of the benefits of the close relationship between the County Mutual and member counties,” said Erhard Huettl, President of the County Mutual and Forest County Board Chairman. “As always, the County Mutual remains committed to working closely with members to provide effective insurance solutions, while saving taxpayer dollars.”
The Columbia County Law Enforcement Center participated in the County Mutual’s Owner Direct Insurance Program (ODIP). The ODIP is a cost-saving insurance product that allows counties to take control of their general liability and worker’s compensation insurance needs on building projects such as jails or law enforcement centers. Estimates have shown that the cost of general liability for these types of projects is typically three-to-four percent of the total contract value.
“Columbia County put together a team for this project that made safety a top priority,” said Blair A. Rogacki, Vice President of Operations for Aegis Corporation, which is the general administrator for the County Mutual and administers the on-site safety program for the ODIP program. “There was a daily commitment to safety that went from the general contractor to the workers laying the foundation. Their dedication to a safe workplace is why Columbia County has seen such substantial savings using the ODIP.”
The total premium paid by Columbia County, which is a member of the County Mutual, was $310,079, with $39,778 coming back to the county in the form of a dividend payment.
In addition to program administration, regular safety visits and training on site were conducted for the Columbia County Law Enforcement Center project. “Safety is always stressed first and foremost to all those involved in the building process,” said Vance Forrest, Vice President of Risk Management for Aegis Corporation. “Ultimately, the savings Columbia County has seen was the direct result of a daily commitment to a safe job site.”
The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), along with county officials from around the state, created the Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation in 1987 to provide quality liability insurance substantially at cost to its members. The company carries an A.M. Best rating of A- and including Columbia County, 55 of the state’s 72 counties are members.
