Director's Notes Almost the entire history of the SD Municipal League is based on the principle that we are better when we work together. Few things exemplify that better than the concept of pooling. Beginning with the SD Public Assurance Alliance, followed quickly by the creation of the SDML Workers’ Compensation Fund, and later by the Health Pool of South Dakota, the pools were started at a time when coverage was either not available at all, or was simply too expensive. There is even a story dating back to the beginning of the pools about a city that was offered one million dollars of coverage – for the bargain price of a one million dollar premium. It was realized at the time that an answer must be developed, and the concept of pooling was brought to South Dakota. The pools allow local entities to “pool” their resources and jointly purchase reliable, affordable coverage for property, casualty, liability, workers compensation, and health.
offered by the pools – the boards are made up of mayors, finance officers, council members, and other city officials who have as their only interest providing solid coverage at reasonable rates. That cannot be said of any of the competing products. A statement was made by the administrator of the SDPAA that says it all. “We don’t look for ways to deny claims. We look for ways to make sure they are covered.” More than twenty years after their inception, the vast majority of South Dakota’s cities and towns belong to one or more the pools. The League thanks them for their support, and urges all entities to continue to use these pools. They are a strong tool in protecting your city’s employees and assets. Until next month, remember we are always available at 1-800-658-3633 or yvonne@sdmunicipalleague.org. Yvonne Taylor Executive Director
Times have certainly changed, and the pools have brought stability to rates, solid and responsible coverage for cities and towns, counties and other local entities, even as they face increased competition in the standard coverage market. The article on page 16 tells how much of SDPAA resources are returned to the members; similar stories can be told by the SDML Workers’ Compensation Fund, and the Health Pool recently notified members that prices have decreased. Credit for creating the pools belongs to the predecessors of this Board and staff, but we still take great pride in the fact that these programs offer such responsible coverage, and my personal favorite feature is that the members of the pool are in complete control. They elect boards of trustees to work with service providers and govern the services
Visit the League’s website! Visit the Events section frequently on the SDML website, www.sdmunicipalleague.org, to find out what meetings are coming up.
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SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES
