City aldermen decided on California's insurance provider during their June 21 special session meeting.
The City of California Board of Aldermen approved a "New Property and Casualty Insurance Provider" for the area. City Clerk Jessica Farmer said she received four bids from insurance firms, however, the board's decision came down to two specifically, California's current firm Mike Keith Insurance and a new firm TIG Advisors.
The city must have liability insurance to operate. Insurance must account for various circumstances such as earthquakes, fires, tornados, cybercrime and physical incidents as well as property including buildings and vehicles.
The board needed to decide on the provider before July 1, which is when city officials must acquire insurance for California. The Board of Aldermen heard two presentations from representatives regarding their services, Frank Higgins of TIG Advisors and Christian DeLozier of Mike Keith Insurance.
Higgins and DeLozier emphasized their achievements and current clients to the board, however, members decided to continue working with Mike Keith Insurance despite TIG Advisors offering a lower premium.
Mayor Rich Green stated this is due to TIG Advisors' inability to guarantee a plan for the city's earthquake insurance before the beginning of July. While Higgins said the company could develop an earthquake policy for the city, it would not be able to complete it before the start date.
Mike Keith Insurance will continue developing the city's relationship with its provider EMC Insurance.
The board directed their attention to a heating and cooling bid for the police department. Chief Daniel Hurt said the department needs new air conditioning for its evidence room. He said it can get hot in the area without any airflow. While the room does have a heater for colder months, he explained the police would need this unit to keep evidence in a cool and controlled environment during humid summer temperatures.
According to Green, a moisture problem has affected California City Hall for some time. And, because the police department is contained in the same building, the isse affected its evidence room. Staff said a lack of effective air circulation exacerbated it in that room.
City Electric supervisor Tyler Dicus suggested buying and installing dehumidifiers in city hall to regulate temperatures and halt the moisture problem. The board approved this measure last week allowing Dicus and the crew to handle the issue. Green said the police department and its evidence room (since installation of dehumidifiers) are down to 40 percent humidity.