Owensville’s Board of Aldermen entered an insurance coverage agreement with Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA) during Monday’s city meeting at the cost of $134,609.

MIRMA, a self-insurance pool, is comprised of 98 small-to-mid-sized communities that have formed an association to cover and control their losses by pooling their resources.

The city of Owensville was previously a member of the association for approximately 27 years between the mid-1980s and 2010 when they voted to end the agreement due to a disagreement regarding employee practice claims.

Membership in the association provides coverage including workers’ compensation, property, general liability, injunctive relief and non-monetary damages, inland marine, crime and employee theft, public officials liability, employment practices liability, law enforcement liability, automobile, boiler and machinery, airport liability, and drone liability.

MIRMA works with their members to develop a loss prevention program tailored to fit the specific risks and political environment within their community.

They also provide a risk management awards program that provides members an opportunity to receive a grant for up to 75-percent of the cost of items that will reduce workers compensation or liability exposures, onsite and online safety training, manuals and newsletters, cyber training and phishing testing, free access to employment law attorneys, aquatic risk management audit and lifeguard instructor reimbursement, MoLTAP reimbursement and thermal imaging services.

The proposal delivered by MIRMA’s executive director Matthew Broderson will increase the city’s property coverage from $16,067,091 to $21,004,955.

Cybersecurity coverage is not included, but that coverage is expected to only be in the $4,000 range according to City Clerk Peggy Farrell.

MIRMA’s low bid beat out two other bids received: $209,650 by Dace Insurance and $198,867 by Daniel & Henry Insurance and Risk Management.

Nearby member cities include Hermann, New Haven, Union, St. Clair, St. James, and Holts Summit.

The motion to accept MIRMA’s bid was made by Board President Cathy Lahmeyer, seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Denise Bohl, and passed unanimously.

Bill No 2024-9, Ordinance No 1445, authorizing Mayor Kevin McFadden to execute the agreement was introduced by Ward 2 Alderman Denise Bohl, seconded by Ward 1 Alderman Danny Breeden, final passage by Lahmeyer, and passed without opposition.

Coverage will begin July 1 and will be renewed annually upon passage by the Board of Aldermen and approval by the mayor.

Farrell, who handles collector duties, reports $7,163.42 collected by the city during May. This total includes real estate and personal property taxes of $2,914.54, merchant licenses totaling $1,430, cigarette stamp tax of $718.88, and liquor licenses totaling $2,100. A total of four liquor licenses were renewed: Casey’s General Store, Moose Lodge, VFW Post No. 6133, and Wal-Mart.

The city of Owensville adopted their 2024-25 balanced budget of $6,548,938 during Monday’s meeting through Bill No. 2024-10, Ordinance No. 1446. It was introduced by Bohl, seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Matt Kramme, final passage by Lahmeyer, and passed unanimously.

The Owensville Board of Aldermen approved the appointment of Kurt Hellmann as an alternate to the Board of Adjustment on Monday. According to McFadden, Hellmann is extremely interested in being involved in city government and very anxious to get on this board. The motion was made by Kramme, seconded by Bohl, and passed with all in favor.