NATCHEZ, Miss. — The cost for insuring Adams County’s government properties and liabilities for the coming year has risen to more than $940,000, a 9 percent increase attributed partly to the county-owned airport’s new passenger terminal.
The county Board of Supervisors decided Monday to renew the insurance coverage with the stipulation to seek a less expensive policy next spring.
The plan presented to the board by Natchez insurance agent Johnny Byrne includes coverage for $66 million worth of county-owned structures. This includes the Natchez-Adams County Airport hanger that was remodeled this year to become a passenger terminal. Byrne said the building is valued at $7 million. United Express in July began providing commercial jet service for the Natchez-Adams County region.
The total insurance premium cost of $943,000 for the next 12 months is up from the $867, 000 Adams County was charged for the past year. Most of the itemized insurance premiums include about $289,900 for property coverage, $190,300 for law-enforcement liabilities, $209,300 for auto liabilities and $94,300 for auto damages.
Byrne noted more county-owned vehicles are included in the coverage provided by the Travelers insurance company. However, Supervisor Kevin Wilson questioned whether the automobile count is inflated or includes dormant vehicles not being used.
While county supervisors voted to renew the insurance policy with Travelers, they agreed to get cost estimates in the coming months from the insurance program created by the Mississippi
Association of Supervisors. The MAS Insurance Trust is nonprofit risk management and property-casualty insurance pool for county government operations.
Byrne noted much paperwork and documentation are required for this program that Adams County administrators need more time to gather. Board attorney Scott Slover suggested the county could cancel its Travelers policy next year and go with MASIT if it provides a better deal.
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