This chapter is enacted pursuant to the authority granted to the Town of Canton under the Connecticut General Statutes and the Town Charter, which provide for the establishment of committees necessary for the prudent management of municipal affairs, including insurance and risk management.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Canton 8-27-2025. Amendments noted where applicable.]
For the purposes of this ordinance:
Means, collectively, the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Board of Education of the Town of Canton.
Means the Permanent Insurance Committee established by this chapter.
Means an individual or firm engaged by the Town or Board of Education to provide professional advice or brokerage services related to insurance programs.
Means all insurance policies, plans, and coverages procured, managed, or overseen by the Town of Canton and its departments, including those applicable to the Board of Education.
A Permanent Insurance Committee shall be established to provide guidance, oversight, and strategic recommendations to the Boards regarding the Town of Canton's insurance programs.
The Committee shall review and advise on all lines of insurance coverage, including but not limited to life, disability, medical, dental, property, casualty, and workers' compensation insurance. The Committee's goal is to ensure fiscal responsibility, adequate coverage, risk mitigation, and alignment with the Town's operational and financial objectives. The insurance committee shall meet no less than quarterly and shall submit written reports at least annually.
The Committee shall consist of five voting members, preferably with insurance expertise. Membership shall include at least one representative each from the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, and the Board of Education. The term for a representative of each board shall be coterminous with their elected position. Each of these three Boards may designate an alternate member. Appointments shall be made in accordance with the Town's procedures for board and committee appointments. Each other member so appointed shall serve for a period of four years. The Chair of the permanent Insurance Committee shall be elected from within the assembled body by its members at its first meeting.
The Committee shall be supported by, and collaborate with, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Finance Officer, the Superintendent of Schools, the Canton Schools Business Manager, and, when appropriate, applicable consultants or brokers. This collaboration ensures alignment of insurance decisions with employee benefits, contractual obligations, and operational requirements.
A.
Review of existing coverage. Evaluate current insurance plans and policies for the Town of Canton, its departments, and, where applicable, the Board of Education. Ensure appropriate levels of coverage and cost-effectiveness. Assess and report on the impact of insurance decisions on collective bargaining agreements when requested.
B.
Claims oversight. Monitor claim trends and loss experience. Recommend strategies to reduce risk, improve safety, and mitigate future claims.
C.
Broker and carrier relationships. Participate in and/or oversee Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for insurance brokers, carriers, and consultants as needed. Evaluate and recommend vendors based on service quality, pricing, and expertise.
D.
Policy recommendations. Propose policy or procedural changes to the Boards, as appropriate, to improve insurance coverage or reduce risk.
The Committee shall submit written reports at least annually, or more frequently as requested by any of the Boards, summarizing activities, evaluations, and recommendations concerning the Town's insurance programs.
Failure of any Town department or official to cooperate with the Committee in providing requested information or documents necessary for its review may be reported to the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen shall take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.