Sellersburg council approves roughly $292,000 insurance renewal after agent cites strong safety record

The Town of Sellersburg council voted Dec. 15 to renew the town’s 2026 insurance package — including liability, automobile and workers’ compensation coverages — at approximately $291,862.13.

Jerry Rauch, the town’s agent of record from Shepherd’s Insurance, told the council the renewal reflects both market increases and the town’s improving safety record. “Your experience modifier has dropped to 0.79, which is remarkable for a municipality,” Rauch said, noting that the lower modifier helped reduce the town’s workers’ compensation premium versus prior years.

Rauch walked the council through the commercial package and line items, saying last year’s total was about $279,000 and the renewal sits just over the prior amount in a tight market. Council members asked whether employee head counts had changed; staff said the town’s staffing remains largely unchanged and credited the reduced experience modifier with the lower workers’ compensation cost.

After brief discussion, the presiding officer asked for a motion. A council motion to approve the renewal was made and seconded and the council approved the contract on a voice vote.

The approval authorizes staff to complete the renewal paperwork; Rauch said he would continue to work with department heads to confirm schedule values for vehicles, buildings and equipment before policies are finalized.