Chase County keeps most deductibles at $10,000 but moves wind/hail to $25,000 in 2026 insurance renewal

County insurance representatives reviewed seven lines of coverage before the Chase County commission and recommended a renewal structure with higher wind and hail deductibles.

The presenter, identified in the transcript as Speaker 4, briefed commissioners that property coverage rose from just under $30 million in 2025 to a little over $31 million for 2026. He told the board that insurers required wind and hail deductibles to move to at least $25,000 for accounts of this size. "That option is a 150,983," Speaker 4 said, referring to the premium for Option 1.

The presenter also warned of a sharp jump in the law‑enforcement liability line, citing recent costly claims and an increase in the reported number of full‑time employees (from 25 previously reported to 41 for the current premium calculation), which he said drives roughly $800 per full‑time employee in premium change.

After questions and discussion about past experience with higher deductibles and the frequency of claims — including a jail claim last summer for about $23,000 — Speaker 1 moved to adopt insurance Option 1: retain a $10,000 deductible for most perils while setting wind and hail at $25,000. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

County staff said they will circulate detailed inventories of insured property and meet with department heads after renewal to ensure lists are up to date before claims occur.