Commission agrees to require proof of workers’ comp and liability insurance on cleanup bids

The Jennings County Area Plan Commission directed staff to require contractors to provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage and liability insurance before awarding cleanup contracts.

Members discussed state rules and the county’s longstanding practice of not paying contractors who lack required insurance documentation. A committee member noted the workers’ comp exemption certificate is inexpensive and widely used by sole proprietors; staff said the county’s tracking software can record certificates and flag expirations.

Commissioners agreed to update the bid sheet to require proof of insurance and to rely on staff verification (including use of the software) before awarding cleanup work; the commission approved moving forward with the revised bid documentation.

The change aligns procurement practice with state requirements and aims to limit county liability for contracted cleanup work. Staff said the certificate-of-insurance approach will be maintained on file for the year and that expired certificates will flag contractors for disqualification.