Roosevelt County Commission hears $245,307 insurance assessment; takes no action

County Manager Amber Hamilton told the Roosevelt County Commission on April 23 that the county received a capital adequacy assessment of $245,307 from the New Mexico County Insurance Authority and recommended using county cash balances to cover the charge.

Hamilton, who serves on the Authority board, said the assessment is intended to keep the self-insurance pool solvent after discussions at the Authority's January membership meeting. "Roosevelt County received an assessment of $245,307.00 in addition to the annual contribution to remain solvent," Hamilton said. She recommended paying the assessment from cash balances but the commission did not act on the recommendation at the meeting.

Commissioners discussed the assessment during New Business. The commission did not vote to accept or reject the recommendation at the April 23 meeting; no mover/second was reported for a formal motion on this specific assessment. The record shows County Manager Hamilton presented the figure and recommendation and that the item was entered for discussion but left without formal action.

Why it matters: the assessment is a one-time capital adequacy charge to maintain the insurance pool that covers county liabilities; using cash balances would reduce available reserves for other needs. The commission's lack of action leaves the county's intended response unresolved and may return as an agenda item at a future meeting.

Next steps: Hamilton recommended paying from county cash balances; the commission will need to place the item on a future agenda to authorize payment or identify alternative funding sources.