After debate, Dodge City board opts to remain with long-time insurer EMC

The Dodge City Board of Education debated competing property-and-casualty proposals before voting to remain with EMC despite a staff recommendation to move coverage to Kicks.

Patrick (district finance/staff) presented an apples-to-apples comparison of EMC and Kicks proposals and said Kicks’ package would save roughly $84,000. "My honest professional recommendation would be to move to Kicks," Patrick said, but he acknowledged the decision carried nonfinancial implications.

Several board members argued the district’s long-standing relationship with a local provider and dependable claims service outweighed the immediate savings. One board member with prior insurance experience said the relationship and local support over 45 years "deserves substantial weight" in the decision. Another member said $84,000 was not a large enough savings to switch providers.

After discussion and motions on the floor, the board voted to stay with EMC. The motion passed with opposition recorded from at least one member.

What was decided: The board approved continuing EMC coverage for the coming year; staff will implement the selected policy and next steps with board direction.

What remains open: Board members asked questions about sustainability of current pricing and long-term vendor stability; those topics could return for future consideration as market conditions evolve.