Council approves settlement routing through joint insurance fund; staff explains JIF process

Council advanced Resolution 138 authorizing settlement through the city’s Joint Insurance Fund following a citizen question about the nature and cost of the settlement. City counsel/staff explained the matter arose from a lawsuit alleging disparate treatment involving a police officer; the settlement was negotiated without admission of fault and will be funded through the JIF with a deductible the city must pay.

An official explained the JIF structure: pooled insurance among municipalities that pays defense and settlements with the municipality responsible for a deductible. The deductible figure cited in the meeting was $20,000, which staff identified as the applicable deductible the city pays under the JIF arrangement. The resolution authorizing the payment was moved, seconded and carried on roll call during the meeting.