Racine County Receives $78,493 Dividend for Keeping Safety a Priority on Its Law Enforcement Center Renovation and Construction Project
Check Presented at Racine County Board Meeting

Keeping a close eye on safety during the renovation and construction project on its Law Enforcement Center has paid off for Racine County. 

On March 10, 2009, the county was presented with a $78,493 dividend check from the Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation (County Mutual) for having a reduced number of lost-time accidents during the Gilbane Building Company-managed renovation and construction project on the Racine County Law Enforcement Center.  Racine County Executive Bill McReynolds was in attendance at the Racine County Board meeting and accepted the dividend check on behalf of the county.

“In these tight fiscal times, this dividend payment to Racine County clearly demonstrates the partnership between the County Mutual and counties to provide effective insurance solutions,” said McReynolds.  “Taxpayer dollars were saved and lives were protected during the work on the Racine County Law Enforcement Center.  This is something of which we should all be proud.”

For this project, Racine County participated in the County Mutual’s Owner Direct Insurance Program (ODIP).  The ODIP is a cost-saving insurance product that allows counties to take control of their general liability and worker’s compensation insurance needs on building projects such as jails or law enforcement centers.  Estimates have shown that the cost of general liability for these types of projects is typically three-to-four percent of the total contract value.

In addition to program administration, regular safety visits and training on site were conducted for the Racine County Law Enforcement Center project by Aegis Corporation, which is the general administrator for the County Mutual and administered the on-site safety program for the ODIP program.

“Racine County had a team in place for this project that made safety a top priority,” said Vance Forrest, Vice President of Risk Management for Aegis Corporation.  “There was a commitment to safety from all parties involved in construction – from the contractors to the workers raising the walls. This dedication to keeping the job site safe is why Racine County has seen such savings using the ODIP.”

The total premium paid by Racine County was $297,700 with $78,493 coming back to the county in the form of a dividend payment. 

“The ODIP is a highly effective and unique tool that can save counties, whether or not they are members of the County Mutual, a substantial amount of money on building costs,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell.  “At a time when counties are faced with daunting budget challenges, the County Mutual’s ODIP is a simple and workable alternative for saving taxpayer monies.”

As mentioned, the construction manager for the new center was Gilbane Building Company. Those involved in the Racine County Law Enforcement Center from the company included Operations Manager Keith Isken and Superintendent Dan Clausen.  Safety challenges included the busy urban location and the continuous operations of the existing facility around the construction area. 

“Our safety plans take into account the well being of construction workers and everyone near the area including inmates, lawyers, judges, staff, pedestrians and vehicles passing by,” said Isken. “The ODIP partnership fits well with our philosophy and commitment to deliver projects with zero incidents or injuries. We are proud to have been a part of the Racine County team.”

The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), along with county officials from around the state, created the Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation in 1987 to provide quality liability insurance substantially at cost to its members.  The company has a strong focus on risk management and currently insures 53 of the state’s 72 counties.  To learn more, visit www.wisconsincountymutual.org.

For more information on how your county can utilize the ODIP for construction projects, contact Vance Forrest at Aegis Corporation, 800.236.6885 or vance@aegis-wi.com.

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