City accepts new workers comp insurance

Published 10:27 am Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The Brookhaven Board of Aldermen has renewed its workers compensation insurance with a new carrier built “for municipalities by municipalities.”

In its regular meeting Tuesday night, Marion Alford of the Mississippi Municipal Workers’ Compensation group gave their pitch to the board, inviting them to be a part of their insurance group. President and CEO Steve Smith joined Alford, and they talked about the features of being a part of their group, including workshops and comprehensive coverage and assistance with no extra cost to cities.

“We look for a way to cover the city and employees not escape them,” Alford said. “Risk control services, everything is included in the premium with no hidden or additional expense.”

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The annual premium proposed by MMWCG was $146,871. The board did not accept the proposal from the Mississippi Public Entity Workers Comp Trust at $151,389.80. After the board discussed the pitch in executive session the city moved to accept the quote from the MMWCG.

WGK Engineer Mike McKenzie updated the board on projects, mentioning that North Church Street’s patchy asphalt work would be cleaned up as work in that area has stopped. McKenzie said the sewer rehab project is about 75 to 85 percent done, and they are right in the middle of lining the sewer pipes if any aldermen wanted to see the process.

Police Chief Bobby Bell had two resignations from the Brookhaven Police Department to approve, Aaron Jolly and Dennis Lambert. Their resignations were received. Bell also asked the board to approve for use of the annual clothing allowance for three investigators at the cost of $575, usually given this time of year.

Ryan Holmes of Dungan Engineering addressed the board on the bid opening scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. for the multi-million dollar paving project. So far there is only one bid, which is not ideal for a project so big. The city is undecided on whether they will extend the time before opening bids.

In other business, the board moved to:

• Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of Dec.1.

• Receive the November 2015 revenue and expenditure report submitted by the clerk.

• Receive the November privilege license report showing revenue of $2,558.85

• Receive the November 2015 Municipal Court report showing revenue of $35,542.81. ($14,131 goes to state.)

• Receive the November 2015 fire department run report showing 34 in the city limits and runs outside the city.

The board entered into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel and contract negotiations. Afterwards Michael Smith was officially terminated from the street department.

Aldermen Ward 1 Mary Wilson, Alderman-at-Large Karen Sullivan and Alderman Ward 6 David Phillips were absent from the meeting.