BEDFORD – During Tuesday morning’s regular meeting, the Lawrence County Commissioners moved to change the county’s long-standing insurance provider, citing a substantial difference in cost as the primary motivator for the shift.
The commissioners voted to award 1st Insurance Group the contract for the county’s commercial insurance, covering property liability and worker’s compensation. For years, the county has been represented by the Parker Group, but a competitive bid from 1st Insurance Group offered a policy that officials felt they could not ignore.
While the board was unanimous in their decision, they expressed deep appreciation for their previous provider, Miles of the Parker Group.
“Miles had been a long-standing provider for the county and done a wonderful job,” said Commissioner Jeff McKnight. “It just comes down to the coverage and dollars were so immensely different that we just don’t have an alternative but to make this choice, in my opinion.”
Commissioner Rodney Fish echoed those sentiments, noting that the decision was purely financial. “I also echo what Commissioner McKnight said. I have nothing but good things to say about Miles and the Parker Group, but there is a significant difference in the cost of the insurance this year.”
Beyond the insurance overhaul, the commissioners addressed several other contracts aimed at county maintenance and development:
The commissioners approved contract with the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC). SIDC will serve as the grant administrators for funding through the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA), contingent upon the county being awarded the grant.
The commissioners also approved a contract with Spice Valley Landscape and Garden Center to manage the landscaping work at the Lawrence County Courthouse.
