1/21/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I can't tell you why we experienced the problems this year - some of it was because of miscommunication, some because of possibly not understanding how urgent the processing is - I really can't give you a clear answer. All I can tell you is that I do not intend to go through another such experience. In 1993, 1 thought it would be a good idea to go out to bid for the commissioner's bonds because of the large difference in cost. The bonds were placed under the Risk Management Division, but it does not appear that they ever went out to bid. A substantial amount of money was saved on the Clerk's and Tax Collector's bonds by going through the Florida League of Cities, however, getting the information from them has been a nightmare. I have discussed the problem with Beth Jordan, Jim Chandler and Ron Baker. Mr. Baker has assured me that, if purchase of the bonds is left with the Risk Management Division, this will not happen again. He understands the urgency of getting the bonds, having them approved and sent to Tallahassee - hopefully before the officials take office. This was not the case this year. Mr. Zimmermann and I briefly discussed the idea of having the elected officials talk to our legislators and try to get the state to agree to have the individual counties cover their officials under the counties' self-insurance programs and abolish the antiquated bond system that we presently have. This seems to make more sense to me than obtaining the low bonds they are required to have now. The present amounts were probably adequate in the late 1800, early 1900's, but they are rather ridiculous now. I will abide by whatever decision the Board wants to make - you can either leave the purchase of the bonds under the Risk Management Division with the assurance of Mr. Baker that this situation will not happen again, or you can place them back under the County Commission Office. Cc: County Administrator Ron Baker Beth Jordan Constitutional Officers TO: James E. Chandler, County Administrator FROM: Beth Jordan, Risk Manager DATE: 10 January 1997 SUBJECT: Public Officials' Bonds The following information is provided to clarify the recent difficulties in obtaining public officials' surety bonds for recently elected and/or appointed public officials. As discussed in the documentation provided to you by Alice White,. Executive Aide to the Board of County Commissioners, public officials' bonds were previously handled by individual elected officials, 66 ROOK luj PnF vy42 January 21, 1997