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_I In the future, there are at least two (2) options for handling the purchase of these specialty bonds. First, we can allow individual elected officials to secure their own bonds, usually through their local insurance agent who will most likely have access to a surety market Costs will vary, but control vmll remain with the elected official and an agent with whom he or she has an established relationship. Secondly, we can again purchase the bonds as a group through the County's agent, currently the League. If that occurs, we will need to submit the entire packet of materials received from the Secretary of State with the applications. In that manner, we will be certain that the surety has ag the information needed to prepare a complete submittal packet to the State. A third option, however, should also be considered. We have briefly discussed with Alice White the inherent flaws in the public officials bond system, and she is preparing to bring an item to the Board to address this issue. I do not want to usurp her plans to do so, but I concur with her that the entire issue of such bonds is antiquated and that the legislature should be lobbied to abolish the requirement Certainly, a $2,000.00 surety bond, although a substantial sum when the law was enacted nearly 100 years ago, has no basis in reality as far as affording any protection as to the honesty of the elected official. The County, as a self-insured public entity, should be recognized as sufficient to stand behind the actions of its elected officials, perhaps through its errors and omissions coverages. Conversely, if bonds remain in force, how much of a bond would be enough? The current limits are abysmally low, but how much is enough? And more importantly, should taxpayers have to pay for an increased bond? I first became involved in the purchase of public officials bonds in 1983, and have never had an occurrence such as the delays experienced this year. Regardless of the direction such purchases take in the future, I will gladly cooperate in any manner to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. I trust that this year's stressful confusion will never be repeated. Commissioner Adams stressed that she was uncomfortable with her bond being handled by the Risk Management Department and wanted the responsibility and procedure for the surety bonds to be returned to the Board of County Commissioners' office. She also supported a change in the State Statutes that would allow the County to underwrite its own surety bonds under its self insurance. She felt it was unnecessary to continue supporting the bond companies. Commissioner Ginn suggested that the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments consider the matter also. ON MOTION by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED by Commissioner Macht, the Board unanimously approved returning the responsibility for surety bonds to the Board of County Commissioners office and pursuinq legislation to remove the bonds or to change bonding procedures and criteria. COMMENT ON SEAWALL WORKSHOP Commissioner Adams commented that there had been a very successful seawall workshop the previous night put together by Coastal Engineer Jeff Tabar. Dr. Cliff Truett from the Mote Marine Laboratories and Dr. Lee Harris from Florida Institute of Technology gave great presentations. There was active participation from the large audience in attendance. She felt 68 January 21, 1997 ROOK PAGE -3