Fewer claims net insurance refund for water district

A check for $239,791 was presented to the Ramona Municipal Water District by representatives of the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA/JPIA) as a refund on the district’s insurance premium.

“This is our biggest one,” Melody McDonald, ACWA/JPIA executive committee member, said of the amount on April 8. “It’s a pleasure when you invest in your staff.”

The JPIA is a partnership of water agencies in California that provides risk-sharing pools to meet members’ needs for property, liability and workers’ compensation coverage. RMWD General Manager David Barnum said the JPIA is the most cost-effective way for the district to insure employees.

The refund, Barnum said, will be added to the district’s fund that pays insurance premiums.

McDonald noted that RMWD’s staff has undergone additional training. Barnum said that has an impact on the amount of risks. A safe work force produces fewer claims, he noted.

Director Joe Zenovic said employees appear to have taken advantage of an education reimbursement that was included in the district’s contract with its employees union in December 2013.

“That was something we put into the contract last fall and it’s being used and that’s great,” he said.