Risk insurance premiums out of control

For 2025, Lincoln County will be paying over $1,700,000 in risk insurance premiums. This represents a drastic increase of over $1,000,000 just in the last 4 years. And… these rates are expected to escalate next year as well, with no end in sight. Next to wages and benefits, risk insurance represents the 2nd largest expense for the county.

One might wonder why such dramatic increases are happening. There are multiple factors at play, such as the state legislature passing laws that de-criminalize property crime, Joint and Several liability that holds governments liable for wrongdoing by others a...