PIKE COUNTY BOARD SEEKS NEW INSURANCE BIDS FOLLOWING DISPUTES WITH COVERAGE PROVIDERS

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pike County Board voted Wednesday evening, October 14, to pursue competing bids for both property and casualty coverage and employee health insurance for 2027 following disputes involving the county’s current insurance arrangements.

The board voted 6-0 to direct Squire Insurance Agency of Pleasant Hill to seek property and casualty quotes, including a possible renewal with the Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust, known as ICRMT. Members cited the urgent timeline before the December 1 coverage date.

During the meeting, insurance committee chairman Derek Ross said ICRMT had declined to recognize Squire as the county’s selected agent, instead continuing to work with Snedeker Risk Management. Ross questioned whether any written agreement prevented the county from choosing its own insurance agent. Those issues were described by Ross and have not been independently resolved.

Members then debated the HOPE Trust Health Reimbursement Program. A motion to have the county fund 50 percent of the program failed after a 3-3 tie and a deciding no vote by County Board Chair Reta Hoskin. The board had previously set its contribution to the program at zero.

Board members said HOPE Trust representatives had warned that the county could face involuntary termination if it did not meet the 50 percent contribution requirement. Several board members expressed discomfort with that prospect, while others raised concerns over coverage for county employees.

The board subsequently voted 6-0 to seek competitive bids for employee health insurance effective January 1, 2027. Ross was designated to help coordinate the process. Seeking bids does not itself terminate the county’s current health coverage.

The decisions leave Pike County exploring alternatives while it seeks answers from its existing providers and weighs the financial consequences for taxpayers and employees.