DATE: March 25, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Joint Powers Agreement - CalMutuals and Special Districts
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize Chairman to execute a Joint Powers Agreement and Membership Application with the California Association of Mutual Water Companies, effective March 25, 2025, for County-operated special districts; and
2. Authorize Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning, or their designee, to execute any necessary amendments or documents required to maintain membership in CalMutuals, subject to review and approval by County Counsel as to legal form.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions will enable the Department of Public Works and Planning, Special Districts Administration section (Special Districts) to join the California Association of Mutual Water Companies (CalMutuals), a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). This membership facilitates participation in the Joint Powers Risk and Insurance Management Authority (JPRIMA), which provides cost-effective property and liability insurance coverage. Membership in CalMutuals offers access to risk-pooling, reinsurance, training, legislative advocacy, and operational resources that enhance the technical and financial capacity of member agencies. This membership is essential for securing the proposed JPRIMA insurance coverage, which is the most competitive option received this year. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Board may choose not to approve the recommended actions. Without approval, Special Districts will be ineligible for JPRIMA insurance due to the CalMutuals membership requirement. As a result, Special Districts would need to secure insurance from the higher-priced alternative provider, leading to significantly increased costs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Membership fees will be funded by the operations and maintenance budgets of the respective County Service Areas and Waterworks Districts. Revenues for these budgets are generated through assessments, service charges, carryover funds, and interest income. The FY 2024-25 Adopted Budgets include sufficient appropriations to support this expenditure.
DISCUSSION:
Each year, Special Districts obtains Property and Liability Insurance for the County-operated special districts. For 2025, the proposals received were:
1. Allied (current provider): A renewal proposal at $183,000 (up from $155,000).
2. JPRIMA: A proposal at $166,458, with stable pricing for three years.
The JPRIMA proposal complies with Fresno County's Purchasing requirement to accept the lowest bid.
While the JPRIMA insurance policy is a one-year agreement, accessing it requires a three-year membership in CalMutuals. Beyond insurance cost savings, CalMutuals membership provides additional benefits, including access to training, legislative advocacy, and resource-sharing opportunities that enhance water management and operational efficiency. The first year of CalMutuals membership is free, and subsequent annual dues will be based on Special Districts’ annual budget, capped at $1,000 per year.
By approving the recommended actions, your Board will enable Special Districts to secure stable and affordable insurance coverage that aligns with County procurement requirements.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Exhibit A - CalMutuals Application for Membership
On file with Clerk - Joint Powers Agreement
CAO ANALYST:
Salvador Espino