DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Hollis Magill, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Resolutions Rejecting Claims for Damages
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Adopt Resolutions Rejecting Claims for Damages
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. After evaluation by the Claims Review Committee, submitted claims are presented to the Board with a rejection recommendation. If the claim is in the County's jurisdiction, the Summary of Claims below denotes the affected supervisorial district.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
Your Board could choose not to approve the Claims Review Committee's recommendations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Payment of claims and the cost of defending claims are charged to the Department's Org 8925, Risk Management Internal Services Fund. The Fund is supported by annual budgetary contributions from County departments based on actuarial projections.
DISCUSSION:
The Board has delegated authority to the Department to accept claims for damages in amounts up to $50,000 and reject claims up to $25,000. Claims exceeding that amount are referred to your Board after evaluation by the Claims Review Committee (CRC). The CRC considers various claim elements, which include jurisdiction, allocation of fault, immunities, and compliance with the Government Claims Act by claimants. The CRC consists of the Human Resources Director, Risk Manager, Risk Management staff, and a Deputy County Counsel.
For all claims, a reserve is established, which is estimated by Risk Management to be sufficient to pay the cost of investigating and defending the claim, and to pay any damages for which the County is liable.
After evaluation by the CRC, claims exceeding the authority of the Human Resources Director and the County Administrative Officer are presented to the Board with a recommendation for action on each claim. Upon rejec...
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