COUNTY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE - R. ESPINOSA

Adopt Resolution approving the amendments to the County's Primary and/or Alternate CSAC Excess Insurance Authority (EIA) Joint Powers Authority Agreement; and authorize the County's Primary and/or Alternate Board Member to Execute the Amended Joint Powers Authority Agreement.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 119

RESOLUTION NO: 2020-31

CSAC Excess Insurance Authority (EIA) was formed by and for the California counties in 1979 by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC).  Today, 55 out of the 58 counties in California participate in one or more of the EIA programs.  In 2001, the EIA expanded its offerings to other California public agencies.  At this point, over 70% of the cities in California participate in one or more of the EIA programs. In addition, a variety of special districts, school districts, and JPAs also participate in EIA Programs.  The EIA is recognized as the largest public entity property and casualty pool in the United States. 

After 40 years of existence, the EIA is proposing to change its name to Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (otherwise known as PRISM).  The consideration of a name change came at the request of CSAC (California State Association of Counties) due to the on-going confusion over the fact that CSAC EIA and CSAC are two completely separate entities. There is additional confusion in the CSAC EIA name as it relates to its current identity. The EIA offers multiple primary and excess programs and is no longer singularly focused on “excess” programs. The EIA is not an insurance company and does not provide “insurance” from a technical standpoint. 

The subject of a name change was discussed with the EIA’s Executive Committee and various Committee Chairs at a strategic planning retreat in November 2019.  Thereafter, the Executive Committee approved moving forward with a name change and staff and a sub-committee of Executive Committee members were tasked with coming up with a new name.  Some points that were at the forefront of the discussions regarding a new name include: (1) removing confusion by eliminating “CSAC,” “Excess,” and “Insurance” from our name; and (2) taking California out of the name since the organization is  poised to expand its programs and services to public agencies across the nation. The new name – Public Risk Innovations, Solutions, and Management (PRISM) will support the organization’s current and future identity as one of the largest, most successful member-directed risk sharing pools in the nation.

The main purpose of the proposed JPA Amendment is to substitute the new name for the old one throughout the document.  One other notable change is that the provision that county members must maintain their membership in CSAC is being removed.  This will help the organization create a unique identity apart from CSAC.  The removal of this requirement does not affect the governance of the EIA in any way. The EIA’s relationship with CSAC is very good and its desire is to continue to foster a very strong and collaborative relationship with CSAC going forward. CSAC is aware of this proposed change and has not expressed any concern over it.

Since the JPA Agreement was being amended to address the name change and removal of the CSAC membership requirement, the EIA has also made some other amendments to the Agreement to “clean up” the document to coincide with current practices and the future vision of the organization.

Adopt Resolution approving the amendments to the County's Primary and/or Alternate CSAC Excess Insurance Authority (EIA) Joint Powers Authority Agreement; and authorize the County's Primary and/or Alternate Board Member to Execute the Amended Joint Powers Authority Agreement.