Jackson County Commission Votes 3–2 against RFP for insurance

By Shelia Mader

A split Jackson County Commission voted down a motion to solicit competitive insurance proposals in a contentious 3–2 decision during Tuesday’s Jackson County Commission meeting. The proposal, labeled RFP 2425, would have invited bids for comprehensive insurance coverage for the county, including property, liability, workers’ compensation, and automobile insurance.

The vote came after County Administrator Jim Dean recommended the board move forward with the request for proposals as a measure of due diligence and transparency. However, after considerable debate, the motion to issue the RFP was denied, leaving the county’s long-standing relationship with Milton Insurance, its current provider of over 50 years, unchallenged.

Commissioner Donnie Branch made the motion to approve the RFP, with Chairman Jamey Westbrook stepping down from the chair to second it. Despite the support, Commissioners Edward Crutchfield, Paul Donofro Jr., and Dr. Willie Spires voted against the move, effectively killing the proposal.

Michael Richter of Boyd Insurance, who initiated the call for competitive bidding, addressed the board with a passionate appeal for transparency and financial responsibility. “You are making a decision today with no information about what the market can do for you,” Richter said. “This is not a decision to change vendors, but a decision to do due diligence for the people of Jackson County.”

Richter emphasized the potential for significant cost savings, claiming that based on public records and analysis, switching could save the county “multiple six figures” annually. “To refuse to put out an RFP is basically saying we don’t care what it costs,” he said. “This vote isn’t about choosing a vendor, it’s about getting the information to make an informed decision.”

Chairman Westbrook strongly supported the bid process, stating, “I don't know how we can save money unless we request a bid. I’ve always said things like this should go out for bid.” He argued that soliciting proposals did not obligate the county to switch vendors but would provide a better sense of market competitiveness and value.

Commissioners opposing the RFP pointed to the county's long-term relationship with Milton Insurance and the consistent service they’ve received. Commissioner Donofro said, “We’ve got a good vendor that has done a good job. I don’t feel like it’s worthwhile to go through the time and effort of requesting proposals when I know where I’m going to end.”

Commissioner Crutchfield echoed the sentiment, citing the importance of working with a known, local business. “There’s some value in that track record. That vendor is literally blocks away, and they know our operation. They’ve been doing it for 50 years. That’s got to count for something.”

Despite Richter’s assurance that the RFP would be evaluated on both cost and service quality, the majority remained unconvinced. Donofro also expressed concern that a low bid would put the county in a position where it might be forced to select a vendor without adequate background or rapport.

In the end, Westbrook lamented the missed opportunity for transparency and potential savings. “Why would we not bid it? I ran for office telling people I wanted to see these things put out for bid. That’s just the way I see it, and I won’t change.”

The issue may resurface in the future, but for now, Jackson County will continue its half-century relationship with Milton Insurance, without entertaining new offers.