During budget meetings, the council voted to accept the bid from the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA), which is administered by GMA. The city’s former insurer, Traveler’s Insurance, charged Auburn $93,415 in 2011. The quote from GIRMA was $76,196 and was the lowest of the three bids the city received.

In addition to having the lowest bid, City Administrator Ron Griffith told the mayor and council that GMA’s insurance program provides a lower deductible, increased coverage and a decreased premium.

GIRMA has a membership of nearly 330 members whose premiums are pooled to pay claim defense, claim losses, insurance to limit exposure and administrative expenses. The membership owns and controls the fund, resulting in $23.5 million in dividends (or renewal credits) returned to the fund members, significantly reducing the cost of coverage for the membership.

Among the benefits of membership in GIRM are a proactive risk control service which includes loss control field service, individual member problem analysis, on-site and regional training, a video lending library and periodic safety and risk control publications and communication materials, and administrative benefits include an easy renewal process; a common renewal date; no premium audits; and new vehicles, equipment and property valued under $100,000 are automatically covered and do not have to be reported.