County Commission Awards Insurance Broker Contract to El Paso Firm

San Juan County commissioners on November 10 selected USI Southwest of El Paso to serve as the countys insurance broker, approving a one year contract with the option to renew up to three additional terms. The commission evaluated four proposals and cast a 4 to 1 vote in favor of the El Paso firm, citing cost and overall scoring from the evaluation process as primary factors in the decision.

The contract covers placement and brokerage services for county property and casualty insurance and for employee benefit programs. Those services include finding and negotiating coverage for county assets and administering or advising on employer provided benefits for county staff. County staff told commissioners that the award will be monitored and rebid in accordance with procurement rules, a procedural safeguard intended to ensure continued competitiveness and accountability.

The vote reflects broader budgetary and policy tradeoffs counties face when procuring risk management services. Commissioners pointed to price and evaluation scores as the deciding metrics. For local residents and employees this procurement choice touches both fiscal stewardship and service continuity. Property and casualty coverage protects public infrastructure, buildings, and vehicles, while employee benefits influence recruitment and retention of county workers who deliver day to day services.

Selecting a firm based in El Paso rather than a locally based broker raises questions about accessibility and ongoing community engagement. The commission and county staff will need to manage contract oversight actively to ensure the broker maintains timely communication, local responsiveness, and transparency in placement decisions. Staff assurance that the contract will be monitored and rebid as required provides a mechanism for reassessment, but it places the onus on county officials to maintain rigorous oversight between rebidding cycles.

The split vote indicates there was not unanimous agreement among elected officials on the selection. With up to three renewals available the decision could shape county risk management arrangements for multiple years unless future procurements produce a different result. Residents can expect periodic updates as staff monitors contract performance and moves forward with any required procurement actions.

The commission action underscores the importance of clear procurement criteria and public reporting on contract performance. As the county implements the new broker arrangement, elected officials and staff will be accountable for ensuring cost savings translate into reliable coverage and that employee benefit administration continues to meet the needs of county personnel.