County HRA Seeks Insurance Bids for Local Rental Properties
The Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is accepting sealed bids for comprehensive business owners insurance covering properties it manages for the 2026 policy year, with proposals due by noon on December 9, 2025. The procurement affects a range of homes and garages across several towns, and it offers local insurers an opportunity while influencing the HRA budget and risk management for tenants and taxpayers.
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The Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority posted an official procurement notice on November 7, 2025, seeking sealed bid proposals for Comprehensive Business Owners Insurance for properties it manages. The requested coverage includes General Liability, Fire and Extended Coverage, and Non owned Auto Liability for the policy period Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026. Sealed bids must be received by 12:00 p.m. noon on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.
The properties listed for coverage include five single family homes, four duplexes, five detached garages, and eight attached garages located in Henning, Pelican Rapids, Underwood, and New York Mills. In addition, the HRA is seeking coverage for two triplex buildings with attached garages in Dalton, Minnesota. The notice makes clear that this is an official procurement from the county HRA with Amy Baldwin serving as Executive Director.
Interested parties can obtain a bid packet by contacting Tanya Westra, Housing Program Supervisor, at 218 998 8732 or by downloading the packet from the county website as referenced in the notice. Sealed proposals may be dropped off at the Otter Tail County HRA Human Services drop box or mailed to Otter Tail County HRA, Attn. Tanya Westra, 500 W. Fir Ave., Fergus Falls, MN 56537.
For local residents and taxpayers, the procurement is significant because insurance decisions affect how the HRA manages risk and controls operating costs. Adequate General Liability and fire coverage protect public assets and reduce the likelihood that damage or liability claims will produce unexpected budgetary pressures. Non owned Auto Liability typically covers liability exposure when staff or agents use vehicles they do not own while performing HRA business. Insurance premiums are a recurring operating expense for public housing agencies, and competitive bidding can help the HRA secure more favorable premiums and terms.
The process also presents a procurement opportunity for regional insurance agencies and brokers. The sealed bid format emphasizes competition and transparency in selecting a carrier for a full year term. Local insurers that understand the HRA portfolio and the specific property locations may be better positioned to submit cost effective proposals.
Residents who live in HRA properties may not see immediate changes from this procurement, but the outcome can influence long term maintenance resources and the agency budget. The HRA is following a standard procurement timeline, and the posted notice invites responses from qualified insurers through the stated submission channels before the Dec. 9 deadline.
