Memorandum
Date: June 9, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Lloyd C. Guintivano, County Counsel
Subject: Consideration of Agreement for Admission of New Member to the Golden State Risk Management Authority, the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for Providing Liability Workers' Compensation, Property and Other Coverages, and the Golden State Risk Management Authority Bylaws
Executive Summary:
PRISM was formed by and for the California counties in 1979 by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC). Today, 54 out of the 58 counties in California participate in one or more of the PRISM programs. In 2001, PRISM 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 PRISM programs. In addition, a variety of special districts, school districts, and JPAs also participate in PRISM Programs. PRISM is recognized as the largest public entity property and casualty pool in the United States.
On April 21, 2026, staff, in coordination with PRISM provided a presentation on Casualty Market Cost Drivers and primary general liability coverage changes effective July 1, 2026 for the County. Pursuant to prior Board direction, staff provided notice to PRISM of the following: (1) the County's potential withdrawal from PRISM's GL1 Program effective July 1, 2026; (2) the County's consideration to obtain membership to the Golden State Risk Management Authority (GSRMA) as of July 1, 2026 in order to maintain primary liability coverage; and (3) the County taking action regarding this proposed membership prior to June 30, 2026.
In reviewing the proposed membership into GSRMA, staff considered alternatives, including entering into a separate contract with the County's current Third Party Administrator (Carl Warren) with the County assuming a self-insured retention of $100,000 or more. GSRMA provided the latest estimated contribution comparison between GS...
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