Report Prepared by: Maggie Lemos, Risk Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approving Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated with the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA) to coordinate for the purpose of pooling funds to provide coverage for indemnification and defense and to purchase excess insurance for certain civil claims involving general liability.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-03, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority.
B. Authorizing the execution of Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated with CSJVRMA to amend the Agreement dated July 1, 1994, and as amended July 1, 2025.
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced City Charter, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
City Council’s FY 25/26 Goals and Priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA) is a public entity formed on April 1, 1979, by a joint powers agreement in accordance with the California Government Code and with its membership based in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Services provided by the CSJVRMA to the City include general liability, workers’ compensation and employment practices liability. In 2004 the City became members of the CSJVRMA. The entity serves as a risk sharing pool with a self-insurance retention of $100,000 for general liability. City staff coordinates efforts with a third-party administrator that investigates and makes a recommendation to the City of Merced for General Liability claims.
Employment practices coverage is also available under the CSJVRMA through the Employment Risk Management Authority (ERMA) with a self-insurance retention of $100,000. City staff coordinates efforts with ERMA who investigates and makes a recommendation to the City of Merced for claims regarding unlawful employment practices.
CSJVRMA also provides in-person and virtual trainings to promote safety, employee relations, supervisor skills, and updates on employment laws and regulations which keeps the City in compliance with State and Federal laws.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No additional funding is required at this time. The City of Merced pays an annual deposit premium that is determined by the Board of Directors payable by each Member City for the purpose of self-insurance coverage, excess insurance premiums, and administrative costs, charged for the purpose of carrying out the powers of the Authority. In FY 2025/2026 the City budgeted $4,386,660 for these costs.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-03
2. Joint Powers Agreement
3. Redlined Agreement
4. Original Agreement