JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY

(MACo/JPIA)

PROPERTY AND LIABILITY

SELF-INSURED POOL

Revised September 25, 2002

Established in 1987

A service provided by the Montana Association of Counties

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into pursuant to the provisions of Montana Code Annotated, Section 2‑9‑211 that among other things, allows Counties of Montana, to obtain insurance separately or jointly with other counties, including establishing a self-insurance program. There is therefore created a legal entity to be known and designated as the Montana Association of Counties Joint Powers Insurance Authority, hereinafter referred to as "MACo/JPIA".

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Counties have the authority under Section 2‑9‑211, MCA, to purchase liability insurance for themselves and their employees; and

WHEREAS, it is to the mutual benefit of counties to join together to establish this joint powers agreement to accomplish the purposes hereinafter set forth; and

WHEREAS, the signatories hereto have determined that there is a need by counties to jointly create an insurance program utilizing a joint risk management pool with authorization for additional coverage from excess lines companies.

Now, be it therefore resolved, and in consideration of the mutual advantages and benefits to each party and the mutual covenants herein contained, the members agree as follows:

ARTICLE I. Definitions.  As used in this agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning hereinafter set out:

(1) ADMINISTRATOR means the administrator employed by MACo/JPIA to conduct and oversee the day‑to‑day management of MACo/JPIA'S activities.

(2) AGGREGATE STOP LOSS INSURANCE.  Insurance coverage purchased by MACo/JPIA to cover losses borne by the joint risk management pool to the extent that they, in the aggregate, exceed a pre-established amount during the period of the policy. This insurance provides coverage for loss in a policy period in excess of the pre-established amount specified in the aggregate stop loss insurance policy, up to the limits of the policy.

(3) BOARD.  Board of Trustees of MACo/JPIA.

(4) CATASTROPHE EXCESS INSURANCE.  Insurance coverage purchased by MACo/JPIA to cover single losses borne by the joint risk management pool to the extent that such single loss shall exceed a pre-established amount. This insurance provides coverage in a policy period for the amount of each covered single loss in excess of the pre-established amount specified in the catastrophe excess insurance policy, up to the limits of the policy.

(5) DEDUCTIBLE.  That amount of any claim paid by the member/ and eligible insureds in which the claim occurred.

(6) Eligible insureds special districts or entities as may be allowed from time to time by the Board of Trustees to be insured by the authority.

(7) INSURANCE YEAR. July 1 to June 30

(8) JOINT RISK SHARING POOL.  A fund of public monies established by MACo/JPIA to self‑insure certain risks jointly within a defined scope and to purchase catastrophe, excess and/or aggregate stop loss insurance when deemed prudent.

(9) JOINT SELF‑INSURANCE.  A self insurance program in which two or more members agree to pool their retained risks and their resources for the purpose of funding potential losses resulting from these risks. In such a program, the participating members agree to contribute annual and, where required, supplementary payments to support a risk management program and a joint risk management pool.

(10) MACo/JPIA.  The Montana Association of Counties Joint Powers Insurance Authority as authorized under the laws of this state and by this joint powers agreement.

(11) MEMBERS.  The counties which enter into this joint powers agreement.

(12) NET OPERATING BUDGET.  Total Operating Expenditures, less deductions for:

(a) Capital Improvements (Bondable Items Including, Interest Thereon, New Construction, Major Improvements and Purchase of Major Item(s);

b) Expenditures for Independent Contractor Operations:

(c) Welfare Benefits (Not Administrative Costs) paid to Recipients; and

(d) Expenditures on Exposures, which are Separately Rated. 

(13) RISK MANAGEMENT.  A program of identification and control of exposures to loss, together with financial planning for potential losses. The purpose of risk management is to reduce or limit losses to members and eligible insureds property and injury to persons or property caused by member and eligible insureds operations and to establish prudent funding for potential losses in order to conserve the assets of the member and eligible insureds while enabling the member and eligible insureds to continue to effectively function and provide services to their residents.

ARTICLE II. Creation of MACo/JPIA.  The Montana Association of Counties Joint Powers Insurance Authority, a separate and independent governmental and legal entity, is hereby created by this joint powers agreement by member counties.

(a) MACo/JPIA's principal place of office shall be located at 2715 Skyway Drive, Helena, Montana. Other offices for the transaction of business may be located at such other places as the Board may, from time to time, designate.

ARTICLE III.  Purposes and Duration. 

(1) The purposes of MACo/JPIA are to provide a joint risk sharing pool and to assist members to prevent and reduce losses and injuries to members property and to persons or property which might result in claims being made against members of MACo/JPIA, their employees, officers, or agents whether appointed or volunteer. It is the intent of the members of MACo/JPIA to create an entity with unlimited duration which will administer a joint risk sharing pool and use funds contributed by the members of MACo/JPIA against stated liability or loss, to the limit of financial resources of MACo/JPIA.  It is also the intent of the members to have MACo/JPIA provide continuing stability and availability of needed coverage at reasonable costs.  All income and assets of MACo/JPIA shall be at all times dedicated to the exclusive benefit of its members.

(2) It is the intent of the members that the MACo/JPIA may provide coverage under its programs to eligible insureds as determined by the Board and rules of the particular program.

ARTICLE IV. Manner of Financing.  Financing of the MACo/JPIA shall be based upon risk and loss experience of the members.  Annual contributions from members shall include a percentage of Pool expenses and contributions based on risk and loss experience of the member county, as set by the Board of MACo/JPIA.

ARTICLE V. MACo/JPIA Powers and Duties.

(1) The powers of MACo/JPIA to perform and accomplish the purposes set forth above shall, within the budgetary limits and procedures set forth in this agreement, be the following:

(a) To employ administrators, agents, employees and independent contractors.

(b) To purchase, sell, encumber and lease real property and to purchase, sell, or lease equipment, machinery, and personal property.

(c) To invest funds as allowed by policies adopted by the Board.

(d) To carry out educational and other programs relating to risk management.

(e) To create, collect funds for, and administer a joint risk sharing pool.

(f) To purchase catastrophic, excess and/or aggregate stop loss insurance to supplement the joint risk sharing pool.

(g) To establish reasonable and necessary loss reduction and prevention procedures to be followed by the members.

(h) To provide risk management and claim adjustment or to contract for such services, including the defense and settlement of claims, subject to specific limitations or restrictions, which shall be imposed and adopted by MACo/JPIA.

(i) To carry out such other activities as are necessarily implied or required to carry out the purposes and powers of MACo/JPIA.

(j) To sue and be sued.

(k) To enter into contracts.

(l) To reimburse trustees for reasonable and approved expenses, including expenses incurred in attending board meetings.

(m) To purchase fidelity bonds for all officers, trustees, and employees of MACo/JPIA.

ARTICLE VI. Participation.  Participation in the MACo/JPIA shall be limited to counties, which are members of the Montana Association of Counties who properly enter into and adopt this agreement and such other special districts or entities defined as, eligible insured as may be qualified from time to time by the Board for membership. New members shall be admitted, subject to the payment of such sums and under such conditions, as the board shall in each case or from time‑to‑time establish.

ARTICLE VII. Members' Power and Meetings.

(1) The members at a meeting thereof shall have the power to:

(a) Amend the Joint Powers Agreement by a vote of two‑thirds (2/3) of the Members present at any annual or regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.  Any amendment proposed for submission at any meeting of the Members shall be set out in full in the notice of such meeting.

(b) Expel members by a 2/3 vote of the members present at a meeting.

(c) Remove a trustee of the board by a 2/3 vote of the members present at a meeting.

(2) Meetings of the members shall be held as follows:

(a) Members shall meet at least semi‑annually at a time and place to be set by the board, with notice mailed to each member at least fifteen (15) days in advance.

(b) Special meetings may be called by the board or by a petition of 1/3 of the members.  Notice of special meetings shall be mailed to each member at least fifteen (15) days in advance.

(c) The Chairman of the board will preside at the meetings.

(d) Fifty percent of the members shall constitute a quorum to do business.

(e) No absentee or proxy voting shall be allowed.

(f) Each member is entitled to one vote on each issue.

ARTICLE VIII. Obligation of Members.  The obligations of members of MACo/JPIA are as follows:

(a) To pay promptly all annual or other payments to MACo/JPIA at such times and in such amounts as shall be established by the board pursuant to this agreement.  All delinquent payments shall be paid with interest at the rate of 1% per month. Annual payments will be considered delinquent after August 15 of each policy year unless other arrangements are made for payment. MACo/JPIA may terminate any policy that involves a delinquent annual payment retroactive to the beginning of the policy year. Other payments will be considered delinquent 30 days after the mailing date of the invoice for payment. MACo/JPIA may terminate any policy for such delinquent payments 30 days after the mailing date of the invoice for payment.

(b) to designate a voting representative and alternate for the members' meetings.  A members’ voting Representative must be an employee or officer of the member county, but may be changed from time to time.

(c) To allow the board and its agents, officers and employees reasonable access to all premises of the member and all member records, including but not limited to financial records, as required for the administration of MACo/JPIA.

(d) To cooperate fully with the board's attorneys, claims adjusters and any other administrators agents, employees, or officer of MACo/JPIA in activities relating to the purposes and powers of MACo/JPIA.

(e) To follow the loss reduction and prevention procedures established by the board.

(f) To report to MACo/JPIA immediately all incidents or occurrences which could reasonably be expected to result in MACo/JPIA being required to consider a claim against the members, its agents, officers, or employees, or for casualty losses to members property within the scope of coverage undertaken by MACo/JPIA.

(g) To adopt a risk management statement approved by the board.

(h) To report to MACo/JPIA as soon as reasonably possible, the addition of new programs and facilities or the significant reduction or expansion of existing programs and facilities or other acts which will cause material changes in the members' risk.

(i) To provide MACo/JPIA periodically, as requested, with information on the value of buildings and contents and other real and personal properties.

(j) To participate in coverage of losses and to pay contributions as established and in the manner set forth by the board.

ARTICLE IX. Contributions.  It is the intention of MACo/JPIA to assess contributions from the members as established by the board.  The board may increase contributions charged to any members to reflect increased risk resulting from a refusal to participate in or willful violation of safety or loss prevention programs or for other reasons established by the board.  Conversely, the board may reduce contributions for any member that faithfully participates in loss prevention and safety programs or for other reasons established by the board.

ARTICLE X. Board of Trustees.

(1) The business and property of MACo/JPIA shall be supervised by a seven member Board of Trustees.  The board shall consist of the president, the1st vice president, and the executive direct or of the Montana Association of Counties. The remaining four (4) members shall be elected by the members at the MACo/JPIA annual membership meeting for a staggered term of 3 years each. Except as herein or by law otherwise required, the trustees shall act by majority vote of the trustees present at a meeting at which a quorum is present. A majority of the board then in office shall constitute a quorum to do business. Each trustee shall have one vote. A trustee may vote by proxy only if the proxy is in writing, if it is limited to particular matters or motions specified in the proxy, and if the proxy specifies how the absent trustee’s vote is to be cast.

(2) The board by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the then trustees may appoint successor trustees to serve until the next annual meeting of the members.

(3) If the president or the 1st vice president is from a non-member county, the trustee position will be immediately filled by a member MACo executive committee officer in the following order: 2^nd vice-president, fiscal officer, past president and urban representative. If the position cannot be filled as specified above, it will immediately be filled by nominations from the floor at the annual meeting, to be voted upon by the members present, with the member elected serving in the context of the non-MACo/JPIA member executive committee person.

(4) The Board may appoint such secretaries, treasurers and additional officers as it deems advisable.  All officers so elected or appointed shall serve at the pleasure of the board.

(5) The board may delegate to a service agent and/or the administrator the authority to act on all claim matters between full board meetings.

(6) Trustees shall be reimbursed per diem provided by the MACo offices for each duly called meeting attended, for actual and reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out duties as trustees.

ARTICLE XI. Officers

(1) There shall be a chairman of the board. Such chairman shall be elected from the board membership at the first meeting of the board after the election of the board at the annual meeting. The chairman shall serve for a term of one year. There is no restriction in serving as chairman in successive years. There shall be a vice chairman of the board. Such vice chairman shall be elected from the board membership at the first meeting of the board after election of the board at the annual meeting. The vice chairman shall serve for a term of one year. There is no restriction in serving as vice chairman in successive years.

(2) The chairman of the board shall preside at all meetings of the trustees and of the members of MACo/JPIA; shall have general supervision over the affairs of the MACo/JPIA and over other officers; and shall perform all such other acts and duties as are incident to such executive office, which is comparable to that of president of a corporation.  In case of the absence or disability of the chairman, the duties shall be performed by the designated vice-chairman.

(3) The secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings and prepare agendas, records, etc., and other duties normally required of a secretary.

(4) The trustees shall appoint an investment trustee, which may be a bank or county treasurer, to hold and invest the funds.  The investment trustee shall have discretion as to the securities in which the monies of the authority are invested or reinvested, provided that all such investments shall be limited to investments which are permissible under the law and which meet the criteria established for authority investments by the trustees.  The trustees may from time to time change the investment trustee at their discretion.

ARTICLE XII. Powers and Duties of the Board of Trustees.  The board shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To admit new members in accordance with ArticleVI.

(2) To cancel coverage of eligible insureds for non-payment of premium, deductibles and/or no

compliance with policy conditions and agreements.

(3) To expel members for noncompliance with this agreement or with the provisions of the manuscripted policy.

(4) To establish contributions by the members and premiums for eligible insureds.

(5) To establish the types of losses to be covered, limits of liability on insurance policies, and the types of deductibles which MACo/JPIA provides.

(6) To select and contract for all service providers necessary for the administration of MACo/JPIA.

(7) To set the dates, places and provide an agenda for board and members' meetings.

(8) To exercise all powers of MACo/JPIA except powers reserved to the members.

(9) To prepare, adopt and report MACo/JPIA's budget to the members.

(10) To make reports to the members at their meetings.

(11) To adopt, and to amend from time to time, the insurance policy manuscript governing insurance coverage under the pool.

(12) To provide for claims administration and settlement , and loss control procedures.

(13) To provide for the investment and disbursement of funds.

(14) To establish procedures governing its own conduct and the powers and duties of its officers, not inconsistent with this agreement.

(15) To provide to members annually:

(a) An audit of the financial affairs of MACo/JPIA to be made by a certified public accountant at the end of each fiscal year in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles and state law; and

(b) An annual report of operations.

(16) To form committees and provide other services as needed by MACo/JPIA.  The board shall determine the method of appointment and terms of committee members.

(17) To do all acts necessary and proper for the operation of MACo/JPIA and implementation of this agreement subject to the limits of this agreement and not in conflict with this agreement.

(18) Dissolve MACo/JPIA and disburse its assets by a 2/3 vote of the entire membership.

ARTICLE XIII.  Meetings of the Board of Trustees. 

(1) MACo/JPIA shall operate on a fiscal year beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.  An annual meeting of MACo/JPIA shall be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Montana Association of Counties.  The secretary shall furnish each member written notice of the time, date and place at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.

(2) Special meetings of the board may be called by the chairman, and in the chairman's absence by the vice chairman or by any three members of the board.  By unanimous consent of the trustees, special meetings of the board may be held without notice; otherwise, notice of all regular and special meetings of the board shall be mailed to each trustee at least ten (10) days prior to the time fixed for the meeting.  All notices of special meetings of the board shall state the purpose therefore.  If all of the members of the board shall consent in writing to any action taken or to be taken by MACo/JPIA, such action is valid action as though it had been authorized at a meeting of the board.

(3) A quorum for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting of the board shall consist of a majority of the trustees then in office. 

(4) The board shall meet no less often than each four months. Notification of all meetings of the board shall be mailed to all members of the authority at least ten (10) days prior to the time fixed for the meeting. All notices shall state the purpose therefore.

(5) Special meetings of the members may be called by the chairman of the board, by the vice chairman of the board in the absence of the chairman, by any three members of the board, or by petitions signed by ten (10) percent of the members.  All notices of special meetings of the members shall state the purpose therefore, and in the event a special meeting is sought to be called by petition, the petition shall state the specific purpose for such special meeting.  No business other than that specified in the notice or petition shall be considered at the special meeting called in that manner.

(6) Each trustee member of MACo/JPIA shall have one vote.

(7) JPIA member counties/affiliate members may attend board of trustee meetings to present information regarding claims adjustments, defense or settlements.

ARTICLE XIV. Liability of Board of Trustees or Officers.  The trustees and officers of MACo/JPIA should use ordinary care and reasonable diligence in the exercise of their power, and in the performance of their duties hereunder; they shall not be liable for any mistake of judgment or other action made, taken or omitted by them in good faith; nor for any action taken or omitted by any agent, employee or independent contractor selected with reasonable care.  No trustee shall be liable for any action taken or omitted by any other trustee.  MACo/JPIA shall obtain a bond or other security to guarantee the faithful performance of each trustee's and officer's duties hereunder.  The joint risk management pool shall be used to defend and indemnify any trustee, officer, or employee for actions taken by each person in good faith within the scope of his or her authority for MACo/JPIA.  MACo/JPIA may purchase insurance providing similar coverage for such trustees officers and employees.

ARTICLE XV. Withdrawal from membership.  Any member may withdraw from MACo/JPIA after the member's initial two (2) year term effective July, 1 by giving notice in writing, of its desire to withdraw no later than thirty days after the renewal proposal was sent or presented to the member.  Any member may withdraw from MACo/JPIA within fifteen (15) days after the adoption of an amendment to this agreement by giving notice in writing to the board of its intent to withdraw.  The withdrawn member shall not be entitled to any reimbursement of contributions that have been paid or shall become payable in the future, and shall continue to be obligated to make any payment for which such obligation arose prior to such withdrawal.

ARTICLE XVI. Expulsion of members.

(1) By a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a meeting, any member may be expelled.  Such expulsion, which shall take effect sixty (60) days after such meeting, may be carried out for one or more of the following reasons:

(a) Failure to undertake or continue loss reduction and prevention procedures adopted by MACo/JPIA.

(b) Failure to allow MACo/JPIA reasonable access to all facilities and records of the members necessary for proper administration of MACo/JPIA.

(c) Failure to fully cooperate with MACo/JPIA's attorneys, claims adjusters or other administrator, agent, employee, or officer of MACo/JPIA.

(d) Failure to carry out any obligation of a members which impairs the ability of MACo/JPIA to carry out its purpose or powers.

(2) No member may be expelled except after notice from the board of the alleged failure along with the reasonable opportunity of not less than thirty (30) days to cure the alleged failure.  The member may request a hearing before the members before any final decision, which shall be held within fifteen (15) days after the expiration of the time to cure has passed.  The board shall present the case for expulsion to the members. The member affected may present its case.  A decision by the membership to expel a member after notice and hearing and failure to cure the alleged defect shall be final and take effect sixty (60) days after the decision to expel is approved by the members. After expulsion, the former member shall be liable for any unpaid contributions or other charges pro rata to the effective date of expulsion, and shall not be entitled to reimbursement of contributions that are to be paid or that shall become payable in the future.

ARTICLE XVII. Contractual Obligation.  This document shall constitute a joint powers agreement among those counties which become members of MACo/JPIA.  The terms of this agreement may be enforced in court by MACo/JPIA itself or by any of its members.  The consideration for the duties herewith imposed upon the members to take certain actions and to refrain from certain other actions shall be based upon the mutual promises and agreements of the members set forth herein.  A certified copy of the ordinance, resolution or other document of approval for each member accompanied by the county clerk's certification of proper authority and adoption shall be attached to the original agreement on file with MACo/JPIA.  Except to the extent of the limited financial contributions to MACo/JPIA agreed to herein or such additional obligations as may come about through amendments to this agreement, no member agrees or contracts herein to be held responsible for any claims in tort or contract made against any other member. The contracting parties intend in the creation of MACo/JPIA to establish an organization for joint risk management only within the scope herein set out, and have not herein created as between member and member any relationship of surety, indemnification or responsibility for the debts of or claims against any other member.

ARTICLE XVIII. Distribution of Property, Funds and Supplies Upon Termination of this Agreement. 

Termination of this agreement shall be accomplished by a majority vote of the member counties of the State of Montana.  If the members order termination of this agreement, after honoring all claims and related expenses, then all unused consumable supplies, non‑consumable supplies or other property acquired by the MACo/JPIA shall be disposed of in a manner permissible by law, and the proceeds of such liquidation shall be disbursed to the members at a rate equal to each members pro rata share of its equity into the MACo/JPIA joint risk management pool from the time said program was commenced until the time that it was terminated.

ARTICLE XIX. Severability.  If any Article, provision, clause or other part of this agreement should be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability with respect to other Articles, provisions, clauses, applications or occurrences, and this agreement is expressly declared to be severable.

ARTICLE XX. Anything elsewhere in this agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, MACo/JPIA shall also have the power to finance all or any portion of the risks or liabilities assumed by it hereunder through the use of bonds or any other risk financing techniques now known or devised in the future and to utilize such bonds and other risk financing techniques singly, or in any combination thereof, or in combination with traditional insurance or excess insurance coverages and pooled self insurance, as the trustees may deem appropriate from time to time.

ARTICLE XXI. Anything elsewhere in this agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the members shall be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of MACo/JPIA properly entered into under the terms of this agreement, including, but not necessarily limited to, the liability of MACo/JPIA under any coverage agreement properly issued by it hereunder to members, costs of operation of MACo/JPIA, insurance premiums and liability for repayment of principal and interest in relation to any bond issue or other debt instrument properly entered into under the terms here of.