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December 6, 2005
To: Mayors, Council Members, and Commissioners
From: Bob Worthington
CEO
Re: Risk Management 101 Program
November 2005 saw municipal elections held in cities and towns across the State. The results of the
balloting have been tallied and a review of many jurisdictions revealed changes in the occupants for
local government seats in many communities. A preliminary tally Shows there are approximately forty
three (43) mayors elect and an, as yet, undetermined number of commissioners/council members
elect.
While some of the newly elected ascended from other positions within the government, many of them
have minimal municipal governance experience. As one who has been through this process, I am
keenly aware of the daunting task it is to "get up to speed" on municipal issues. The complexity of
municipal issues, from roles and responsibilities, to budgets, to administration, to operations, presents
a sharp learning curve.
At the MMIA we understand that risk management and exposure related matters are but a part of the
big picture of the duties of mayors and council members. However, knowledge of these subjects is an
essential element of an elected official's knowledge base. There are few decisions that officials make
that don't involve an analysis of risk, exposure, public liability and/or personal liability. Without the
tools to properly analyze these matters local government officials can find themselves challenged in a
variety of ways. Incorrect action can lead to significant financial and political exposure for the entity.
Representatives of the MMIA would like to meet and work with the newly seated mayors, councils and
commissions after January 1, 2006. We have an education program called Risk Management 101:
RM 101 is designed to provide basic knowledge about the exposures facing local government and
provide elected officials with tools to manage these exposures. Questions from, and interaction with,
the officials is an essential part of the program. RM 101 is a very flexible program and can be
presented at a work session or a commission/council meeting. We adjust the length of the program to
the needs of the group. This program is not intended to compete with, or replace, the training of the
upcoming Montana Mayors Academy. It does present a perfect opportunity for mayors and
council/commission members to jointly meet and discuss exposure management. It is well suited for
including in your orientation process.
Please give either me or Alan Hulse a call and we will schedule a RM 101 session with your
governing body. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you with your development.
O:~Administration - MMIA\Risk Management Bulletins\FY05-06~RM Bulletin #07-06 Risk Management 101 .doc
This newsletter is published as a service to our members. The articles are not a substitute for the Memorandum of Liability Coverage or other coverage
documents, All coverage determinations are made on a case-by-case basis, and can only be viewed on the unique facts of/he claim presented.