CASSADAGA - Insurance costs will rise for the Village of Cassadaga, but the final numbers aren't available yet. The village had paid $18,490 for insurance last year and this year's bill was estimated at $19,239.
Randy Graham, account executive for Slone-Melhuish Insurance, attended a recent board workshop to review figures and types of coverage with board members. The board and Graham were hoping to get the review done so the board could approve it when the regular meeting was called to order. This didn't happen.
First Graham noticed the billing amount was incorrect. At that point the board and Graham agreed that a new bill would be sent and payment would not take place that night.
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OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Account Executive Randy Graham from Slone-Melhuish Insurance talks with Trustee Michael Lehnen about coverage for vehicles owned by the Village of Cassadaga.
The board next discussed the increased cost for insurance.
"One reason for the increase," Graham said, "is the increased value in the schedule of vehicles. There are more vehicles."
Trustee Michael Lehnen said the ambulance is new, but there are the same number of vehicles. Graham asked the board to get him an updated list of vehicles.
Lehnen also asked whether a private vehicle is covered when it is pulling a fire department trailer. Graham said no. Another question came up concerning whether the policy covers the sale of alcohol during the Fire Department's gun raffle. Lehnen thought the department purchased coverage specifically for the raffle. Graham was going to check whether this was necessary.
This review took up the time allotted for the workshop.
Mayor LeeAnn Lazarony called the regular meeting to order, and the board decided to finish the review with Graham before going on to other agenda items. The board reviewed other items that were covered, and Graham promised to correct the bill, look at an updated list of vehicles, and check out coverage for the gun raffle.
Engineer Greg McCorkhill reported about the water project's progress. He said the necessary paperwork had been forwarded to the state and to the county health department, and a contract should be ready for closeout at the next meeting.
Lehnen noted that each fire hydrant has been flagged so its location is marked. He asked that residents keep the hydrants clear if possible.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 19, workshop at 6:30 p.m. and regular meeting at 7 p.m.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
