We’re All In This Together

From Jonathan Shull, Chief Executive Officer

A few weeks can make a big impact.

In last month’s edition of The Authority, we informed you of initial steps the Authority was taking in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, we find that COVID-19 has indelibly altered the landscape of the communities within which we live and work. The health and safety of our staff and families, our members, and the public we serve remain our foremost priorities.

Amid the uncertainty that fills this extraordinary time, we again want to apprise you of the Authority’s actions and plans to serve and protect the members. We will continue to keep you informed about any other changes to our programs and services and our ability to serve our members.

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Responsible Governance and Financial Security

The Authority’s Executive Committee, which provides day-to-day policy direction to the Authority’s staff, welcomes two new members: Sylvia Munoz Schnopp, mayor pro tem of the City of Port Hueneme, and Steve Tye, mayor of the City of Diamond Bar. Sylvia and Steve were appointed to fill the vacant seats of former President Curtis Morris and Committee Member Daryl Hofmeyer, who retired this spring. They join a nine-member leadership team led by new President Margaret Finlay, a former three-term mayor and current councilmember of the City of Duarte; Vice President Mary Ann Reiss, a councilmember of the City of Pismo Beach; and Secretary Tom Chavez, mayor of the City of Temple City. We are confident that the expertise and insight of these seasoned public servants will advance our ability to support you and your agencies.

As members are faced with the reality of reduced revenues, cash flow issues, and long waits for state and federal assistance, the Authority considered how we can assist members while maintaining our own prudent financial practices. In response, the Executive Committee approved a partial deferment of the annual contributions. The deferment will apply to the Liability and Workers’ Compensation programs. Members will have the option to pay their contributions in two equal installments. The first installment is due on July 15, 2020, and the second installment is due on January 1, 2021. Members should have received an email on April 27 with information about the deferred payment options. Annual Contribution invoices will be emailed in May. If you have any questions, please contact Lam Le, Financial Analyst.

Member-Focused Resources

Authority staff continues to monitor developments across a spectrum of issues related to COVID-19, including legal aspects, worker health and safety, employment concerns, coverage matters, and emergency preparation and recovery. We also are tracking developments at the state and federal levels so we can provide our members with digestible analyses of orders, proclamations, assistance, and official acts.

Our commitment to training has not been deterred during this time. Although we have had to curtail in-person regional and agency-specific training, we continue to offer a wide variety of web-based training for employees throughout your organization. Additionally, numerous COVID-19 online trainings can be accessed on demand, including business continuity, internal communication during a pandemic, illness, and keeping perspective on the coronavirus.

Please visit the Authority’s COVID-19 Information and Resources page or contact your assigned risk manager to access news, training, and assistance in addressing matters specific to your agency.

Transformed Learning

Also in our last edition, we asked you to “save the date” for our annual Risk Management Educational Forum this October. With the need for proactive information-sharing greater than ever, we remain committed to bringing you the best in risk management education by providing not only instruction from the sharpest minds and experts but also insight from others who share in local and civic duty. Based upon the current and likely future social distancing protocols, our premier Educational Forum will transition from an in-person gathering to a fully digital experience. This action fulfills two critical objectives: to educate and empower members with important information and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our member communities.

So, we ask you again to “save the date” for October 14-16, 2020. Over the coming weeks and months, watch for more updates regarding the 2020 Risk Management Educational Forum and our plans for an unsurpassed virtual event.

A Sound Reputation

Last fall, we announced that the California JPIA had been awarded Accreditation with Excellence by the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities. This spring, we share the good news that the Association of Governmental Risk Pools has conferred Recognition status on the Authority. We are proud that our high operating standards and financial controls have earned the confidence of this vital partner in the public risk-pooling industry.

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