Reducing risk

 

Special training helps protect city

By Jill Richardson

Kuna Melba News reporter

Noni Stapleton of Melba recently completed a two-year public risk management certification program through the Idaho Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA).

Stapleton is clerk and treasurer, as well as planning and zoning administrator for the City of Melba.

According to PRIMA, Idaho is the only state in the country with a customized risk management program that provides the tools and training needed to identify actual or potential liabilities that a public entity may incur.

The program provided Stapleton with training in personnel and labor laws, public hearing procedures, open meeting laws, and public record laws.

“The training was very helpful,” said Stapleton. “I keep up with statutes and everything you need to know to keep the city out of trouble. If a red flag comes up, I can call the attorney.”

Keeping risks to a minimum and reducing possible public liability exposure helps reduce insurance claims and insurance costs, she noted.

Stapleton is also scheduled for webinars – classes via the Internet – that prepare her to train other members of the city staff through Idaho Counties Risk Management Program.

The City of Melba will be eligible for insurance discounts of 5percent with a fully trained staff.

Stapleton is one of 37 individuals in the state who are certified as Idaho Public Risk Managers.

Trainings were held in the spring and fall for two years in the Boise and Nampa area, each session having a new topic.

Idaho PRIMA membership consists  of  over  750  public  entities  and  includes  cities, counties, school  districts, fire, library, cemetery, highway, water  and  sewer,  irrigation  and mosquito abatement districts.

 

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