Kimball City Attorney and Marion County Attorney Billy GougerJASPER, Tenn. — When deciding between two potential insurers for Marion County’s workers’ compensation and general liability coverage, county administrators said both the price and participation in an insurance pool were important considerations.
On Monday, Marion County commissioners voted unanimously to accept a bid from Patrick-Partin Insurance Inc. in South Pittsburg, Tenn., after a recommendation from the board’s finance committee.
County Attorney Billy Gouger said the two viable bids from Patrick-Partin and First Volunteer Insurance in Jasper were practically identical, but Patrick-Partin had “a less expensive premium.”
“The county is under no obligation under Tennessee law to accept the lowest bid,” Gouger said.
Patrick-Partin participates in a statewide insurance pool, officials said, but First Volunteer does not.