Title
Adopt a resolution to approve and authorize County Counsel and Risk Manager to execute the amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution to approve and authorize County Counsel and Risk Manager to execute the amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM) is a joint powers authority that provides risk management, insurance coverage programs, and related services to member counties and public entities throughout California.
The proposed amendment to the PRISM Joint Powers Agreement primarily reflects updates to the organization’s governance structure. These changes were developed following strategic planning discussions and subsequent review by the Governance Sub-Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors.
Key governance updates include:
• Increasing public entity representation on the Board of Directors from 7 to 17 voting members, with an additional 3 alternate positions.
• Expanding the Executive Committee from 11 to 13 voting members, with 2 alternates.
• Enhancing opportunities for member participation in governance and leadership roles.
In addition to governance changes, the amendment includes non-substantive revisions to align the Agreement with current PRISM practices and improve clarity. These updates include:
• Replacing the term “insurance” with “coverage” throughout the Agreement.
• Eliminating outdated distinctions between “Major” and “Minor” programs.
• Clarifying the authority of the Executive Committee and program governing committees.
• Removing obsolete provisions and references, including prior sponsorship language.
• Updating terminology such as replacing “premium surcharge” with “assessment”.
• Reflecting current operational practices regarding program participation, entry, and withdrawal.
These revisions are administrative in nature and are intended to modernize the Agreement, improve consistency, and accurately reflect PRISM’s current governance and operational structure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM) member counties and public entities participated in the development and approval of the proposed amendment through PRISM’s Governance Sub-Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors.
FINANCING:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this amendment. The changes are administrative in nature and do not modify existing member contribution requirements or establish new financial obligations.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
X Administrative: Approval of this amendment supports the County’s administrative functions by ensuring continued participation in PRISM and alignment with its updated governance structure.
Prepared by: David Bolton, Risk Manager, x3006
Approved by: Susan K. Blitch, County Counsel, x5045
Attachments:
1: Draft Resolution
2: Amended Joint Powers Agreement (clean)
3: Amended Joint Powers Agreement (redline)
4: Summary of Proposed Changes to the Joint Powers Agreement