Fort Pierce — The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority board on Oct. 7 accepted the fiscal year 2026 insurance package quote from the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) for $1,635,299, representing a 3.46% increase from FY2025.

Colleen Thurston, director of human resources and risk, said the renewal covers property, general liability, cyber liability, automobile liability and workers' compensation for the period Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026. Thurston said the premium increase was mainly driven by an increase in FPUA's workers' compensation experience modification from 0.60 to 0.86, attributed to higher claims experience over the prior period; without that change, she said the overall premium would have declined.

Thurston noted FMIT provides training at low or no cost and runs a safety grant program; FPUA recently received a $5,000 safety grant. Board members asked about the nature of incidents contributing to the experience modification; staff said the larger claims included a work‑related neck injury requiring surgery and several vehicle incidents. The board unanimously accepted the renewal and staff said it will continue to use FMIT services and training resources.

Ending: Staff will pursue FMIT safety training and report back on any loss‑control measures; premiums will be reflected in the FY2026 budget.