REVIEWING AGENDA — Members of the Weirton Finance Committee, from left, Councilmembers Rick Stead, Tim Connell, and Anthony Rocchio, review the agenda for the committee’s meeting, which was held Friday morning in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — City officials are considering a contract for workers’ compensation insurance coverage, with a proposed plan receiving a recommendation from members of the Weirton Finance Committee during its Friday meeting.

The proposal still needs approval from the full Weirton Council, which will consider it Monday.

City Manager Mike Adams presented the committee with proposals Friday.

“There are two choices here,” he said, explaining both were provided through Assure America.

Adams noted the proposals – from Encova and Travellers – were based on the city’s total payroll of $10,019,356, as well as the city’s history of workers’ compensation claims.

The Travellers proposal would cost the city $120,219, while the Encova plan would be at a cost of $100,904, Adams reported.

The major difference between the plans, according to Adams, is that Travellers would be applicable to multiple states, while the Encova plan would follow code under only West Virginia.

Doug Velegol of Assure America explained the multi-state option can only be used for instances when an employee lives in another state, but said Assure American was recommending the city go with the Encova plan.

“No matter where they get injured, their payroll resides in West Virginia,” he said, adding its a rare case for employees to pursue claims through other states.

Velegol said both companies are well respected in their fields, noting Encova has an A rating, while Travellers has an A++ ranking.

In other business Friday, the Finance Committee recommended:

Authorizing a contribution of $25,000 to the Weirton Festival Committee for events at the Weirton Event Center;

A resolution for the purchase of 10 Axon Tasers X26P9, as well as 10 battery packs, and 50 Taser cartridges for the Weirton Police Department, at a cost of $17,669;

A contract with Coban Technologies, for $10,935, to renew yearly software licensing of in-car cameras and body worn cameras for the police department;

A resolution authorizing revisions to the 2024-25 fiscal general fund budget;

An agreement for the OM&R cost sharing program, at $10,000, for the Harmon Creek Watershed structures;

A resolution to modify certain terms of two series of outstanding tax-exempt revenue notes, in connection with the admission of Weirton Medical Center into the West Virginia University Health System Obligated Group.