Hamline Midway Coalition

District Councils Collaborate to Reduce Expenses - Councilmembers Applaud and Encourage Cost-Saving Efforts

In a joint press release, Councilmembers Brendmoen, Bostrom and Stark announced that district councils in Saint Paul would now be able to significantly reduce their individual costs by participating in a group liability insurance policy.

“Since I took office in January, I have been encouraging the City’s district councils seek money-saving efficiencies by combining or sharing “back-of-house” resources,” said Councilmember Amy Brendmoen.  “A group insurance policy is a great step in that direction.”

Starting on May 1, 2012 four district councils; District 2 (Greater East Side) District 10 (Como), District 11 (Hamline/Midway) and District 12 (Saint Anthony Park) will purchase their general liability insurance in a group policy through one provider.  All had previously purchased their policies separately.  By combining their liability to a group policy some of the agencies will save as much as one thousand dollars a year.

“These are tough budget times, and I am glad to see district councils find creative ways to stretch a dollar,” said Councilmember Bostrom.

 “I work in the non-profit community, and I know that there are many administrative requirements that have nothing to do with providing services,” said Brendmoen.  “If we can reduce these burdens and expenses through collaboration, it will make our tax dollars go farther and allow the district councils to focus on their priority--community engagement.”

Saint Paul has seventeen district councils that receive funding from the City’s Citizen Participation grant program.  District councils are responsible for facilitating communication between the City, residents and businesses in their geographic areas.  They are all independent non-profit organizations operated by a community elected board. 

 “I am pleased to see so many of the districts in my ward have agreed to participate in this cost saving effort,” said Councilmember Stark. “Now that the initial group has been established, other district councils who can see a cost savings can join the group.  I am optimistic that most of the district councils will participate.”