Thurmont board considering endorsing private insurance partnership
"This is something I personally would like to see," said Commissioner
Some of the commissioners said they have faced several thousand dollars in repairs on their property or family's property, and it was not covered by homeowner's insurance. Commissioner
Homeowners are responsible for water and sewer lines from their homes to where they branch off the municipal lines. Homeowners are also responsible for the pipes in their walls, which homeowner insurance often does not cover. This insurance program seeks to bridge that gap.
"We want to keep as much money here within your local economy as possible," she said.
The service is optional, but the company cannot operate in the area without the municipality's partnership. The town's endorsement does not cost the town government anything, and
The town's endorsement, which deals with homeowners' rights to choose a service that helps protect them financially, was vocally opposed by two of three residents in the audience at the meeting.
"It seems to me your solicitation should be with the public and the town," Wilkins said to Shiwarski. "My feeling is solicitation should not be with the governing body that's sitting up there."
The endorsement would put the mayor and commissioners in the middle of a deal between a company and a homeowner, Wilkins said.
Commissioner
"There are two different thoughts, heavy on both sides of the political spectrum, on whether the government should be overtly involved in the private affairs [of homeowners]," Burns said.
The town already has similar affiliations that benefit residents, such as a franchise agreement for cable TV service, Burns said.
He said the town would listen to other pitches, too.
The endorsement commits the town to approving three mailings from the company each year, Shiwarski said. The mailings detail each of the insurance services the company offers and notifies residents that they have the option to opt into a policy, she said.
-- External water line,
-- External sewer line,
-- In-home plumbing,
"You could blow that on soda, right," Burns said. "That is very reasonable in my opinion to cover, or give peace of mind, to someone who bought a home."
The coverage covers up to
"It seemed like a good idea, because it impacts all our residents," Mayor
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