MCIT Is a Public Entity Just Like Its Members

Members may be surprised to learn that MCIT is a public entity. It is a joint powers entity organized under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 471.59 and 471.981. These are the same laws that give counties the ability to come together to create joint entities, such as those that deliver public health or solid waste management services for multiple counties. The primary difference with these common uses is that the services MCIT provides are to member county governments rather than to county residents.

Being a public entity provides key benefits to MCIT members:

• The MCIT board members are county leaders. Currently the MCIT Board of Directors is made up of six county commissioners, two county auditor/auditor-treasurers and one county administrator. The board’s decisions reflect broad county experiences and are in the interest of the trust as a whole, and the decisions directly affect the board members’ home counties.
• Board meetings are subject to the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. Anyone can attend these meetings, and the agendas and minutes are publicly posted to MCIT.org. This ensures that MCIT decision making is open and transparent for its members and the public at large.
• MCIT cannot make and keep a profit. Rather, MCIT’s focus is always on delivering the coverage members need, along with quality services to assist them in controlling losses and managing risks. This means that coverage is priced to meet the actual costs of claims and operational expenses. Coverage contribution and investment income not needed to meet these obligations is returned to members as a dividend when determined to be financially prudent.
• MCIT must follow laws regarding usage of public funds. As such:
  • MCIT does not pay its board members or staff members bonuses.
  • Employees cannot accept gifts or gratuities from vendors.
  • MCIT has an independent audit conducted annually, and the audit report is available to members and the public.