Fargo and Mercer County face significant increases in workers’ compensation premiums following tragic incidents that resulted in the deaths of law enforcement officers. In Fargo, the premium tripled after a shooting that killed Officer Jake Wallin. The city’s annual cost for coverage now stands at $712,965. Similarly, Mercer County saw a $48,000 increase due to the death of Deputy Paul Martin during a crash. Grand Forks also experienced a premium jump after Officer Cody Holte was killed in the line of duty.
These increases highlight the financial burden faced by municipalities following such tragedies. Mike Wolf of the North Dakota Association of Counties acknowledges that these costs are part of doing business, despite the challenges they pose. Cities and counties in North Dakota are required to have workers’ compensation coverage, which is facilitated through the state’s Workforce Safety and Insurance. While the costs may be difficult to bear, these entities have no choice but to pay for the insurance coverage associated with government-related injuries and deaths.
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