West Baraboo to get terrorism insurance

By Brian D. Bridgeford

West Baraboo officials will spend $87 annually to insure the village against terrorist attacks, and will consider up to $13,200 to purchase video cameras, and fire and burglar alarms to protect village facilities against more common threats.

Board members reviewed a letter Thursday from their insurance provider, Continental Western Group, saying insurance was available against a terrorist attack.

Trustees Buddy Gogue and Elgin Bulin questioned whether it was needed because of the village's other insurance and the small likelihood of an attack.

"If they blew up the water tower, you got insurance," said Trustee Ray Getschman.

Village Clerk Mary Klingenmeyer said the village's insurance policy specifically excludes terrorist attacks now.

Board members approved the purchase of terrorism insurance with Bulin and Gogue voting against it.

Rich Sefkar, local representative of the ADT alarm firm, offered to equip Village Hall, the public works garages and water tower with break-in alarms and fire and carbon monoxide detectors. The firm would also provide cameras to record what happens inside and outside Village Hall.

Purchasing the system outright would cost $13,200 for the equipment and installation, with $158 per month for ADT to monitor the alarms and notify the Sauk County dispatcher in case of fire or break in. A five-year lease would cost $6,500 and $338 per month.

Klingenmeyer said sometime between 1989 and 1992, somebody broke into Village Hall during the night, stealing cash and checks from the office. They also had trouble with car parts being placed in the village dumpster last summer.

Trustee Jim Bowers said the board should examine the costs and the board delayed action until next month.