The city of Woburn received several thousands of dollars back on its insurance costs this year, thanks to credits earned through Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) programs.

According to the MIIA, Woburn received received $67,824 back on its workers compensation and property casualty insurance costs by participating in loss prevention and risk management activities.

In a statement, the MIIA said that Woburn "implemented loss control measures that reduce the risk of accidents and property damage, as well as administrative procedures and training programs that promote effective management and operations."

The voluntary programs were free because Woburn receives its insurance coverage through the MIIA. 

“I am always looking for ways to save taxpayer dollars. With the support of MIIA and the commitment of our department heads to embrace and implement a number of best practice techniques for risk management, we proactively reduced our insurance costs by $67,824,” said Mayor Scott Galvin.

Programs attended by city employees included:

• the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration's construction industry training;
• driver training for firefighters;  
• municipal vehicle maintenance;
• HVAC maintenance;
• fire prevention;
• storm water drain and basin maintenance; 
• asbestos evaluation and management training;
• tree assessment and road defect monitoring; and
• playground safety training.

“As a non-profit, member-driven organization, MIIA works with its members as partners to develop innovative programs to help relieve some of the financial burden they’re facing,” said MIIA Executive Vice President Stanley Corcoran. “We congratulate our participating members who have taken these proactive actions to mitigate risks, lower their insurance costs and reduce the impact on taxpayers.”

The MIIA is the non-profit insurance branch of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA).