Lincoln County has received a dividend in the amount of $10,327 from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia-Group Self- Insurance Workers' Compensation Fund (ACCG-GSIWCF).

The money represents the county's share of a $3 million dividend declared by the ACCGGSIWCF Board of Trustees. The dividend is dispensed in the form of a premium credit, applied toward the county's workers' compensation premium for the 2006-2007 policy year.

According to an ACCG-GSIWCF spokesman, "The dividends are possible because of favorable results in the investment of premium dollars. The surplus of premium dollars held in reserve to pay claims is derived from the underwriting gains, when losses are less than expected."

He went on to note, "Lincoln County's dedicated and successful management efforts in regard to the promotion of safety and the implementation of loss control techniques contribute significantly to the reduction of injuries, claims, and costs."

A Georgia law, enacted in 1982 at the request of county governments, made it possible for these governments to pool their resources by forming a non-profit insurance fund to provide for anticipated losses and expenses. In essence, the program is an effective method of financing insurable risks, which reduces insurance costs for the county and benefits taxpayers.

ACCG-GSIWCF also provides professional loss control and safety services at no additional cost to help minimize claims.

The agency is governed by a board of trustees comprised of representa-