RTA shortens contract with councilman’s insurance firm

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority board voted Wednesday to amend a proposed contract with Barrera Insurance.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority board voted Wednesday to amend a proposed contract with Barrera Insurance, a firm owned by City Councilman Roland Barrera, scaling back the agreement from three years at $180,000 to one year at $60,000.

The contract oversees the RTA’s self-funded insurance program by reviewing claims, auditing costs and making recommendations aimed at controlling risk and expenses.

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The board’s decision follows transparency concerns raised last week after only one of 52 notified companies submitted a qualifying bid — that bid coming from Barrera Insurance.

Barrera called the board’s decision disappointing. “It’s disappointing. Especially when we’ve spent a lot of time here trying to build a relationship. I think one of the things that’s not recognized is the relationship and the commitment that we have to all the employees here and their families,” Barrera said.

Despite his disappointment, Barrera said he will accept the amended one-year deal, adding that his company will continue to offer personalized, hands-on help to the RTA.

“One thing that’s important to us is providing them continuity, providing the service they need, having a local office, having somebody to talk to. There are oftentimes when people have issues with claims or maybe they’re transitioning to Medicare that they want to have somebody that they can walk in and talk to. We’ve developed that relationship over the years,” Barrera said.

Barrera also emphasized the company’s commitment to technology and one-on-one support. “We offer a lot of value. We’re very keen on technology. We provide consultative support, which is part of the contract, but we also provide a lot of one-on-one support and technology support. We have a lot of interface with all the carriers,” he said.

“Insurance is complicated for a lot of people and we want to be a resource for the employees as well as the employer to make sure that during the most difficult times, we’re here to help them,” Barrera added.