605.23 Adjustment of losses.
(1) Payment for losses. Subject to s. 605.03 (1) (f) 2., the manager shall determine within a reasonable time any loss on insured property owned by a local governmental unit or for which the unit is liable and promptly certify the amount to the department of administration, which shall issue a warrant on the property fund payable to the treasurer of the local governmental unit for the amount of the loss less any applicable amounts under s. 605.03 (2) or (3).
(2) Appraisal in case of disagreement. If there is disagreement between the manager and the local governmental unit as to the amount of the loss or damage to property covered by the property fund, the amount shall be determined by appraisal, upon the demand of the local governmental unit. The manager and the claimant shall each select a competent and disinterested appraiser and notify the other of the selection within 20 days of the demand. If either party fails to select an appraiser within the allotted time, the other party may request a court of record to appoint an appraiser. The appraisers shall first select a competent and disinterested umpire. If they do not agree on one within 15 days, then either party may request a judge of a court of record in the county in which the property is located to select a competent and disinterested umpire and the judge shall do so promptly. The appraisers shall then appraise the loss and damage, stating separately the actual cash value or other applicable basis of valuation and the loss or damage to each item. If they fail to agree they shall submit their differences to the umpire. An itemized award in writing of any 2 of the 3 when filed with the manager shall determine the amount of the insured value and of loss or damage. Each appraiser shall be paid by the party selecting that appraiser and other expenses of appraisal and of the umpire shall be paid by the parties equally.
(3) Considerations in ascertaining loss. The basic criterion for ascertaining the amount of any loss to property under this chapter is actual cash value, unless the property is insured for replacement cost. Obsolescence and plans for demolition are factors to be considered in determining actual cash value, and replacement cost shall not be paid if there are plans for demolition of the property.
History: 1973 c. 117; 1979 c. 102, 221; 2017 a. 59.