Local Officials: Stronger, Together Podcast

In this episode, Scott talks about Robert Greenleaf’s seminal essay “The Servant as Leader.” Servant leadership is not about a personal quest for power, prestige, or material rewards. Instead, from this perspective, leadership begins with a true motivation to serve others. Scott is joined by a special guest – his Dad (hey, the price was right) – who speaks about one man’s experience practicing the...

In this episode, Scott explains some of the practical and legal issues related to hiring remote employees, whether in Texas or out-of-state, and interviews several Risk Pool employees with expertise in the subject.    Further Information: Department of Labor Employee v. Independent Contractor FAQ

In this eye-opening episode, Scott interviews City of Tomball Assistant City Manager Jessica Rogers. Cyber-criminals hacked Tomball at the end of 2022, and the city is still – one year later – dealing with the aftermath. In this episode – which should be required listening for every city manager in Texas (and beyond) – Jessica explains exactly what it’s like to have essentially every computer syst...

The year 2023 has seen multiple city employee struck by fatalities on Texas roadways. The TML Risk Pool’s goal is to reduce that to zero in 2024, and we’ve developed a program to do just that. R.O.A.D. Ready is a Risk Pool program designed to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property by raising member awareness of dangers on and near roadways, and January is R.O.A.D. Ready month. Listen i...

In this episode, Scott interviews Dripping Springs City Attorney and Texas City Attorneys Association Board Member Laura Mueller. In it, Laura explains how the law limits the circumstances in which a city or other local government can drug test its employees. Lots of entities are improperly drug testing employees, and this short interview can help set them straight. Check out the podcast as usual...

In this special, abbreviated episode, Scott welcomes you back from the TML Annual Conference and Exhibition and explains more about the TML Risk Pool and what we offer our Members. He describes a few of the Pool’s most important Member benefits and encourages elected officials to learn more by reviewing the 50th Anniversary Pamphlet . In it, you’ll learn about why TML created the Pool, why we’re t...

In this episode, Scott introduces the second of several short cyber security training videos. This isn’t some boring webinar. No way. Instead, join the Risk Pool Cyber Guy, Ryan Burns, and his buddy Hacker Hank as they continue to educate you about all sorts of cyber perils. These videos are hilarious! You can listen in traditional podcast format, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t watch the n...

In this episode, Scott explains State of Texas code enforcement officer certification and training and he interviews City of Irving Assistant City Manager Teresa Adrian, Code Enforcement Director Shain Diller, and Deputy City Attorney Janet Spugnardi about practical and legal challenges related to code enforcement.          Further Information: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation New Code...

Únase al anfitrión invitado especial Víctor Flores, abogado de la ciudad de Mission y miembro de la Junta de Síndicos del Grupo de Riesgos de TML, mientras explica en español: (1) que el Grupo de Riesgos de TML proporciona propiedad, responsabilidad civil, compensación laboral y cobertura cibernética; (2) que el departamento de prevención de pérdidas del Pool puede proporcionar capacitaciones para...

In this special episode, Scott interviews Pool Deputy Director and C.O.O. Lindsey Fields about reinsurance – what it is, why the Pool has it, and how the Pool uses it.    Further Information: · A Message from the TML Risk Pool: TML Risk Pool Board of Trustees Adopts 2023-2024 Rates

In this special episode, Scott interviews Pool Executive Director Jeff Thompson about the major rate drivers and their effect on your 2023 rerates, the state of the Pool, and more.            Further Information: A Message from the TML Risk Pool: TML Risk Pool Board of Trustees Adopts 2023-2024 Rates  

Explains preliminary forecasts, lessons from Florida’s Hurricane Ian last year, SynergyNDS (one of the Pool’s turnkey recovery partners), and more. Further information: Are You Prepared: Before, During and After the Storm Workshop Recording Are You Prepared: Before, During and After the Storm PowerPoint Presentation Top 10 Components of a Continuity of Operations Plan Individual Building Continuit...

Posted March 3, 2023 In this episode, Scott introduces the first of several short cyber security training videos. This isn’t some boring webinar. No way. Instead, join the Risk Pool Cyber Guy, Ryan Burns, and his buddy Hacker Hank as they discuss “Hank’s Hacks,” which are the most common ways a hacker tricks local government employees into sending money, downloading ransomware, and more. This vide...

Posted March 3, 2023 In this episode, Scott interviews Mike Rains.  Mike is retiring after 37 years of service to the Pool and its Members. Listen to Mike’s insights about the Pool’s growth over his almost four-decade tenure.

Explains: (1) that the Texas Municipal League prepares an outstanding edition of Texas Town and City Magazine in January of legislative years called “How Cities Work;” and (2) reviews ways a city official can use the magazine to educate legislators and others.   Further materials links: Texas Town & City Magazine (January 2023 Edition)

Updated and Reposted December 23, 2022 Explains: (1) the law related to a local government’s liability for raw sewage backups into customers’ homes or businesses; and (2) the Pool’s opt-out and supplemental sewage backup coverage.  Further information: Sewage Backups:  Know Before You Go (Q&A) Sewage Backups:  Know Before You Go (Cheat Sheet)

Explains: (1) the three most common human resources challenges and opportunities for local government employees; (2) training provided by the Pool to address behaviors that cause unhealthy conflict in the workplace. Further materials links: Risk Pool Loss Prevention Department (Training and More)  TML Risk Pool’s “Call Before You Fire Program”  Employment Law Manual for Texas Cities   Texas Munici...

In this episode, you’ll get to know City of Live Oak Mayor Mary M. Dennis, who was recently chosen to lead to Pool’s Board of Trustees. Scott and/or Mary would love to come speak at your event about the benefits of Pool Membership.

Explains: (1) several criminal offenses for which a local official can be indicted; (2) criminal offenses that can be perpetrated against a local government; and (3) various crime coverages offered by the Pool. Further materials links: Understanding Your Liability as a City Official: A Primer Legal Q&A – Bribery and Prohibited Gifts  

In this episode, special guest host Tamara Chafin, the Risk Pool’s Communications Officer, explains: (1) the role a Member Services Manager (MSM), plays at the Pool; and (2) interviews 2 of our MSMs: Linda Morvant and Marc Rodriguez. Further information: MSM Map The Portal

Posted August 19, 2022  In this episode, Scott: (1) explains the basics of the Public Information Act; and (2) interviews three city secretaries and an open government analyst for practical tips and advice.   Further information:   ·         Texas Attorney General’s Public Information Act Handbook ·          Texas Attorney General’s Mandatory Public Information Act Training ·          Texas Munici...

Explains: (1) that work-related local government information held on private devices or in private accounts is public information; and (2) that a local government official or employee is a “temporary custodian” responsible for maintaining that information according to certain procedures. Further information: Temporary Custodian Q&A Attorney General Public Information Act Handbook Excerpts Texa...

Mentions a recent Texas Observer assertion that the Pool mistreated three first responders and explains that: (1) the Pool never tries to claw back benefits already received in a benefits determination appeal; (2) the workers’ compensation beneficiary determination process can seem calloused; and (3) appeal lawsuits are about determining who is the appropriate beneficiary. Further information: Fir...

An Interview with Executive Director Jeff Thompson Posted June 24, 2022 In this special five-episode series, you can either watch or listen in the traditional podcast format. The series provides an explanation of the major rate drivers and their effect on your 2022 rerates.   In this episode, Scott interviews Jeff Thompson (Risk Pool Executive Director) to get Jeff’s thoughts on the state of the P...

“Workers’ Compensation First Responder COVID-19 Disease Presumption and Liability” Posted June 3, 2022 Please join me for a special five-episode series that allows you to either watch or listen to explanations of the major rate drivers and their effect on Members’ 2022 rerates.   In this second episode (15b), Scott interviews: (1) Phil English (Risk Pool Worker’s Compensation Claims Manager) about...