Local Officials: Stronger, Together Podcast

"Cybersecurity and the Risk Pool’s Loss Prevention Efforts" Posted June 10, 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 episode, Scott interviews: (1) Ryan Burns (Risk Pool Cyber Risk Services Manager) about the increasing threat of cyberatt...

The Risk Pool’s Finances and Reinsurance Posted June 17, 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 episode, Scott interviews: (1) Tito Villegas (Risk Pool CFO and Chief Investment Officer) about the structure of the Pool’s finances; and (2) Lindsey F...

Explains: (1) the most important aspect of preparing for and recovering from damage caused by a hurricane; and (2) links below to a video of a comprehensive workshop presentation on the subject. 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 o...

In this Episode you’ll hear: (1) about the STP Series and how it can help elected officials and other local officials and employees keep their citizens, employees, volunteers, and property safe, all while saving public dollars; (2) from a podcast fan and the Pool’s Executive Director about the benefits of the series; and (3) segments from three special episodes.      Further Materials: Texans Help...

“Introduction and Property Rate Drivers” Posted May 25, 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 episode, Scott explains the purpose of these special report videos/podcasts and interviews: (1) Randy Criswell (Risk Pool Board of Trustees Chair and Wol...

Explains: (1) the importance of shifting risk to the appropriate parties to a contract; and (2) the essential provisions that should be included in any major or high-exposure contract. Further information: TML Risk Pool’s Risk Transfer and Contract Strategies Thomson Reuters (Westlaw): Contract Drafting or Review for Local Governments Public Risk management Association Insurance Requirements in Co...

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.  The Pool will provide participating members with: (1) specifically-designed resources and training to mitigate roadway risks; and (2) promotional materials to show they are R.O.A.D. Ready. The Pool launched the program in January 2022 an...

The TML Risk Pool provides workers’ compensation coverage for thousands of first responders. State law provides a special workers’ comp benefit to those employees, known as the disease presumption law. Simply put, the law “presumes” that first responders contracted certain diseases on the job for purposes of workers’ comp benefits. In this episode, you’ll hear about the presumption, how it’s admin...

The TML Risk Pool provides workers’ compensation coverage for more than 200,000 local government employees, and receives around 10,000 claims per year. The Workers’ Compensation Department is the largest of all the Pool’s departments, largely because the workers' compensation process is highly-regulated by the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Texas Department of Insurance. In this episod...

Local governments, in addition to the nuts-and-bolts services they provide, are actually just as much in the business of providing and maintaining information, and local officials should recognize that they should work at it just as hard at protecting that information as they do providing law enforcement and maintaining streets and water lines. You’ve got to think of cybersecurity as part of your...

Provides COVID-19 statistics and the story of Roger Dean – as told by his surviving family.  Roger was a healthy 31-year-old Seguin firefighter who passed away after a months-long battle with COVID. 

Explains: (1) why the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool was started and the services it provides; and (2) the STP Series and how it can help elected officials keep their citizens, employees, volunteers, and property safe, all while saving public dollars.   

The information in this episode becomes effective on September 1, 2021.  Explains the authority of a local government to prohibit or allow employees with a license to carry a handgun at work, the potential liability for doing so, and basics of the Pool’s coverage. Further information: The following are effective until August 31, 2021 Local Governments and Firearms:  Avoiding a Jam (Comprehensive P...

The information in this episode becomes effective on September 1, 2021. In this episode, we talk about whether local governments can prohibit — or allow — employees to actually carry a gun while at work, and how that can affect your workplace and your risk of a lawsuit. Further information: The following are effective until August 31, 2021 Local Governments and Firearms:  Avoiding a Jam (Comprehen...

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 supplemental sewage backup coverage.  Further information: Sewage Backups:  Know Before You Go (Q&A) Sewage Backups:  Know Before You Go (Cheat Sheet)

Explains how the Pool uses the BEST Roofing Program (Scott Franklin and 4T Partnership) to assist member recovery. Further Information: Texas Municipal Procurement Made Easy Texas Municipal Procurement Cheat Sheet TML Risk Pool Building Envelope Systems Team (BEST) Roofing Program Flyer City of Del Rio Article  

Explains the officer safety and risk management benefits when a member’s law enforcement agency used the Vincible Training Program. Further information: Vincible Promotional Video Vincible Website Texas Police Chiefs Association

Explains: (1) the legalities of purchasing and rebuilding requirements after a hurricane or other disaster; and (2) how the Pool uses Synergy to assist member recovery. Further information: SynergyNDS Flyer Synergy/TML Risk Pool Hurricane Harvey Recovery Video Synergy’s TML IRP Website TML Emergency Management Resources TDEM Preparedness

Explains: (1) that you may be liable for improper employment actions; and (2) the availability to speak with one of the Pool’s attorneys prior to taking action. Further information: TML Risk Pool’s “Call Before You Fire Program” Employment Law Manual for Texas Cities Texas Municipal Human Resources Association Ask a Texas Municipal League Attorney