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 Municipal Human Resources Association

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 Municipal League Public Information Act Resources

·         Texas Attorney General’s Charges for Public information Resources 

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:
First Responder Workers’ Compensation Beneficiaries: The Facts

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
Texas State Library and Archives Commission Records Retention Website

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 Pool, rerates, and more. 

Further Information:
A Message from the TML Risk Pool: Increasing 2022–2023 Member Rates and Contributions