“An Interview with Board of Trustees
Chair Mary M. Dennis”

Posted November 11, 2022

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.

“Member Service Managers: Your Gateway to the Pool”

Posted September 2, 2022

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.

MSM Map
The Portal

“Temporary Custodians — Public Information on Private Devices and Accounts”

Posted June 21, 2022

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.

“An Interview with Executive Director Jeff Thompson”

Posted June 24, 2022

In this special five-episode series, you can either watch (by clicking on the YouTube link to the left) or listen in the traditional podcast format (by clicking the Listen Now button to the left). 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

"Cybersecurity and the Risk Pool’ Loss Prevention Efforts"

Posted June 10, 2022

In this special five-episode series, you can either watch (by clicking on the YouTube link to the left) or listen in the traditional podcast format (by clicking the Listen Now button to the left). The series provides an explanation of the major rate drivers and their effect on your 2022 rerates. 

In this episode, Scott interviews: (1) Ryan Burns (Risk Pool Cyber Risk Services Manager) about the increasing threat of cyberattacks, phishing, and other cyber threats, and (2) Irvin Janak (Risk Loss Prevention Manager) about how Risk Pool Loss Prevention Representatives serve you and the Pool’s loss prevention efforts.

“Introduction and Property Rate Drivers”

Posted May 25, 2022

In this special five-episode series, you can either watch (by clicking on the YouTube link to the left) or listen in the traditional podcast format (by clicking the Listen Now button to the left). The series provides an explanation of the major rate drivers and their effect on your 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 Wolfforth City Manager) about the broad rate issues faced by the Pool, and (2) David Goldston (Risk Pool Property Claims Supervisor) about property coverage rate drivers.

“Contractual Risk Transfer"

Posted March 4, 2022

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 Contracts: Tips for Effectively Transferring Risk Podcast

“Are You R.O.A.D. Ready?"

Posted January 5, 2022

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 and has designated each successive January as R.O.A.D. Ready month. To participate, a member should: (1) make a commitment to becoming R.O.A.D. Ready by providing internal roadway safety training or using the Pool’s resources to do so; and (2) participating in national roadway, vehicle, or work zone programs.
 
In this episode, you’ll hear more about why this initiative came about and why it’s so important.

Further information:
R.O.A.D. Ready home page

“Workers' Compensation: First Responder Disease Presumption”

Posted November 9, 2021

Listen to "Workers' Compensation: First Responder Disease Presumption," the second part of the tenth episode in the TML Risk Pool’s STP Series. 
 
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 administered, and how the Pool partners with Members to help guide them through the complex process.

Further information:
Texas Department of Insurance - Division of Workers’ Compensation First Responder FAQ
Texas Government Code Chapter 607