Annual Request for Updated Schedules and Exposure Information
Every Risk Pool Member is required to update their schedules and exposures annually to ensure proper coverage. As part of this process, the Pool requests that you log onto the portal, update all schedules, and notify your Risk Management Advisor of any exposure changes by March 21, 2025. Timely submission ensures you have the appropriate coverages and allows us to provide timely contribution information as you prepare your upcoming budget.
Mandatory Cybersecurity Training Due August 31
Texas Government Code Section 2054.5191 mandates cybersecurity training for local government employees, elected officials, and appointed officials who have access to a local government computer system or database and use a computer to perform at least 25 percent of their duties.
The training must be certified by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). After a local government’s required participants have completed the training, the local government must certify its compliance to DIR using the Cybersecurity Training Certification for State and Local Governments form by August 31, 2025. (The local government certifies compliance by all its required participants to DIR once per year — individuals do not certify compliance to DIR.)
More information on training requirements is available here. Contact Ryan Burns — the Pool’s Cyber Risk Services Manager — at rburns@tmlirp.orgor 512-491-3427 with any cyber-related questions.
Don’t Miss STP Podcast Episode 39: Creating the Best Customer Experience: Be Quick, Be Clear, Be Kind!
In this episode, host Scott Houston interviews renowned customer experience expert Jay Baer, who shares his powerful "Be Quick, Be Clear, Be Kind" customer experience framework.
Jay explains why speed matters in service, how clarity builds trust, and why kindness fosters stronger community relationships. He offers practical strategies for local officials and employees (or really anyone who interacts with customers), showing how responsiveness and empathy can enhance citizen engagement.
This is really great stuff. Tune in to learn how small changes can make a big impact! STP episodes are short and informative, with short being the key — no episode is longer than 15 minutes. Check one out today on the Pool’s website or your favorite podcast app!
Contact Scott (Risk Pool Intergovernmental Relations Manager) at 512-791-4158 or scott.houston@tmlirp.org with comments, questions, or ideas for future episodes.
Building for the Future: The TML Risk Pool’s Next 50 Years
The TML Risk Pool celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Why was the Pool created so long ago? In 1973, the Texas Legislature mandated that Texas cities provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees.
At that time, most traditional insurance companies refused to write the coverage or quoted exorbitant rates. For those reasons, the legislation also authorized the creation of the Pool’s workers’ compensation fund, which was the first municipal pool in the United States.
In 1982, cities saw other coverages becoming scarce and expensive, so TML created a liability fund that year and a property fund the following year. In 2024, the Pool created a new Cyber Fund to protect Members from that emerging risk.
It’s been a great 50 years, and our focus now shifts to serving you for the next 50 years by Building for the Future. We were the first municipal risk pool in the nation, and we’ll be here as long as local governments need us — click here to learn more.
TML Risk Pool Partnership Award: TPCA Officer Safety Committee VINCIBLE Training Program
The Pool is proud to announce that the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Officer Safety Committee has been bestowed the 2025 Partnership Award for their VINCIBLE training program. The Committee created VINCIBLE a decade ago because — according to VINCIBLE leadership — “as much as 50 percent of officer deaths in some years can be attributed to behaviors that are controllable, and VINCIBLE was created to invade police culture in a way that changes risk-prone behaviors and ultimately reduces deaths and injuries.” The foundation of VINCIBLE lies in its five cornerstones:
Wear Your Armor (body armor, vest)
Buckle Up (wear your seatbelt)
Slow Down (control your speed)
Stay Fit (physically and mentally)
540 (have awareness of your surroundings — 360° around and 180° over)
The cornerstones are communicated through weekly “roll call” trainings that are created by the Committee and provided at no cost to participating law-enforcement agencies. Over the last 10 years, the Committee has produced over 420 “roll call” training PowerPoints.
Each training consists of a concise PowerPoint presentation that reviews a specific training scenario, which is frequently based on a recent real-world incident. An officer leading the day’s roll call presents the scenario to those in attendance and the group discusses appropriate responses. This simple method takes only a few minutes but can easily save lives.
If your police department isn’t participating, have them click here to read more!
Texas Town & City: How Cities Work Edition
The January 2025 issue of Texas Town & City magazine serves as the Texas Municipal League’s biennial How Cities Work publication. This special 68-page edition covers the important functions and vital services that Texas cities provide. It’s also a tool you can use with community members and legislators to explain how Texas cities are powerful engines of economic growth, and safe and thriving communities for residents and businesses. Take a look today!
“Risky” the Pool’s Mascot on Being R.O.A.D. Ready!
We recently introduced Risky the Armadillo as the Pool’s mascot! Congratulations again to City of Lancaster Mayor Clyde C. Hairston for winning Risky’s naming contest at our TML Conference exhibit booth!
Risky perfectly represents what we do. Just like our coverages, our little buddy’s shell is tough, yet flexible. Look for Risky to represent the Pool in various ways going forward.
For this edition, check out this two-minute cartoon in which Risky shows you how to stay safe while driving, operating equipment, and/or working on and around roadways!
You’ll love it! Even if you don’t have time to watch, check out our R.O.A.D. Ready Program today!
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced creating the Texas Cyber Command as an emergency item for the 89th Legislative Session during his State of the State address in Austin. The Pool will monitor and report on the outcome of the legislation. For more information, check out the following:
Reach out to the Pool’s Cyber Squad at cybersquad@tmlirp.org for all things cybersecurity.
Member Spotlight: City of Beaumont becomes Safety @ Your Finger T.I.P.S. Initiative’s 1,000th Subscriber!
The TML Risk Pool wants every employee to go home safe, every time. We created Safety @ Your Finger T.I.P.S.to support that mission. The program — based on the Pool’s Together Improving Processes and Safetysheets — provides periodic text messages with links to safety/tailgate meeting sheets and other safety-related information.
In addition to safety information, Members can sign up to receive notifications about weather and emergency management updates, training programs, and the R.O.A.D. Readyinitiative that’s designed to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property by raising awareness of dangers on and near roadways.
On January 7, 2025, Sarah Ticheli from the City of Beaumont became the 1000th subscriber to register for the service.Congratulations, Sarah! We look forward to 1,000 more!
Service in Focus: TML Risk Pool Cybersquad’s No-Cost Tabletop Exercise Training
Been meaning to run a cyber tabletop exercise but don’t have the time or resources? You’re in luck! The TML Risk Pool and the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are partnering to help you out — for FREE. In a hands-on, in-person workshop, we’ll show you how to run an exercise with facilitated discussions, scenario-driven problem-solving, and expert insights. No prior experience is necessary. This is a learning opportunity for participants at all levels of cybersecurity familiarity. We’ll be doing several of these across the state over the coming months. The first is on the morning of February 25, 2025, in San Marcos. Click here for more info or to register and check back for a newly scheduled event near you!
Waterpark Inspections: TML Risk Pool Featured in World Waterpark Magazine
Behind the thrills and excitement of waterslides lies a crucial responsibility for waterpark operators and maintenance staff — ensuring the safety and integrity of these structures through regular, comprehensive inspections. Though waterslides may seem simple, they are subject to constant wear and tear from environmental factors and heavy use. Regular inspections are not only a good practice, but also a necessity according to ASTM International and other industry or jurisdictional standards, codes, and regulations. Learn more in this article prepared by Pool staff for World Waterpark Magazine.
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