April 2022

Information You Need to Stay Stronger, Together. In this edition...

• Upcoming Loss Prevention Training

• Meet a Trustee

• Risk Management Minute
• Member Spotlight:The Borger Aluminum Dome
• Legislative Update
• Service in Focus: Subrogation

NEWS/UPDATES

• Read our latest posts on the TMLIRP blog.
  
  
• Upcoming Loss Prevention Training: Workzone Safety, Texas Hurricanes, and Workers’ Compensation (and Much More): Here’s a list of upcoming loss prevention training. The events calendar has registration details.
  
  
• For the latest installment of “Meet a Trustee,” the Pool interviewed Trustee David Harris. David is the City Administrator of Balcones Heights. Read more...
  
  
• Risk Management Minute

Q: The city manager is driving to a conference. He’ll either use his car or rent one. How does the Pool’s coverage work for each situation? 

A: A member city that carries Risk Pool auto liability coverage has “hired and non-owned” liability coverage. This coverage applies when the city’s employee drives his personal vehicle or a rental vehicle on city business. For a personal vehicle, the vehicle owner has primary coverage through his personal auto policy. (The Risk Pool’s coverage is secondary, which means it applies only for damages above the personal policy limits or if the personal coverage is otherwise excluded.) For a temporary rental vehicle, the Risk Pool provides liability coverage. In addition, if the Member carries auto physical damage coverage on at least one city vehicle, the Risk Pool covers any damage to the rental, which eliminates the need to purchase additional coverage offered by the rental agency. Any injury suffered by the employee falls under the Member’s workers’ compensation coverage. “Hired and non-owned” coverage doesn’t appear in the Member’s Declaration of Coverage, but its limits mirror the Member’s auto liability limits. Of course, the facts surrounding any particular accident may determine who ultimately bears responsibility.

• NEW EPISODE: Local Officials: Stronger, Together Podcast
  Listen to episode 14 in the TML Risk Pool's STP Series: Special Edition: My Three Most Compelling Episodes.

The Borger Aluminum Dome

You might be surprised to learn that one of the coolest venues in Texas sits in the Panhandle City of Borger. But once you see it, you’ll be convinced. Read more...

Lieutenant Governor Releases Senate Interim Charges

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick released interim charges to the committees of the Texas Senate to study prior to the 2023 legislative session. The Texas Municipal League has prepared a list of many of the relevant city-related charges. The following are of particular interest to TML Risk Pool Members:

Business and Commerce Committee – Cybersecurity: Review current state and federal laws regarding cybersecurity protections and requirements for local governments, state agencies, and critical industries of our state. Make recommendations for legislation to improve resilience and protection against cybersecurity attacks and ensure the privacy protection of the citizens of Texas.

Local Government Committee – Community Advocacy: Study how governmental entities use public funds for political lobbying purposes. Examine what types of governmental entities use public funds for lobbying purposes and what level of transparency is available to the public. Make recommendations to protect taxpayers from paying for lobbyists who may not represent the taxpayers’ interest.

Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee – Wildfires and Prescribed Burns: Examine ways to reduce the risk of and destructive impact of wildfires. Monitor the role of Prescribed Burning Board plays in controlled burns. Recommend practices and improvements that public and private landowners may use to reduce fire risks.

Transportation Committee – Safety: Study the contributing factors leading to fatal crashes and make recommendations to prevent and reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Subrogation

Since the Pool’s inception over 40 years ago, subrogation has emerged as one of the most powerful and effective tools to recoup losses incurred by at-fault third parties. Below is a quick primer on what subrogation is, and how it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial health of the Pool and our Members. Read more...