Information You Need to Stay Stronger, Together. In this edition...
Cyber Interview with Ryan Burns and the Southern Municipal Finance Society
Risk Management Minute
Stronger, Together Podcast Series: The Latest Episode
The Inflation Reduction Act
Latest Blogs
Upcoming Loss Prevention Training
TIPS Sheet: Strains and Sprains: An Ounce of Prevention
Member Spotlight: Groves, Conroe, and Nederland
Service in Focus: Member Services & Loss Prevention: Who’s Your Member Services Manager and Loss Prevention Representative?
NEWS/UPDATES
Cyber Interview with Ryan Burns and the Southern Municipal Finance Society Andy Hobbs with the Southern Municipal Finance Society (SMFS) recently spoke with Ryan Burns, the Pool’s cyber risk services manager, about cyber security. In this short, 15- minute recording, Ryan talks about how cities can protect themselves from cyber-attacks. He covers the role of risk management in cyber security, as well as resources available and cyber insurance coverage. https://smfs.memberclicks.net/spotlight
Risk Management Minute Q. Can a city’s use of a public adjuster affect the Pool’s payment of a property claim to the city?
A. Yes. The Pool’s Property Coverage Document provides that “any action by the Member which grants or attempts to grant to any third party, including a public adjuster…an interest in or control over any claim or loss payable resulting from covered damage to real or personal property will immediately suspend any obligation by the Fund to make any additional payment for such otherwise covered damages.” What is a public adjuster? When a city files a property claim with the Pool, the Pool assigns an independent adjuster. That adjuster estimates the value of the claim in accordance with the Pool’s Property Coverage Document. A city may hire a “public adjuster” to review the claim to determine their opinion of the costs to repair or replace the property. The public adjuster typically receives a percentage of the claim payout when the claim is settled, and any costs of using the public adjuster are the responsibility of the city and reduces the city’s recovery. That scenario typically means the Pool won’t pay a claim under the prohibited “third-party transfer” language above. Many cities are now taking advantage of the Pool’s Turnkey Recovery Partners to keep property claims costs down. Check out Episodes 4 and 6 of the Stronger, Together Podcast to learn more.
Stronger, Together Podcast Series: The Latest Episode
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.
The Inflation Reduction Act The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law on August 16th, covers a wide array of climate and energy topics. Only portions of the legislation apply directly to local governments, but taken as a whole it is expected to help U.S. cities move closer toward greenhouse gas reduction goals. The law focuses on a cleaner national electric grid, increased vehicle and building electrification, and new distributed renewable energy resources. This article (https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2022/08/22/cities-the-inflation-reduction-act/) explains six ways local governments will need to navigate the IRA.
Upcoming Loss Prevention Training: Here’s a list of upcoming loss prevention training. The events calendar has registration details.
TIPS Sheet:Strains and Sprains: An Ounce of Prevention
According to workers' compensation data, sprains and strains are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. The good news is that preventing them is a simple matter of identifying risk factors and systematically implementing control measures. Read more.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Groves, Conroe, and Nederland Earlier this year, the Cities of Groves, Conroe, and Nederland provided training for employees to increase awareness of potential roadway exposures. Loss Prevention Representative Kolby Burkhardt partnered with these cities, providing hands-on training sessions to learn practical ways of avoiding struck-by incidents related to heavy equipment and vehicles. The subject matter of this training dovetails with Loss Prevention’s R.O.A.D. Ready initiative that started in January 2022. Among R.O.A.D. Ready’s training priorities for 2022 are debris removal from roadways, high visibility clothing, runover/backovers, vehicle operations, traffic safety, and work zone safety.
SERVICE IN FOCUS: MEMBER SERVICES & LOSS PREVENTION
Did you know that every Member has a loss prevention representative (LPR) and member services manager (MSM) assigned to them? Click here to find out who your LPR and MSM are (you can also find this information on the Pool’s website). Your MSM and LPR provide an array of in-person and virtual services.
