Updates and More

Welcome Back from the TML Annual Conference!
Welcome back from the TML Annual Conference and Exhibition! To learn more about the TML Risk Pool and what we offer our Members, check out our Building for the Future: The Next 50 Years pamphlet. In it, you’ll learn about why TML created the Pool, why we’re the best value proposition for cities, and our coverages and loss prevention services. Reach out to us at TMLRiskPool@TMLIRP.org with questions or comments.

TML Risk Pool Announces Jeffrey Snyder as Assistant Director
The TML Risk Pool is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Snyder, Plainview City Manager, as the Pool’s new Assistant Director. Jeffrey, who has served on the Pool’s Board of Trustees, starts the position in January 2025. In his new role, Jeffrey will oversee key areas such as the transition to new office space for TML and the Pool and the implementation of both short-term and long-range strategic Pool initiatives. He’ll also serve as a liaison between the Pool and its Members

 
“I am excited and honored to step into the role of Assistant Director on the Pool’s Executive Team,” said Snyder. “Having been a part of the Board of Trustees, I truly value the organization’s dedication to its Members. I am committed to working closely with our team to continue to provide outstanding member service, staying true to the partnership.”

 
Jeffrey holds a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis on city management from Texas Tech University, a Bachelor’s in Public Administration/Political Science from West Texas A&M University, and is a Credentialed Manager through the International City/County Management Association. He has served on both the TML Risk Pool and Texas Municipal League Boards and serves as the TCMA Manager in Residence to Texas Tech University Master of Public Administration Program.

Member Spotlight: City of Kerrville’s Human Resources Poker Chips
The Public Sector Human Resources Association awarded the City of Kerrville the Small Agency Award of Excellence for Kerrville’s poker chip program at PSHRA’s Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. (The small agency award is for cities under 2,000 employees.) In 2024, the City of Kerrville implemented “Raising the Employee Engagement Stakes,” a unique employee engagement initiative using department-specific poker chips as rewards for the city’s 339 full-time employees. Team members earn poker chips for outstanding performance, teamwork, or achieving goals, and they can redeem their chips for prizes of their choosing. Prizes consist of tangible rewards like gift cards or gadgets to experiential incentives, such as extra vacation days or team outings. 

“This initiative empowers our supervisors and city council to participate in recognizing outstanding performance,” Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said. “Whenever they witness a team member going above and beyond, whether by delivering exceptional service, supporting innovative solutions, or simply being a supportive and collaborative team player, they can award that individual a poker chip … each chip serves more than just a gesture,” Rice added. “They represent the real value of our team’s efforts and the positive impact they have on our community and each other.”

Risk Pool Board Member Kim Meismer, Kerrville’s Assistant City Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the city.

Risk Management Minute: TDEM Provides Domestic Preparedness Weekly Brief

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) publishes the Domestic Preparedness information platform to bring real-world insights to those keeping communities safe before, during, and after disasters strike. 

Every week, Domestic Preparedness issues its Weekly Brief with articles on research, lessons learned, and practical applications on preparedness, disaster risk reduction, emergency management, and response.

October is National Cybersecurity Month, and throughout this month, TDEM shares insights on cybersecurity and its importance to city leaders who work to keep their communities protected and prepared. 

Service in Focus: Risk Pool Partners with Texas Municipal Human Resources Association

The TMHRA Learning Library is a resource provided to municipal human resources professionals. The online library is designed to provide training, informational videos, guidelines, and checklists on relevant topics to TMHRA members. The Learning Library is continuously updated with current information, and some of the content was developed in partnership with the Risk Pool. Check it out today!

State Leadership Announces $50 Million for Hurricane Beryl and Derecho Storm Debris Removal

Last week, state leadership announced the approval of $50 million to help Texas cities with debris removal across the 122 disaster-declared counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho Storm. Funds will be administered by the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) with assistance from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. For more information, please contact your city’s TDEM district division chief. 

Governor Issues Disaster Declaration for Wildfire Threat

Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 143 counties on Monday in response to the increase of wildfire danger and ongoing wildfire activity throughout the state. The Texas Department of Emergency Management has activated state firefighting resources to support ongoing wildfire response operations through the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force). Texas A&M Forest Service has elevated the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3 indicating wildfire activity is impacting several regions as a result of drought, dry vegetation, or frequent fire events. More than 80 wildfires have recently burned more than 2,200 acres across the state.

Reminder: DIR and DPS Develop TikTok Policy; Cities Must Adopt Local Policies by November 20

Last session, the Texas legislature passed S.B. 1893, which prohibits the use of TikTok and certain other social media applications and services on governmental devices. The bill specifically requires cities and other political subdivisions to adopt a policy: (1) prohibiting the installation of TikTok or another covered application on any device owned or leased by the governmental entity; and (2) requiring the removal of covered applications from those devices.

Although the bill went into effect immediately upon being signed by the governor in 2023, the requirement that a city adopt a policy described above did not apply until the Department of Information Resources (DIR) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) jointly developed a model policy for governmental entities to use in developing their own local policy. The DIR/DPS model policy was recently released on September 16, 2024.

DIR guidance provides that governmental entities, including cities, have until November 20, 2024, to adopt their local policies required by S.B. 1893. It should be noted that city policies adopted to comply with S.B. 1893 need not mirror the DIR/DPS model policy, but it is expected that the DIR/DPS model policy is used in developing the city policy. The law provides, and the model policy reflects, that city-adopted policies may allow for the installation and use of a covered application to the extent necessary for: (1) providing law enforcement; or (2) developing or implementing information security measures. Cities that have not yet adopted a local policy relating to TikTok and other covered social media applications are encouraged to review the DIR/DPS model policy and consult with local counsel to ensure adoption of a local policy by the November 20, 2024 deadline.