Operators of City-owned vehicles shall be personally responsible for such vehicles while assigned or dispatched to them. Should damage result through negligence, misuse or abuse, the department by whom the operator is employed shall be liable for the damages which are not covered by insurance. The department shall make reimbursement for such damages to the Equipment Division of the Department of Public Works. In the event of nonpayment of damages, no vehicle shall be issued to the department until payment has been made.