State sales tax receipts in Texas continue to climb

Sales tax receipts in Texas continue to climb, with State Comptroller Susan Combs this week announcing March sales tax revenue of $1.98 billion. That figure is up 5.5 percent over revenue numbers for March 2012 sales tax receipts.

Combs said both the business and consumer sectors of the economy helped contribute to the increase. Tax distributions of $521.9 million will be sent to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts as their April local sales tax distributions. That figure represents a 6.8 percent increase over last April.

Cities will share $343.1 million, up 6.6 percent from the same period last year. Counties also saw an increase. They will share $35.2 million, up 7.5 percent from last April. Transit systems saw an increase of 6.3 percent from last April and will share $117 million. And, special purpose taxing districts saw an increase of 10.6 percent over last April, sharing $26.6 million. Allocations can be viewed by city and by county.

Two from Texas finalists for New Mexico State presidency

New Mexico State University officials recently selected five candidates, including two former university presidents in Texas, in their search to find a new president.

NMSU officials named Elsa Murano (right), a former president of Texas A&M University, and Guy Bailey (left), a former president of Texas Tech University, as two of the five finalists for president. Bailey served briefly as president of the University of Alabama and as president of Texas Tech from 2008 to 2012. Murano served as president of Texas A&M from 2008 until she resigned two years later. She currently is director of the Norman E. Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, which is associated with Texas A&M.

Other finalists for president are former Gov. Garrey Carruthers of New Mexico; David Ashley, a former president of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas; and Daniel Howard of the University of Colorado-Denver. The five finalists for president are scheduled to visit the university for interviews with regents, students, faculty and staff in addition to meeting with the public in late April and early May. Regents expect to announce the new president on May 10.

Enniss appointed as new director of Ransom Center

Stephen Enniss (pictured), head librarian of the Folger Shakespeare Library, will soon become director of the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin. He will succeed Thomas F. Staley, who is retiring from his position at the research library and museum at the end of August.

In addition to his tenure at the Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and administered by Amherst College, Enniss served as curator and later director of Emory University's Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library and acquired the papers of Salman Rushdie.

Jesus Garza named CEO of Seton Healthcare Family

Former Austin City Manager Jesus Garza, who has been serving as interim president and chief executive of the Seton Healthcare Family for the past 15 months, has been given the chief's title permanently, effective July 1. He replaces Charles J. Barnett, president and CEO since 1993. Barnett has been serving Ascension Health, Seton's parent company in St. Louis, as president of health care operations and chief operating officer.

Garza has been Seton's chief operating officer and was president of Seton-operated University Medical Center Brackenridge. In addition to having been Austin city manager, Garza also is a former deputy general manager for water services at the Lower Colorado River Authority.

TWU regents elect Bancroft, Wilson chair, vice chair

Sue Schrier Bancroft (left) was recently elected chair of the Texas Woman's University Board or Regents. Named vice chair was Mary Pincoffs Wilson (right).

Bancroft, from Argyle, replaces outgoing TWU Board Chair Mike McCullough, whose term on the board expired in February. Wilson replaces Bancroft as vice chair. Bancroft has served as the president of the Argyle Independent School District Board, the Texas Winds Musical Outreach and the Festival Ballet of North Texas. She also was appointed to the Texas Commission on the Arts. A retired University of North Texas music professor, Bancroft holds a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, a master's degree from the University of Michigan and an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University.

Wilson, from Austin, boasts involvement in education for more than three decades. She was a teacher in the Highland Park Independent School District and in the Austin Independent School District, where she also directed the College and Career Center at Austin High School. She holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's from Emory University.

Williamson County approves funding for conference center

Purchase of a proposed conference center is going to cost Williamson County $2.5 million more than originally planned. The center, to be located at the Summit at Rivery Park in Georgetown, will be built by the Sheraton Hotel and then sold to the city and county. The going price now is $12.5 million.

The county this week approved the purchase that will net a facility that includes 16,000 square feet of ballroom area and will accommodate 1,500 people. The county and the city of Georgetown originally had planned a center costing $10 million, with 80 percent of the costs to be paid by county property tax receipts and all of the city property taxes garnered from the development. To raise the additional funds needed, commissioners this week voted to extend the property tax plan to 2041. Completion of the facility is expected in 2015.

Hernandez chosen as new chief financial officer for UNT Dallas

Dr. Carlos Hernandez (pictured), who has served as controller and associate vice president for finance for the University of North Texas and controller for the UNT System since 2011, has been chosen as chief financial officer and vice president of finance and administration for UNT Dallas. Hernandez has extensive experience in higher education posts, including 25 years in financial accounting and administration.

Before joining UNT, Hernandez was associate vice president for business affairs and comptroller at The University of Texas at El Paso. He began his work at UT El Paso in 1988 as an accountant and also served as financial analyst and associate comptroller.

Hernandez is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a doctorate from UTEP. He replaces Wayne Usry who resigned earlier this month to return to the private sector. Hernandez will serve in his new role beginning April 15.

A $3 trillion opportunity your company

Round Rock group eyeing priorities for library upgrades

With an eye toward a November bond election, the Round Rock Bond Advisory Commission recently began public meetings to consider plans to upgrade the public library system.

Included in the review are suggestions from the library director that include building a new 59,000-square-foot main library, renovating the current main library into a branch library, building a new 10,000-square-foot branch library at another location and buying a bookmobile at an estimated cost of about $23.6 million. The director also presented an option to expand the current main library.

Commission members plan to discuss possible locations for a new main library and whether to add facilities to host recreation and performing arts facilities at the new library complex. They plan to do that prior to presenting their recommendation on possible upgrades to the library system to city council by June 30.

TxDOT to pay $3.5 million to Highland Village for park mitigation

Highland Village City Council members recently authorized the city manager to finalize an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for $3.5 million to mitigate damage to Copperas Branch Park due to improvements planned for Interstate 35E.

The agreement with TxDOT calls for the city to use $641,834 from TxDOT for Copperas Branch Park or Pilot Knoll Park. City officials plan to use the remaining $2.8 million to develop Doubletree Ranch Park. City officials also plan to issue about $7 million in certificates of obligation this fall and seek bids on the Doubletree Ranch Park project in early 2013, City Manager Michael Leavitt (pictured) said.

Council also approved a contract for the design and construction of the 37-acre Doubletree Ranch Park that features soccer fields, a pavilion, walking trails and a viewing area for natural habitat.

Keahey selected by transportation agencies to lead program

Kyle Keahey has been chosen by officials from Capital Metro, the city of Austin and Lone Star Rail District as Urban Rail Program Lead to manage the planning, funding and future implementation of rail transit in Central Texas.

Keahey brings three decades of experience in transportation issues both in Texas and across the nation. Keahey currently serves as vice president and Transit Sector market leader for HNTB's Central Division. He will continue as an HNTB employee while serving as a consultant for the three regional transportation agencies.

Prior to joining HNTB, Keahey was project manager and environmental task leader for two of Denver's light-rail transit extensions. He also served for 10 years as the project manager and environmental impact study task leader for multiple Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail projects.

Mansfield takes steps to prioritize $12 million in capital projects

After rejecting a proposed bond election in May to pay for several capital improvement projects, Mansfield City Council members recently began reviewing a staff recommendation on which projects to include in $12 million in capital improvements the city plans for next year.

The staff recommendations included $8.1 million for street and road projects, $2 million for a tactical training center with a firing range for the police department, $1.1 million to enlarge the dispatch center and $1.1 million to buy a new fire truck. City staff also asked council to spend $700,000 to expand the animal shelter and $1.1 million to buy land for possible development. Staff members reviewed projects for streets, public safety, parks and community service that totaled more than $100 million while prioritizing the projects.

City Manager Clayton Chandler reported that the finance director expects a $1 million to $1.4 million increase in the general operating fund from sales tax revenues, fees and other sources - depending on how the economy performs.

Wilcox chosen as Texas State director of transportation

Jane Wilcox (pictured), director of parking and traffic at Stephen F. Austin State University, is the new director of transportation services at Texas State University-San Marcos.

She was chosen from among three finalists for the position. She will be responsible for the Bobcat Tram and Parking Services beginning April 15.

Wilcox will be tasked with quickly hiring a marketing and communications staff person to improve the department's Web pages and communication with students. 

Jacksonville eyeing new multi-purpose arena

Jacksonville City Council members recently agreed to review a report from a committee proposing a two-part master plan to build a convention center and a livestock expo center to attract more visitors to the city.

The agreement to receive the report from the five-member committee is not a decision on whether to build the proposed facilities, the mayor noted. The report includes findings that the new facilities would be good for the city, would be user-friendly and that now is the right time to move forward with the multi-purpose facility, said Jeff Austin Jr., chair of the committee.

The proposed plan calls for building a 22,000-square foot convention center hall, a covered porch, barns and a 700- to 800-seat civic hall for concerts to be located near Nichols Green Park. The proposed livestock expo center would be built later, in a second phase, Austin said.

Columbus to seek grant to provide utilities at new industrial park

Columbus City Council members recently agreed to apply for a $1 million grant from the Texas Capital Fund at the Texas Department of Agriculture to pay for utility upgrades at a city-owned industrial park.

The grant funding also will be used to acquire an easement for a natural gas line, engineering and administrative services necessary for upgrading the current gas line from the Colorado River to the industrial park. The resolution also authorizes the mayor to act on the city's behalf in applying for the grant funding and overseeing the grant, if awarded.

The resolution also noted that the grant does not require repayment by the city or by the company that needed the upgraded gas line to meet the requirements of its facility at the industrial park.

Another El Paso ISD official resigns in wake of cheating scandal

Assistant Superintendent James Anderson of the El Paso Independent School District recently resigned from that post, effective June 30. The resignation came after trustees met in executive session to discuss Anderson's role in a cheating scandal.

So far, an investigation by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has resulted in the former superintendent of El Paso ISD serving time in a federal prison and the resignation and termination of several district administrators accused of participating in the attempt to increase scores on standardized tests or ignoring the grade manipulations.

Anderson had appealed the termination, claiming that the school district fired him in retaliation for a newspaper interview he gave in December 2012. Anderson said he tried to expose the cheating and requested an investigation by an outside source rather than by TEA investigators.

Denton grants new purchasing power to city manager

After delaying the vote twice, Denton City Council members recently granted the city manager new authority to buy land for public works projects, including land for roads, power lines and other utility upgrades.

The new authority permits the city manager to buy land with no limit on price except the offer must be based on a certified appraisal and to negotiate counter-offers within certain limitations. The city manager is not permitted to delegate any of that purchasing authority to any other person. In the past, the city manager was generally limited in negotiating for land with a $100,000 limit, but that limit increased to $500,000 for land related to the city-owned electric utility.

Council members also held back authorizing the city manager to negotiate or buy land for projects such as a substation or treatment plant that would need a specific-use permit or to any eminent domain proceedings. The new policy also requires the city manager to report to City Council on a regular basis on his use of the delegated authority to buy land for the city.

Nolanville to update comprehensive plan

Nolanville City Council members recently hired an engineering consultant to help update the city's comprehensive plan last updated in 2007.

Included in the review process are annexation, drainage, streets, subdivisions and land use, City Manager Stephen Pearl said. The engineering firm, which will be paid $10,000 for the assistance in developing the plan, will not write the plan, but make recommendations on areas of concern that need to be updated, he said. The review will include a new proposal for zoning and an ordinance covering subdivisions under consideration to include in the plan so that the plan reflects any recent changes, Pearl said.

Plans also call for digitizing the new comprehensive plan so that city staff can update it without the need to hire an engineer to make those changes as new ordinances and other policies are adopted, he added.

Greenwood ISD delays vote on portable buildings

Greenwood Independent School District trustees recently agreed to postpone a vote to purchase or lease portable buildings until voters decide on a $51.5 million bond proposal in May.

Superintendent Doug Young (pictured) requested trustees to approve the purchase or lease of three portable buildings to place at Brooks Middle School to move sixth grade students from elementary school to middle school to ease overcrowding next year.

While trustees agreed the district most likely will need to acquire portable buildings in the future, board members suggested waiting until voters approve or reject the bond proposal that calls for building new intermediate and middle schools. Trustees also asked district staff to provide more information on the cost difference between purchasing and leasing portable buildings and said they expect to vote on the portable building proposal on May 13.

Brownsville nets FEMA grants to expand public libraries

Brownsville recently received grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to build two dome-type structures at the main library and the Southmost Branch Library.

The primary role of the new domed structures is to provide shelter in emergencies, but the city also can use the facilities for activities such as exhibits and meeting facilities if those activities can be cleared out in two to four hours, said Jerry Hedgecock, director of public information services for the city. Regulations prevent the new structures to be used for stacks of books, he added. The FEMA funding pays only for construction costs, leaving the city to pay for equipment and furnishings, Hedgecock said.

A similar structure funded by FEMA is being built at the Brownsville Sports Park, where the facility will be used as a gymnasium when not being used as a shelter. The FEMA grant provides about $7 million, or about 75 percent of the cost of the shelters, and the city is spending $3.6 million in bond revenue for required matching funds, Hedgecock said. The Community Development Corporation of Brownsville also is contributing funding for the new shelter at the Southmost library branch, he said.

Mercedes launches search for new economic development chief

The board of the Mercedes Economic Development Corporation recently launched a search for a new executive director to replace Albert Gonzalez, who exited that post in February.

Board members also terminated the employment of the assistant to the executive director and placed the marketing director on unpaid administrative leave, leaving the project manager the only EDC staff member remaining.

City Manager Richard Garcia, who is currently managing the EDC, said he has placed advertisements seeking applicants for executive director in statewide trade publications and local newspapers. City officials plan to take applications for 30 days before beginning interviews.

Navarro County to create new security committee

Navarro County commissioners recently agreed to appoint a committee to help upgrade security at the county courthouse.

County officials also plan to add metal detectors at the courthouse entrance and at the basement entrance for persons with disabilities, the county judge said. More security measures are planned soon to increase the safety of courthouse personnel and visitors, he said. County commissioners also agreed to increase the security fund by $20,000 to pay for upgrades of equipment.

Victoria delays vote on TxDOT funding for airport control towers

After federal officials agreed to continue funding for airport traffic control towers at 13 Texas airports until June 15, Victoria County commissioners voted to delay approval of a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation until mid-June.

The agreement called for TxDOT to provide funding to the county to hire a private company to operate the control tower for it to remain open after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cut funding for smaller airport control towers because of the sequester.

Commissioners said they would most likely vote on the TxDOT funding agreement after the June 15 deadline if FAA officials move forward with plans to terminate the contract approved in 2008 to operate the control tower at the Victoria Regional Airport. 

Fort Worth selects Gutt as

new communications director

Fort Worth city officials recently selected Michelle Gutt (pictured) as the new director of communications and public engagement.

Currently the director of communications and marketing for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gutt will oversee all print, digital, cable and other media for Fort Worth as part of the city's efforts to make city hall more accessible and transparent for citizens, City Manager Tom Higgins said.

Gutt has a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas and did advance communications studies at the University of Oklahoma while a representative from the U.S. Air Force. She retired as a captain from the Air Force in 1992. Certified by the International Association of Public Engagement, Gutt also held positions with a nonprofit organization and Dayton Power and Light in Ohio.

River Road ISD approves

$86,549 for security upgrades

Trustees for River Road Independent School District recently approved $86,549 to pay for improved security upgrades at four schools.

Plans call for installing a controlled entry system with a camera, buzzer and intercom at two campuses, renovating the front entries at two schools and updating the fire alarm system at a middle school.

Bellaire officials to study rebuilding some city structures

City officials in Bellaire have voted to begin discussions of the possibility of rebuilding several city facilities, including the city hall, civic center, police building and municipal court. They estimate such remakes will cost approximately $15 million. Other options on the table include renovations, reconstruction or continued maintenance of the current facilities.

The results of the study of the issue could influence a proposed fall bond election.

Garza resigns position as superintendent of Lubbock ISD

After four years leading the Lubbock Independent School District, Superintendent Karen Garza (pictured) recently announced she plans to resign from that job.

Garza has accepted the job of superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and begins her new duties on July 1. She began her career as a teacher, served as the chief academic officer for Houston ISD and as a deputy superintendent at Corpus Christi ISD. Garza also was employed in several positions at the Region III Educational Service Center.

Holding a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Houston, Garza has a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.

What's in YOUR tool box?

There are dozens of unique and innovative financing programs in Texas that support business, industry, real estate and community development. Those who have exhausted the financial tools in their finance toolbox should make plans to participate in the Council of Development Finance Agencies' (CDFA) first-ever, free Webcast on "Unlocking the Development Finance Toolbox in Texas" on Wednesday, April 24.

The Webcast is slated to begin at 12 p.m. CST on that date. Joining a panel of development finance experts on the Webinar will be Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Register on the CDFA Web site.

Port of Corpus Christi to use

grant for rail yard project

The Port of Corpus Christi is preparing to use a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to help defray the costs of the first phase of a rail yard project. The project includes an 8,000-foot siding for unit trains and a four-ladder track interchange yard with 15,400 track feet. It can accommodate more than 335 rail cars.

Bids for the project are expected to be sought later this month, as construction contract documents are nearly complete. Of the $18 million project, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority will provide $8 million. Approximately half of that amount will be recouped from a surcharge assessed on railroads.

Mike Carrell, chair of the port commission, said the expansion of rail capabilities at the port "is an important logistics project critical to the port's strategic diversification efforts."

Wesley selected as finalist for superintendent at Happy ISD

Wade Wesley (pictured) recently won selection as the lone finalist for superintendent at Happy Independent School District.

Currently a principal at Petrolia ISD, Wesley plans to begin his new duties on June 3. He will replace Superintendent Billy Howell, who left the district last summer.

Wesley previously worked as a teacher and coach for Pampa ISD and a coach and athletic director at Garden City ISD. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's degree from Sul Ross State University. Wesley earned his superintendent certification in 2010.

Killeen selects McLennan as director of support services

Killeen city officials recently selected Stuart McLennan as the new executive director of support services. His duties include managing custodial, building and fleet services, the print shop and the purchasing department.

McLennan retired from the U.S.Army after 34 years in the military. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.

Lewis begins duties as new

city manager in Llano

Brenton Lewis recently began his new duties as city manager in Llano after winning selection.

Lewis, who has 30 years experience working for cities, served as city manager in Minden, Nebraska, for 20 years and as city manager in Henderson. He also has served as a finance director.

Pflugerville ISD names

McFarland interim superintendent

Pflugerville Independent School District trustees recently appointed Freddie McFarland (pictured) as the interim superintendent. He will replace Charles Dupre, who is resigning to take the job as superintendent of Fort Bend ISD.

Currently director of student affairs who also has served as a principal and as a superintendent for Karena ISD and Stockdale ISD, McFarland said he has no plans to seek the permanent post of superintendent.

Board members also agreed to seek proposals from search firms to lead efforts to find a new superintendent.

El Paso County hires Nicomede

as new purchasing agent

El Paso County commissioners recently selected Kennie Nicomede as the new county purchasing agent. Nicomede, who will oversee more than $75 million in contracts annually, plans to begin her new duties for El Paso County on May 20.

Nicomede previously served as the purchasing manager for Pamona, California. She replaces Phil Vasquez, who is retiring as purchasing agent after 35 years with the county.

San Antonio ISD picks Isquierdo as sole finalist for superintendent

After a nine-month national search, San Antonio Independent School District trustees recently tapped Manuel L. Isquierdo (pictured) of the Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, Arizona, as the sole finalist for superintendent.

Once the required 21-day waiting period expires and trustees approve his contract, Isquierdo will replace former Superintendent Roberto Duron, who resigned in February 2012. Sylvester Perez, who has served as interim superintendent since March of last year, had urged trustees to hire a new superintendent as he planned on leaving that post on July 1.

Joining the Sunnyside school district as superintendent in 2007, Isquierdo previously held positions for school districts in Dallas, Chicago and Fort Stockton, California.

Check the GOVERNMENT NEWS section of the SPI Web site for these and other press releases.

• Taylor appointed senior associate dean for academic affair

• AgriLife Extension names Dukes as new district administrator

• Texas Tech, Angelo State get National Science Foundation Grant

• Staples, legislators, coalition honor water crisis efforts

Monaco stepping down as superintendent of Aubrey ISD

Superintendent James Monaco (pictured) recently notified trustees for the Aubrey Independent School District that he plans to leave that post on June 30.

Monaco retired as superintendent of Aubrey ISD in 2002 after joining the school district in 1984 and became an employee of a Waco-based company that hires and finds retired educators to work for school districts and continued to serve as superintendent for the Aubrey district.

Board members also appointed Deputy Superintendent Debby Sanders to serve as acting superintendent in the absence of Monaco. The board president said district officials have no plans to hire a search firm to find a new superintendent and may consider current staff for the job.

DiMaggio resigns as city administrator in Teague

Vince DiMaggio recently resigned as city administrator for Teague, a position he began in June 2011.

City councill appointed City Secretary Judy Keally as the interim city administrator to replace DeMaggio. City officials plan to begin a search for a new city administrator on April 16.

Carman tapped as lone finalist for superintendent at Teague ISD

Nate Carman (pictured) recently won selection as the lone finalist for superintendent at Teague Independent School District.

District officials selected Carman from a field of six finalists and plan to finalize his contract at the end of the required 21-day waiting period.

Currently an assistant superintendent at Pine Tree ISD, Carman will replace Suprintendent Ned Burns, who is retiring from the Teague school district.

Plainview ISD director of business and financial services resigns

Rusty Ingram (pictured), the executive director of business and financial services for Plainview Independent School District, recently resigned.

Ingram cited personal reasons for resigning after 13 years of service, said Superintendent Rocky Kirk, who praised Ingram's contribution to the financial stability of the school district. Trustees are launching a search to find a new superintendent, Kirk said.

• Oscar X. Garcia of Port Isabel, judge of the 357th Judicial District Court in Cameron County
• Dan Powers of Carrollton, Governing Board of the Office of Violent Sex Offender Management
• Erleigh Norville Wiley of Forney, Kaufman County district attorney

Best Southwest SBDC for 2013

at Cedar Valley College

The Best Southwest Small Business Development Center at the Cedar Valley College Center at Cedar Hill has been named by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Dallas/Fort Worth district as the 2013 Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of the year. It marks the first time for the Best Southwest SBDC to receive the award.

"This is a huge honor for our team. Their willingness to engage in the critical conversations necessary to transform the Best Southwest SBDC over the past two and one-half years has been instrumental in its success," said Best Southwest SBDC Director Russell Wyrick. 

Denise Kelley to serve as

interim city manager in Jasper

Denise Kelley, the finance director in Jasper, recently agreed to serve again as interim city manager. Kelley will replace City Manager Tommy Boykin. Almost 12 years ago, Kelley served as interim city manager when former City Manager David Douglas left that job.

Alpine selects Harrington

as new interim city manager

Alpine City Council members recently selected Charles Harrington as the new interim city manager. He replaces former City Manager Chuy Garcia, whose contract was terminated earlier this month. Harrington agreed to a one-year contract that will be re-evaluated after 90 days.