Will Congress again pass measure retroactively for states without income tax?

With Congress on vacation when the clock struck midnight Tuesday ushering in 2014, a package of more than 50 tax breaks expired as 2013 came to an end. Among them, a deduction for state and local sales taxes for residents of the nine states without state income taxes - including Texas. Where is former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison when you need her? Hutchison championed extension of this tax break on behalf of residents of her home state every time it neared expiration, even carrying legislation in 2009 to make the extension permanent. Even President Barack Obama, in his FY 2014 budget, supported making the deduction permanent.

Congress' failure to act on this and numerous other tax break extensions is not unusual. It happens nearly every year. They are almost always passed retroactively, but with a dysfunctional and partisan Congress, a growing national debt and an increasing interest in tax reform, the extensions this year are not "automatic."

The sales tax deduction was introduced in 2004 as a temporary measure. It has been extended three times since then, the last time in 2010.

The state and local sales tax exemption allows tax filers who itemize their deductions on federal income tax returns to deduct either income or sales taxes. Because Texas (along with Washington, Nevada, Florida, South Dakota and Alaska) does not have a state income tax, residents of the state can deduct from their federal income tax returns sales taxes paid to state and local governments.

In Texas in 2011 tax filings, more than 20 percent of residents claimed the deduction in their filings. The average deduction was $383. According to a recent Pew Charitable Trust issue brief, nationwide, some 11 million persons filed federal income tax returns that included the sales tax deduction, resulting in $17 billion in deductions.

Not only are individual taxpayers holding their breath to see if this exemption is extended, but so are the affected states. The Pew Center notes that doing away with the exemption will mean less spendable income from refunds for those claiming the exemption. And, that ultimately means less consumer spending that directly impacts state and local economies. 

To kick off transportation news in 2014, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) earlier this week announced toll road rate increases that went into effect Jan. 1. TxDOT officials say the increase of "one to two cents in most cases," will help defray the costs of construction, maintenance and operations of these toll roads.

That, say TxDOT officials, will allow other taxpayer funds to help build and maintain other non-tolled roadways. Those roads, in addition to toll roads, are necessary to reduce congestion and improve safety on the state's roads, according to agency officials.

Not all of the toll increases are part of the "in most cases" increases of one to two cents described by TxDOT officials. And, some - most notably the under-used 130 toll road segments - did not increase at all.

Rate increases for three-, four-, five- and 6-axle vehicles are considerably higher, generally up as much as 10 cents for those with toll tags and as much as 12 cents for pay-by-mail (PBM).

Some examples of the increases now in effect (for two-axle vehicles):

Toll Road 1 - Plaza rates for those with toll tags increased from $1.02 to $1.04 and from $1.36 to $1.38 for PBM; ramp rates increased from 68 cents to 69 cents for those with toll tags and 90 cents to 92 cents for PBM.

45 North - Plaza rates for vehicles with toll tags are up from $1.02 to $1.04 and increased from $1.36 to $1.38 for PBM; ramp rates increased one to two cents.

45 Southeast - Plaza rates increased from $1 to $1.02 for those with toll tags and from $1.33 to $1.36 for PBM; ramp rates increased by one cent, from 66 to 67 cents for toll tags and 88 to 89 cents for PMB.

To view all of the toll road increases, click here.

TAMU-Corpus Christi leads to state being named drone test site

A statewide proposal led by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has led to Texas being named a test site for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The designation comes from the Federal Aviation Administration, meaning the test sites chosen will facilitate testing and research of UAS technologies to provide scientific data on the future integration of these aircraft with other air traffic by 2015, as mandated by Congress.

TAMU-Corpus Christi has been working with UAS for two years, researching ways it can be used for mapping sea grass, detecting oil spills and hot spots in wild fires, monitoring hurricanes and herd counting for ranchers. Its Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center proposal was the only Texas proposal being considered by the FAA. TAMU-Corpus Christi is also collaborating with the top engineering, research and technology experts in the state including those at the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute and the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) in San Antonio. The university will have six months to get the test site fully operational

Officials say this test site will be beneficial for the entire state, and especially South Texas. Once airspace is opened to UAS, officials expect an $8 billion economic impact statewide and $260 million in South Texas over the next decade, creating 1,200 jobs.

Hance will serve Tech System as chancellor emeritus in 2014

Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance (pictured), who has announced his retirement, will serve as chancellor emeritus for the System once a new chancellor is named in 2014. As chancellor emeritus, Hance will report directly to the new chancellor and will maintain an office in Lubbock.

"Kent Hance has been an asset to Texas Tech University for many years and an ardent champion of the Texas Tech University System and its component institutions during his tenure as chancellor," said Texas Tech System Board of Regents Chair Mickey Long. "We look forward to continuing this prosperous and productive relationship."

Hance will also continue to teach his leadership class on the Texas Tech University campus. As chancellor emeritus, Hance will continue being involved in fundraising as well as governmental relations in both Austin and Washington, D.C. He will be working under a three-year contract. Hance, who has given or committed more than $8 million of his own money to Texas Tech, has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the university. Long said keeping Hance in such a role "is a tremendous investment for the future of the Texas Tech University System and higher education in Texas."

UTMB planning $42 million addition to research facilities

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will add a $42 million, 93,000-square-foot addition to its current research facilities, following approval by The University of Texas System Board of Regents. The research facility to get the addition is at Building 17 on the Galveston campus. The Regents approved allocation of $30.5 million of Permanent University Fund revenues that will be combined with $11.5 million in bonds to pay for the addition.

"This project assures the future of our world-class research enterprise and provides us with state-of-the-art facilities that are resilient and that support our institution's strategic mission," said Dr. David L. Callender, president of UTMB. Officials expect to complete design and obtain final approval to begin construction by March 2015. The new research building should be complete and occupied by March 2017.

The ground floor of the six-story facility will house non-critical functions such as a lobby and meeting space. Two other floors will include research support facilities, including veterinary and pharmacy space. Another floor will house mechanical space and two floors will be shelled out for future laboratory space. The new addition replaces a prior research facility that was damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Ike. 

Texas Tech chooses Schovanec as provost, senior VP

After serving as provost and senior vice president of Texas Tech University on an interim basis since June, Lawrence Schovanec (pictured) has been named to the position permanently, effective Jan. 1.

Before serving in this position on an interim basis, Schovanec was interim president of the university for almost a year and two years as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a longtime fixture at Texas Tech, having served the university for more than 30 years. Schovanec joined the Tech faculty in 1982 and was chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics prior to serving as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Schovanec holds a bachelor's degree from Phillips University, a master's degree from Texas A&M University and his doctorate from Indiana University. He has received the President's Excellence in Teaching Award and is a member of the Texas Tech Teaching Academy. 

UH chancellor selected as deputy chair of Dallas Reserve Board

The Federal Reserve Board recently selected Renu Khator (pictured) as deputy chair of the Dallas Federal Reserve branch. Khator, who has served on the federal board since 2011, is chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston.

Federal Reserve Board members also appointed Mike Ullman, chief executive officer of J.C. Penney Inc., as the chair of the Dallas Federal Reserve branch.

A native of India and the first immigrant from India to head a comprehensive research university in the United States, Khator has a bachelor's degree from the University of Kanpur in India and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Purdue University. She also is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the boards of the American Council on Education, Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston Technology Center and the Texas Medical Center Policy Council. 

Victoria eyeing partnership with YMCA on $1.5M swimming pool

Victoria city officials recently began considering a proposal from the YMCA of the Golden Crescent to form a public-private partnership to build a new $1.5 million swimming pool. YMCA officials requested that the city provide $1 million for the pool project that is part of a $4 million YMCA expansion project.

City officials previously paid $50,000 for a study on a proposal from the parks commission for a $6 million project, but made no decision on that proposal. The study proposed replacing the existing 33-year-old municipal pool that costs about $57,000 annually to operate while bringing in only about $15,000 in revenue. The existing pool also leaks about three to five inches of water daily and the filtration should be replaced soon. City officials have opposed spending more money on maintaining the out-of-date pool.

Under the YMCA proposal, admission to the new pool would be $3 and could increase membership to the YMCA to help the organization become financially self-sustaining, noted the YMCA president in support of the proposal.

Texas Tech taps San Francisco as dean of Honors College

Texas Tech University officials recently tapped Michael San Francisco (pictured) as the dean of the Honors College. He replaces Robert Duncan, who was selected as vice president for research for the university.

After joining Texas Tech in 1990, San Francisco served as the associate dean in the Honors College and a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. He also is an adjunct professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, director of the Clark Scholars Program and co-director of the Center for the Integration of STEM Education and Research.

San Francisco has a bachelor's degree from a university in India. He also earned a master's degree and a Ph.D. from Boston College and performed post-doctoral research at the University of Maryland and Ohio State University.

Ellis County gains $558,000 grant for emergency communications

The North Central Texas Council of Governments recently awarded Ellis County a $558,000 Homeland Security grant to fund an upgrade of the county's emergency communications system.

County officials plan to use the grant funding to purchase and install five repeater systems. These allow first responders throughout the county to communicate by radio with the communications center using hand-held radios as well as the radios in their vehicles, noted Joe Stewart, fire marshal and emergency management coordinator for Ellis County.

Keller ISD begins planning for possible $143M bond vote in 2014

Keller Independent School District officials recently began discussing the possibility of asking voters to approve almost $143 million in bonds in November 2014. The bonds will be critical to meeting rising enrollment, the new state mandate for more options for graduation and upgrading facilities and infrastructure, said Superintendent Randy Reid (pictured).

Trustees need to identify projects and priorities and to educate voters on the need for the improvements and upgrades, especially with the new emphasis on Career and Technology Education (CTE), Reid said. A new CTE center could cost as much as $30 million to $48 million, depending on whether the new center would be required to include a cafeteria and gymnasium, district officials said.

District administrators also said that security upgrades at four intermediate schools and two high schools would cost about $8 million. Other renovations needed include upgrading technology infrastructure and replacing aging air conditioning, heating and plumbing systems at several campuses.

Amarillo to spend $1.3 million to upgrade dam on Bivins Lake

Amarillo City Council members recently agreed to spend $1.3 million to strengthen a dam on Bivins Lake, a reservoir southwest of the city built in 1926 that is often dry.

Located on Palo Duro Creek about five miles southeast of Canyon, the dam and lake are in a well field that serves the city during peak demand periods during the summer. But, the lake is empty often as geology causes the water to drain very quickly into the aquifer.

Because of existing downstream flooding problems in Canyon, city officials agreed to build a wall on top of the 44-foot existing dam to raise its height to increase capacity and widen the spillway rather than breach the dam, said City Manager Jarrett Atkinson. The dam does not currently meet the requirements set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, he noted.

Lopez in running for Parkland Memorial Hospital top job

David S. Lopez, who heads the Harris County public hospital system, has been confirmed as a candidate for the open CEO position at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. A Harris County commissioner confirmed that Lopez is being considered for the job previously held by Dr. Ron Anderson, who left that job last December after his contract was not renewed. Lopez has been president and chief executive officer of the Harris County Hospital District since 2004. Six potential candidates met with Parkland board members last December, but no action was taken. 

Laredo latest EB-5 regional center seeking foreign investors

The latest EB-5 regional center aimed at attracting foreign investment funds to a community through a public-private partnership is located in Laredo. The city of Laredo and Civitas Capital Group have partnered to create the Laredo Regional Center.

The EB-5 program allows foreign investors who invest in business that benefits the United States economy and creates at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. The amount of the investment required is $1 million. However, that amount can be reduced to $500,000 if it is made in a rural area or an area of high unemployment. Investors can earn visas for themselves and their immediate families by investing through a Regional Center such as the one now in Laredo.

These centers accept EB-5 capital for economic development in the United States. There are close to 250 EB-5 Regional Centers in more than three-dozen states and two territories. The investor program is attracting capital from Asia and other areas of the world. In Fiscal Year 2012, more than 7,400 EB-5 visas were issued as a result of these investments.

Dallas to decide finalists for open city manager position

Dallas City Council members are expected meet on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to narrow the list of city manager applicants to a short list of finalists to return for more interviews. The new city manager will replace former City Manager Mary Suhm, who left that post in July.

Among applicants for the city manager job in Dallas are:

• A. C. Gonzalez, who has served as interim city manager since July. He joined the city as an assistant city manager in 2006 and previously served as an interim and deputy superintendent for Austin ISD, an assistant city manager in Dallas and a city manager in San Marcos. Gonzalez has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas and a master's degree from Trinity University in San Antonio;
• David Cooke is county manager and deputy county manager in Wake County, North Carolina, and served in various administrative positions in Charlotte. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of North Carolina;
• Milton Dohoney Jr. currently serves as city manager in Cincinnati, Ohio. He previously was the chief administrative officer for the urban county government of Lexington/Fayette in Kentucky and in several administrative posts for the city of Louisville. Dohoney has a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Southeast and a master's degree from the University of Louisville; and
• Deanna Santana serves as the city administrator for Oakland, California, and in administrative positions for the city of San Jose, California. Santana has two bachelor 's degrees from the University of California, Berkley, and a master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Hirsch retiring as associate superintendent for Plano ISD

Associate Superintendent for Academic and Technology Services Jim Hirsch (pictured) of Plano Independent School District recently retired after nearly 40 years as an educator.

Joining the Plano district in 1996 as director of instructional technology, Hirsch oversaw the implementation of $44 million in technology upgrades for the Plano school district and was a finalist for Ed Tech Leader of the Year for Technology & Learning magazine.

After earning a degree from St. John's University in Minnesota, Hirsch began his career in education as a math teacher in Minnesota and also worked for the Anoka-Hennepin school district.

Sealy ISD eyeing upgrades to food service areas, locker space

The executive business director for Sealy Independent School District recently urged trustees to approve upgrades to food service areas at several campuses and add more locker space at the high school.

Jim Obermeier, the business director, estimated that the cost of replacing the kitchen at Selman Elementary would be between $250,000 to $300,000. He also urged building a freestanding kitchen/cafeteria at the intermediate school. While preparing the food at the kitchen at the junior high school, it would be moved to warming stations to serve at the intermediate school. That project is estimated to cost from $440,000 to $550,000, Obermeier said. Other projects include building an outside patio with a fence in the back of the high school and covered seating or extending a wall to create space for lunch service at the high school.

Obermeier provided no cost estimates on the upgrades to food service at the high school, but said that adding more lockers in the boy's locker room would cost about $40,000. The district currently has about $112,000 in the food services fund and about $7 million in its fund balance, he added.

New Braunfels buys former grocery store for $2.65 million

New Braunfels City Council members recently agreed to pay $2.65 million to purchase a former grocery store and almost six acres of land at a major intersection. Current plans call for renovating the building into a larger city hall.

The purchase includes 5.7298 acres of land and a 51,054-square-foot building with 312 parking spaces, noted Mayor Gale Pospisil (pictured).

Using the vacant building to expand the city hall should cost less than building a new facility, while repurposing the vacant building should enhance the area, Pospisil said.

Graham Regional Med Center names Landrum interim administrator

Graham Regional Medical Center and the GRMC hospital district officials recently selected Scott Landrum as interim administrator of the regional medical center. He takes over for the former administrator, Steve Hartgraves, who resigned in early December.

Landrum, who previously served as an administrator of a hospital in Weatherford, is now employed by Quorum Health Resources. He recently completed an assignment as an interim administrator in Louisiana. His contract as interim administrator at the Graham facility is for 90 days with an option to renew if needed.

Grady ISD to ask public input on possible bond election in 2014

Trustees for Grady Independent School District recently scheduled a public meeting on Jan. 6 to seek opinions on scheduling a bond election in 2014 to upgrade facilities. With current enrollment of about 250 students, district officials plan to discuss options for adding more space on the campus. 

El Campo ISD plans $2 million renovation of high school auditorium

Trustees for El Campo Independent School District recently agreed to use a construction manager-at-risk to oversee a $2 million renovation of the high school auditorium. Because the district does not have a fund balance to pay for the entire project, trustees are considering seeking approval of a bond proposal in November to complete the project and pay for other upgrades.

Board members have requested qualifications from contractors and plan to begin interviewing five or fewer contractors to select the winning proposal, said Superintendent Mark Pool. Current plans are to begin construction on the auditorium renovation in May and complete the project in October , Pool said.

Preliminary estimates of the cost of the renovation project were $1.42 million for phase one, $505,906 for the second phase and $167,305 for phase three of the project.

Cy-Fair ISD bond group to study projects for bond election

A Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District bond group is set to begin studying the feasibility of a bond election in May 2014 at their first meeting on Jan. 7. The district last issued bonds in 2007 and plans to use the approximately $440 million remaining from 2004 and 2007 bond funds to pay for building a new high school and the design costs for another new high school that will be the twelfth high school in that district.

The 50-member bond planning committee, comprised of a geographic and demographic mix of community members, plans to explore how to meet increasing enrollment, upgrading technology and security and extending transportation services.

Committee members plan to present recommendations for priority projects to include in the bond proposal to board members in mid-February to allow trustees to meet the Feb. 27 deadline to schedule a bond election in May.

Lumberton to delay opening new FEMA dome, performing arts center

Lumberton Independent School District officials recently delayed the opening of a nearly completed $3 million Performing Arts Center and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dome designed to use during emergencies and weather disasters and as a multi-purpose events center for county residents.

The school district does not have sufficient funding to complete the interior of the new facility, including a 2,000-square-foot stage, a second floor balcony and an auditorium in the front of the dome, said Superintendent John Valastro (pictured). District officials allotted $2 million to complete the domed facility, but more funding is necessary to finish the interior, Valastro said. Also needed are more power outlets, restrooms, a concession stand and retractable seating on the ground floor to meet FEMA requirements to provide retractable seating to convert the facility for emergency responses.

Because the new domed facility also will be used as a multi-purpose event center for the entire county, district officials are working on a partnership with the city to raise the funding needed to complete the interior construction, Valastro said. Contractors have completed most exterior work on the steel-reinforced, concrete dome located between the high school and intermediate school, including installation of plumbing and a sprinkler system, he said.

Hutto OKs Sustainable Places Project Plan to create livable spaces

Hutto City Council members recently adopted the Sustainable Places Project Plan, a regional planning initiative funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The federal grant paid all costs for professional assistance to increase community outreach, conduct market and economic development research and recommend financial strategies for proposed catalytic investment projects. The projects will be located within a designated site between Old Town and SH130, from US79 to Limmer Loop.

The collaboration with the planning team, stakeholders and community residents resulted in plans for pedestrian-friendly residential and commercial uses featuring parks, trails and roads that link old and new areas of the city. The project plan also includes recommendations for changes in city codes, cost estimates and financial strategies to help city officials move forward with redevelopment of the proposed designated site.

Bastrop County seeking grant for new fire station

Bastrop County officials recently agreed to seek up to $4.6 million to build a new fire station from a community development bock grant program managed by the Texas General Land Office.

The new fire station is planned to be built at the intersection of SH95 and Pershing Drive and will replace an existing station on Indian Oaks Drive, said Mike Fisher, the emergency management coordinator for the county.

According to Fisher, the county is a good candidate for a grant because of the wildfires in 2011 and the need for a fire station in that area of the county.

Join together with inspirational leaders to impact higher learning and leadership in the 21st century at Leadership Fusion Summit 2014, Inspire. Lead. Transform. Discover engaging strategies that fuse rigorous instruction, motivation and achievement to produce transformational results that prepare students to excel at all levels of school, college and careers. This year's presenter line-up features nationally recognized experts on addressing underserved students, understanding student motivation and resilience and transforming challenging schools! For more information on the Feb. 12, 2014 event, click here.

TxDOT approves maintenance contract aimed at saving $96M

A two-year, $11-million contract has been awarded by the Texas Transportation Commission to ISI Contracting, with a goal of saving $96 million over five years for routine maintenance of 100 miles of roads in Central Texas. The contract requires maintenance such as mowing, sweeping, vegetation management, striping, guardrail upkeep, snow and ice control and other services. This marks the first of a series of contracts the Texas Department of Transportation will award for maintenance on I-35 and I-45 between Dallas and Houston and Dallas and San Antonio and I-10 between San Antonio and Houston.

This first contract covers I-35 from the Bell/Williamson county line to the Hays/Comal county line. Loop 1 from Lady Bird Lake south to William Cannon Drive, US 183 from Loop 360 east to Cameron Road, US 290/SH 71 from Joe Tanner Lane east to Montopolis Drive for a total of 100.9 centerline miles and snow and ice control services within the above limits and Loop 1 from Lady Bird Lake north to Parmer Lane (FM 734).

Burdine retiring after 10 years

in position with city of Abilene

A public service career of more than three decades will come to an end with the announced retirement of Richard Burdine (pictured) from his post as Abilene's Assistant City Manager for Economic Development and CEO of the Development Corporation of Abilene. Burdine will leave both posts Feb. 28.

Burdine was hired by the city of Abilene in September 2003. During his 33 year public service career, he has served seven cities. He came to Abilene from the city of Lubbock, where he was assistant city manager. His other public-sector jobs include director of finance for the city of New Braunfels, city manager in Portland, assistant city manager for McKinney and planning consultant in the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Burdine holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, a master's from Penn State University and has been certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Raborn resigning as Tarrant

County elections administrator

Steve Raborn, the elections administrator in Tarrant County since 2006, recently submitted his resignation, effective after the March 4 primary. Raborn has accepted the job of president of Votec, a private company that focuses on voter registration and election management software.

Raborn previously worked as the elections administrator in Fort Bend County and for Votec in San Diego, California.

Boerne adopts $74.1 million capital improvement plan

Boerne city officials recently approved a $74.1 million capital improvement plan featuring street improvements, a new $3 million parking garage and a $1.9 million South Texas 46 water loop. The parking garage and water loop are both planned for the 2017-2018 budget.

City officials also are planning to contribute $550,000 as the city's share of a $10 million upgrade of the intersection of Interstate 10 and Scenic Loop Road. The project is primarily being funded by the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation if the MPO selects that project, said Chris Turk, planning director for the city.

Bedden is superintendent of schools in Richmond, Virginia

Dana Bedden (pictured), previously a superintendent for Irving Independent School District, recently won selection as superintendent of public schools in Richmond, Virginia.

Bedden resigned from Irving ISD this past summer after joining the district in 2010. He won selection for the Virginia post over a finalist from Georgia and another from North Carolina, who withdrew his name for consideration.

Ector County ISD selects

Crowe as new superintendent

Ector County Independent School District officials recently selected Thomas Crowe as the new superintendent. He had served as interim superintendent for the district since August.

A 38-year veteran in public education, Crowe retired in 2009 as superintendent of McKinney ISD. His contract with the Ector County school district is approved through June 2017.

Pfahl to serve Woodlands area economic development group

Ellie Pfahl (pictured), former director of community relations at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, has been named administrative and marketing coordinator of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership in Spring.

In addition to her work with Lee University, Pfahl also worked in the private sector for Merck Pharmaceuticals. She holds a bachelor's degree from Lee University, where she studied public relations.

City of Graham names interim emergency management head

Graham Assistant Fire Chief Jerry David has been named the city's new interim emergency management coordinator. He will replace former EMC David Hooper, who retired.

David will serve in an interim capacity for six months, during which time he will examine city departments to determine how to proceed with the city's emergency preparedness.

Beaumont ISD terminates

Allison as comptroller

Trustees for Beaumont Independent School District recently voted to terminate the contract of Sharika Allison, the comptroller for the district. The termination followed an investigation into district funds allegedly being diverted into bogus accounts.

Agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in November searched the home of Allison and of Devin McCraney, the chief financial officer for the district, as a part of that investigation.

Board members also discussed the future of McCraney, but took no action.

San Antonio taps Harrison for

board of VIA Metropolitan Transit

San Antonio City Council members recently appointed Marc Harrison (pictured), operations supervisor for Greyhound Lines Inc., to the board of the VIA Metropolitan Transit. Council members also reappointed Gerald Lee and Lou Miller to the VIA board.

Harrison joined Greyhound in 1993 and oversees 100 employees and terminal operations.

Pearland selects Branson

as interim city manager

Pearland City Council members recently appointed Jon Branson as the interim city manager. Branson, who was the assistant city manager, temporarily replaces City Manager Bill Eisen, who is retiring after serving in that post for 12 years.

Council members have interviewed applicants for city manager and expect to announce the name of the new city manager in January 2014, according to the mayor.

Guidice selected as new

library director in Dallas

Dallas city officials recently selected Mary Jo Guidice as the director of the Dallas Public Library System. Employed by the library system since 2004, Guidice has served as the interim assistant director since last summer. Kris Sweckard, who has served as interim library director and previously was managing director of the Office of Environmental Quality, is leaving the interim post this week.

Guidice previously was youth services manager for the library, worked in the travel industry and owned her own business. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a master's degree from the University of South Carolina.

Huntington ISD approve request by superintendent to end contract

Trustees for Huntington Independent School District recently approved a request by Superintendent Eric Wright to terminate his contract, effective on Jan. 10.

Board members also selected Glenn Frank, currently an assistant superintendent for business and finance, as the interim superintendent until a new superintendent is selected.

Austin seeking proposals

to operate cafe in new library

Austin city officials recently issued a request for proposals from eating establishments interested in leasing and managing a cafe at the new Central Library.

Expected to be completed in 2016, the Central Library features 3,786 square feet of space next to 2,065 square feet of outdoor area expected to be operated as a self-service eating establishment serving fresh food produced in the local area.

The deadline for submitting proposals to lease and operate the cafe at the new Central Library is Jan. 31.

Nava selected as chairman

of board for Port San Antonio

Alex Nava (pictured), an attorney in private practice, recently won selection as the chairman of the board of directors of Port San Antonio.

Board members also elected Dan Weingart, an executive with Logistics, as the vice chairman; health care professional Chris Alderate as secretary-treasurer; and Glenn MacTaggart, an attorney, as a new member of the board.

Nava replaces former Chairman Wayne Alexander, who will continue to serve on the board.

Irving City Council to interview manager candidates Saturday

City manager candidates will be interviewed in executive session Saturday by the Irving City Council. One of the candidates will likely be chosen to replace Tommy Gonzalez, Irving's city manager who resigned from that position in October of last year after having served for seven years. Steve McCullough has been serving as interim city manager.

Closed Austin DPS driver license

office reopens after renovations

Austin's North Lamar Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office, which has been closed since April, has reopened. The facility has undergone a renovation project which resulted in a complete interior facelift and the addition of technology aimed at improving efficiency and customer service. The office will now have the same system in new DPS mega centers that allows customers to secure a spot in line for services virtually (via cell phone, online or by land line), and not in person.

Other renovations in the facility include added workstations, new modular furnishings and a redesigned floor plan. The office will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thursdays, when the office will stay open until 6 p.m.

Buchanan named to chair San Antonio River Authority board

Sally Buchanan (pictured), a member of the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) since 1999, has been named the new chair of the board. She replaces outgoing chair Gaylon Oehlke. SARA, which was established in 1937, is governed by a 12-member board of directors with two at-large members from Wilson, Karnes, Goliad and Bexar counties and one member representing each of the four SARA districts in Bexar County. Buchanan is a Bexar County at-large member of the board.

Buchanan holds a bachelor's degree from Mills College in Oakland, California, and earned a Texas Teacher's Certificate as a high school specialist. Her career has included public service as a caseworker for the Texas Department of Public Welfare and travel agent and meeting planner for the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. She is a former executive director of the San Antonio chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

SARA has played a critical role in helping direct the $358.3 million San Antonio River Improvements Project.

Coryell County appoints Williams as director of human resources

Coryell County commissioners recently appointed Pamela Williams as the first director of human resources for the county.

Williams previously was an investigator for Child Protective Services and is from Copperas Cove.

Zentner retiring as assistant

city manager in Odessa

Assistant City Manager James Zentner (pictured) of Odessa recently announced his retirement effective on Jan. 15, 2014. Zentner joined the city accounting department in July 1976.

Zentner also worked briefly as a comptroller in Missouri, in the private sector and as the senior accountant and financial director for the city before winning promotion six years ago to an assistant city manager.

Bellaire selects Hofmann

as new city manager

Bellaire City Council members recently selected Paul Hofmann (pictured) as the new city manager. He replaces former City Manager Bernie Satterwhite, who retired from that post after nearly 13 years.

Hofmann currently is the city administrator for Castroville. He previously was city manager in Alvin and Kerrville and an assistant city manager in Sugar Land. He has a master's degree from Texas A&M University.

Olmos Park selects DeLeon

as its new city manager

The Olmos Park City Council recently appointed Celia DeLeon, who served as interim city manager, as the new city manager. DeLeon previously was a city secretary and court administrator for Olmos Park. She replaced former City Manager Mike Simpson as interim city manager this summer.

Temple ISD selects Lotspeich

as director of fine arts

Temple Independent School District officials recently selected Catrina Lotspeich as director of fine arts for the district. She replaced Jimmy Pfeiffer, who is retiring after 19 years with the Temple School District.

South San Antonio ISD selects Saavedra as interim leader

South San Antonio Independent School District trustees recently selected Abelardo Saavedra (pictured) as the new interim superintendent. He will replace Mourette Hodge, who resigned as interim superintendent following criticism by some board members.

Saavedra, who will be the fifth superintendent in three years for the district, previously was superintendent for Houston ISD and Corpus Christi ISD. He told trustees he plans to remain as interim superintendent for three to four months while correcting financial difficulties for the district.

Chief economic development officer hired to serve GHP

Bob Pertierra has been hired by the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) as senior vice president and chief economic development officer. His new charge will have him overseeing GHP's international trade and investments programs. He will also assist in the Opportunity Houston 2.0, $40 million fundraising campaign that will fund the entity's economic development efforts over the next six years.