Texas Government Insider
Volume 12, Issue 32- Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
If Texas were a nation, it would have 12th largest economy in world...

Revenue estimator has good news on state's economic outlook
Money "The Texas economy continues to expand. We're through recovery and into expansion."

That was the good news brought by John Heleman, chief revenue estimator for the office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, to the members of the state's Legislative Budget Board (LBB) this week. Heleman offered a report on the state's economy and an overview of Texas state revenue.

In fact, he said, i
f Texas were a nation, the state would have the 12th largest economy in the world, slightly behind Canada, but larger than Australia.

It was good news all around from Heleman, who reported that the state's economy "continues to outperform" the United States' economy. Texas is "continuing its trend of growing faster than our nation as a whole." Heleman added that the Comptroller expects to see a little more money than anticipated in the rainy day fund, with an anticipated ending balance of about $8.4 billion for FY 2015. And, that figure assumes passage by Texas voters of Prop. 1 in November, that would transfer $1.7 billion out of the rainy day fund for highway expenditures.

And how is the state's revenue system performing? Heleman offered this analysis:
  • Sales tax - The state's largest tax has grown quickly. Figures released just this week show fiscal year-to-date state sales tax collections are up more than 5 percent.
  • Motor vehicle tax - Described as "particularly robust." In 2009, there was an "unprecedented" 22 percent decline in one year during the early part of the recession. There were few new car purchases. Sales tax receipts are up 6.25 percent this fiscal year. 

Governor's appropriation of funds questioned by LBB

 

Rep. Turner questions why situation on border required 'emergency' action

Sylvester Turner What is an emergency and when does an emergency reach a point where it is no longer an emergency? Those were the questions asked by State Rep. Sylvester Turner (pictured) at Monday's meeting of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). Some LBB members questioned a member of Gov. Rick Perry's staff over the governor's recent appropriation of state funds for border protection without the knowledge - or approval - of the LBB.


Perry used $38 million in unspent funds in a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) radio infrastructure fund to apply toward the money needed to keep DPS officers along the border to deal with illegal immigrants. The funds also will be used to support his ordering National Guard troops to assist. Turner wondered out loud exactly what justified this "extraordinary use of power" by the governor. He also brought up the fact that there was never any testimony from sheriffs on the border that they viewed the influx of illegal immigrants as a "crisis," that DPS did not institute the action and that the number of individuals crossing the border illegally is steadily dropping. Turner said there needs to be a "heightened level of emergency" to merit the kind of action that led to bypassing the LBB and appropriating funds. The Houston representative said he was afraid this might set a precedent for future governors.


Mike Morrissey, advisor to the governor, said that it is always best to appropriate state funds through budget execution, but the timing was not right to do so. When asked by Rep. John Zerwas why the radio fund was used, the governor's aide said numerous funds that were about to lapse because they had not yet been spent this fiscal year were looked at, but a funding source was sought from an account that was close to the function at hand - in this case, public safety. 


Even though there is more than $64 million in the state emergency fund, Morrissey said it did not make sense to tap that fund considering the fact that the state is in the middle of hurricane season and other emergencies such as wildfires or disasters like the explosion in West might need money from that fund. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst defended the border actions saying there was both a basis and need for it and that he actually had discussed that issue with the governor. However, he was not aware that an appropriation skirting the LBB was part of the equation.  

 

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Courtney Sharp Courtney Sharp, city manager, City of Midland 

 

Career highlights and education: I earned my Bachelor of Political Science with an emphasis on Public Administration from West Texas A&M University in 1990, and I am also a graduate of the Texas Tech Certified Public Manager's Program. I worked as the assistant city manager in Canyon for nine years before serving as the city manager of Mount Pleasant for four years, starting in 2004. I came to Midland in 2008 and have been fortunate to serve this community as city manager ever since.

What I like best about my job is: Getting to work with people at all levels of government who truly care about making our community a better place to live.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: "The best executive is the one who has the sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and the self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it." - Theodore Roosevelt

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Trust others around you to do what they do best. Teach your employees in such a way that they can fill your shoes one day. A visionary leader is someone who sees what isn't there and makes others see it, too.  

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Gardening. I have a pretty green thumb for a West Texan!

People would be surprised to know that I: have completed nine marathons and I'm currently training for a half-marathon in December.

One thing I wish more people knew about my city:  We are not the sleepy oil town that may come to mind when people think about Midland in the past. We were the fastest-growing metro area from 2011-2012 with a growth rate of 4.6 percent, and our property valuations across the city have increased by $1.2 billion over the last year.We stay very busy around here!

Stine chosen to serve as HHSC's first chief privacy officer
Sheila Stine The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has its first chief privacy officer. Sheila Stine (pictured), who has nearly 20 years of health and data privacy and security law experience in both the public and private sectors, began her new charge on Aug. 1. As chief privacy officer, Stine will oversee HHSC's Privacy Office and lead the HHS Enterprise-agency privacy breach preparation, triage and mitigation.

Stine most recently was HHSC's special counsel for data privacy and security. She also is a former special counsel for HHSC for the Frew Medicaid class action, was health law counsel for the Employees Retirement System of Texas and senior health law counsel with Clark, Thomas & Winters, P.C.

Stine serves as co-chair of the Data Breach Response Subcommittee of the Texas Statewide Information Security Advisory Committee Privacy Workgroup and has authored publications on data breach and Texas confidentiality laws, including co-authoring a "Redbook" for state agency breach response to be published by Texas Department. of Information Resources. Stine earned her law degree from the South Texas College of Law.

MacBride to retire from DPS; Bodisch named to succeed her

Cheryl MacBride Nearly three decades of public service will come to an end at the close of this month when Cheryl MacBride (top) retires from the Texas Department of Public Safety. MacBride currently serves as Deputy Director of Services for the state's law enforcement agency, a job she has held since 2010. In her current role, MacBride is responsible for the Regulatory Services Division, Administration Division, Law Enforcement Support Division, Finance Division and the Information Technology Division.

 

Before being named a deputy director, MacBride was DPS Chief Financial Officer. She is also a former deputy commissioner for administration at the Texas General Land Office and Veterans Land Board, working there for 24 years before joining DPS. She is a certified fraud examiner and a certified government financial manager. She has been a member of the Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees since 2009.

 

MacBride holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She worked in the private sector in the banking industry before beginning her public service career.

 

Robert Bodisch (bottom), who has been serving DPS as deputy director of homeland security and is a more than 40-year veteran law enforcement official, will succeed MacBride as Deputy Director of Services. He previously has served as chief of staff for the agency and is also a former deputy director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security. He holds associate and bachelor's degrees from the University of Houston and a master's degree in quality systems management.

 

Grow your business

Board approves two new presidents for campuses of DCCCD
Jose Adames New presidents have been named for two campuses of the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD). The district's Board of Trustees approved Dr. Jose Adames (top) as the president of El Centro College and Christa Slejko (bottom) to serve as president of North Lake College. Adames will begin his administration sometime between Aug. 18 and Sept. 15, while Slejko reported for her new position this week. Adames currently serves as vice president and dean of academic affairs at Dutchess Community College in New York. He succeeds Dr. Paul McCarthy, who is retiring. Slejko was serving as North Lake's interim president following the retirement of Dr. Herlinda Glasscock.

Adames has nearly 30 years of experience at both the community college and university levels in New Jers
ey and New York. Before joining Dutchess Community College, he served as vice president of academic affairs and interim president of Bergen Community College, associate vice president/provost Christa Slejko for academic affairs at Union County College and dean of the Kean University College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as other positions in higher education. He holds doctorate and master's degrees from Teachers College at Columbia University, as well as a master's degree from Seton Hall University.

Slejko began serving as North Lake's interim president in 2011, but has been with the college for 17 years, including dean of financial affairs and vice president of business services. She began her career with DCCCD at Mountain View College, where she served as director of business operations. She also interned as the district's vice chancellor for business affairs in 2006. Slejko holds a master's degree from Amber University; a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas and an associate's degree from Kilgore College. She currently is completing her doctorate at Texas Tech University.
View Ray Benson's video in support of Prop. 1 
Ray Benson Nine-time Grammy award winner Ray Benson (pictured) and his band "Asleep at the Wheel" have literally seen miles and miles of Texas, as his recording of the Bob Wills classic attests. But, those miles are getting longer and longer and traffic congestion in many areas of the state is adding both to their travel time and frustration.

Benson this week released a video in support of Proposition 1 on the November statewide ballot in Texas. The measure would dedicate a portion of the state's oil and gas revenue for the state highway fund without raising taxes or fees. "Texans will get the chance to do something about our traffic gridlock by supporting Prop 1 in the November election," says Benson. "This new Prop 1 video was a fun way to make an important statement."
Crain resigning as vice president of finance at Texas A&M
B.J. Crain B.J. Crain (pictured), vice president for finance and administration at Texas A&M University, recently resigned from that post effective Aug. 31. While Crain gave no reason for the resignation, she will continue to work within the Texas A&M System as special assistant to the vice chancellor and dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

After beginning work for the A&M System in 1983, Crain went to the A&M university campus in 2010 as chief finance officer for both the university and the system. In 2013, Crain also became a vice president for administration when a former president merged the two divisions.

Crain has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. In her announcement, Crain said the interim president of Texas A&M, Mark A. Hussey, would announce her successor at the end of this month.
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Parkland Hospital appoints Gonzalez as chief diversity officer
Ildemaro Gonzalez Parkland Health & Hospital System officials recently appointed Ildemaro Gonzalez (pictured) to a newly created post of vice president of diversity.

Gonzalez, who immigrated to the United States from Venezuela in 2001 to obtain medical care for his daughter, previously was the global director of inclusion and philanthropy at Newell Rubbermaid and a manager of inclusion at the American Cancer Society.

In his new duties at Parkland, Gonzalez will develop and manage programs to improve diversity of the workforce and vendors at the hospital and participate in civic and community organizations as well as ensure that patients of all backgrounds obtain quality health care.
Austin Council puts light rail issue on November ballot
Austin voters will face a light rail issue on the November ballot after the Austin City Council Thursday approved asking voters to authorize $600 million in debt toward the project. Several specifics were outlined in the ballot language, including that the borrowing of funds could not occur until a future Council approves an additional $400 million in funding for projects on major regional roads and highways.

The city also will be bound by ballot language to not commit to building a light rail line unless the Federal Transit Administration matches the amount the city spends on the $1.4 billion project.
SPI represented at Desalination Summit in Corpus Christi
Desal State officials and business leaders gathered this week in Corpus Christi for a Desalination Summit hosted by State Rep. Todd Hunter (left). Consultant Edgar Antu (right) represented Strategic Partnerships, Inc. at the summit and offered his take on the information exchange and the importance of desalination as one of the innovative solutions for the state's water shortage. Read Antu's comments here.

Texas Enterprise Fund offers $2.3M to rocket launch company

State officials recently announced that the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) is offering $2.3 million to help SpaceX, a private company, bring its commercial rocket launch facility to Cameron County. The company plans to create 300 new jobs at the launch facility and spend $85 million in capital investments in the area.

 

SpaceX, which designs, manufactures and launches rockets and spacecraft, already operates a facility in McGregor that employs more than 250 employees who develop rockets. It also is the first private company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, exchange cargo and return successfully to earth.

The state also is offering $13 million from the Spaceport Trust Fund to the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corporation to help pay for developing some of the infrastructure required by the proposed spaceport designed to launch satellites.

 

The TEF funding is contingent on final approval of local agreements and the receipt of required permits required to operate the facility, but Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez said area officials plan to ensure the company has everything needed to be successful in operating in the area.

Castro-Ramirez selected as assistant secretary at HUD

Lourdes Castro Ramirez Lourdes Castro-Ramirez (pictured), president of the San Antonio Housing Authority, recently won appointment by President Barack Obama as the assistant secretary of Public and Indian Housing for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

Previously a director of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, Castro-Ramirez also is on the board of directors for the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities.

 

Castro-Ramirez has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of California-Los Angeles. She will report to former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who was sworn in earlier this week as the secretary of HUD.

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Greater Houston Partnership plans building completion in 2016
New Building Pre-construction work has begun, but major construction is expected to begin next spring on the Greater Houston Partnership Building (as seen in accompanying artist's rendering) in downtown Houston. The 10-story building and parking garage will be built north of the George R. Brown Convention Center. In addition to the Partnership, the building will be occupied by Houston First Corp., the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Center for Houston's Future. Future tenants are expected to be the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and the Hotel and Lodging Association of Greater Houston.

In addition to those tenants, the facility will feature retail areas on the street level. The property is owned by Houston First, which will also develop the 1,900-space parking garage. The total project carries a price tag of about $76 million. The building will also be built to facilitate a boutique hotel on top of it.

A sky bridge will be built connecting the parking garage to the north end of the convention center. Officials hope to have the facility and parking garage completed in March 2016.
Texas sales tax revenues continuing upward climb
The increase in sales tax revenues in Texas continues to climb. State Comptroller Susan Combs this week announced that sales tax proceeds in July in Texas were at $2.34 billion, up 6.3 percent over July of last year. Combs attributed the increase, in part, to business and consumer spending, led by the construction, services and oil and natural gas-related industries. The sales tax figures represent monthly sales made in June as well as April, May and June sales by businesses that report tax quarterly.

As a result, cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will share August sales tax allocations of $706.9 million. That figure is up from 5.3 percent in August 2013. Texas cities will share $462.8 million, up 4.4 percent from August of last year. Counties saw their revenue jump 4.3 percent from last August and will share revenue of $44.6 million. A 4.7 percent increase over last August has Texas transit systems sharing $157.6 million, while special purposed taxing districts, whose receipts were up 21.6 percent over last August, will share $41.9 million. View the allocations by city and county.

Bastrop County takes first step toward new $4.5M fire station

Paul Pape Bastrop County commissioners recently moved forward in using a grant from the Texas General Land Office to build a new $4.5 million fire station. Commissioners agreed to develop an agreement with Emergency Services District No. 2 , which provides emergency response to residents of Bastrop and the central area of the county, to partner in the fire station project.

 

County Judge Paul Pape (pictured), however, warned that some details of the agreement regarding procuring a contractor and professional services, developing a cost analysis and gaining environmental approval are still being negotiated. Environmental concerns such as archeological and cultural sites as well as the endangered Houston Road and migratory birds have affected many clean-up and mitigation efforts of the county in the past, Pape noted.

 

County officials are expecting an awards letter soon on the grant from the community development block grant program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist in recovery of the 2011 wildfire in Bastrop County.  

P3 Opportunities

University Health System names Webb interim VP/COO
Mark Webb Officials of University Health System (UHS) in San Antonio recently selected Mark Webb (pictured), a senior vice president, to serve as the interim executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Webb temporarily replaces Christann Vasquez, who resigned to become the first president of a new teaching hospital in Austin planned to open in 2017. Since joining UHS in 2008, Webb has led its $899.4 million capital improvement program, expansion of the South Texas Medical Center campus and construction of a new building at the Robert B. Green downtown campus for UHS.

UHS officials also are initiating a national search to find a permanent executive vice president and chief operating officer.
McLennan, Waco may create rural transportation district
At the urging of the McLennan County Judge and the mayor of Waco, city and county officials recently began discussion on how to improve rural transportation to increase access to jobs, education and health care offered in urban areas of the county.

The cost of delivering on-demand transit in rural areas through the Heart of Texas Council of Governments is very expensive, noted County Judge Scott Felton. Mayor Malcolm Duncan of Waco also said increased public transportation in rural areas would provide more people with access to education and health care resources and provide employers with a larger pool of employees.

County officials expect to discuss and vote on whether to create a new countywide transit district. Such a district could redirect state funding from the council of governments to the Waco Transit System, which already operates routes in urban areas. Mayors of incorporated cities in the county also will be invited to discuss an upgraded transit plan to serve more rural areas.
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Keller ISD eyeing $169.5M bond proposal to build more schools
Trustees for Keller Independent School District are expected to call a special meeting on Aug. 12 to approve a $169.5 million bond election in November to pay for new schools and upgrades to existing schools. The bond proposal includes $74.5 million to build three new schools, $37.8 million to renovate and expand an existing middle school into a career and technical education center; $23.5 million to improve Keller High School; and $12.1 million to expand an intermediate and a middle school.

The proposal also includes funding for upgrades in security and technology throughout the district. Renovations at the high school include widening corridors, building an addition to replace classrooms lost in the hall project and building a new band hall and upgrading science labs.

Fort Worth to ask voters to pay half of $450M arena/sports facility

Multipurpose Arena Fort Worth City Council members recently voted to schedule a vote on Nov. 10 asking voters to approve using city funds to pay $225 million toward a proposed $450 million multipurpose arena and sports facility (see accompanying artist's rendering).

 

Event Facilities Fort Worth, chaired by Ed Bass, pledged to pay any costs exceeding $450 million and to help raise contributions for the remaining $225 million to build the proposed 14,000-seat facility in the Cultural District. Council members must still call the election that includes language to provide funding to demolish a 44-year-old domed arena of the Fort Worth Convention Center.

 

City officials plan to pay the public portion of the cost of the new arena using taxes collected on event tickets sold at the center, parking, rent on livestock pens and stalls and the state's portion of the hotel/motel tax within three miles of the location.

Collaboration Nation

City wants to develop prison property into business park

Sugar Land city officials recently requested proposals from developers to work with the city to transform a portion of former prison property into an industrial business park with a focus on aviation.

 

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice closed the Central Prison Unit in September 2011 after a study indicated both the state and local communities would benefit in relocating that prison facility to another site.

 

Deadline for developers to submit proposals for the proposed business park on about 230 acres of land west of Sugar Land Regional Airport is Sept. 4. The former prison property was acquired for airport upgrades, a public safety training facility and business park with a focus on aviation-related businesses. The city's existing business park is nearing capacity and the former prison property is near the airport, close to rail service and major highways and complies with the city's land use plan, city officials said.

Wichita County eyeing digital upgrades for five courtrooms
Barry Mahler Wichita County commissioners recently began making plans to add new digital equipment in the county's five courtrooms to comply with a new state law that requires attorneys to display any evidence relevant to the case.

The legislation mandates that the upgrades to display evidence be in place by 2016, but Commissioner Barry Mahler (pictured) urged commissioners to allot funding to the digital technology upgrades after hearing proposals from consultants on the best system the county needs to keep up with changing technology. Once a company is selected, the upgrades in digital equipment should take about a year to install and display evidence.
Mexia ISD delays bond election until May 2015
Trustees for Mexia Independent School District recently took the advice of members of a facilities committee and postponed a bond election originally planned for November until May 2015.

Superintendent Sharon Ross agreed with members of the facilities committee that district officials needed more time to explain facility needs to the public. Ross also said she wants to ensure that voters know which projects will be included in a bond proposal and be provided with an accurate estimate on the cost of the repairs and upgrades in the proposal.

 

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Dozens of public-sector jobs available. New jobs added this week: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - Assistant Director (Educational Data Center), Purchaser V-VI and Program Director; AACOG - Alamo Service Connection Care Specialist and GIS Database Management Technician; and more. Click here to view jobs. Free job postings for state and local governments, nonprofits and other public-sector entities. Send your posting to editor@spartnerships.com

 

Waco, McLennan County looking at offering more shared services
Waco City Council members and McLennan County commissioners recently created a task force to further explore the feasibility of the county, city and school district joining in sharing some services and possibly some facilities.

City officials plan to work with task force members in exploring the possibility of shared space with the county and school district, according to the city's planning director.

Another issue being explored is hiring an architect to take a close look at structures owned by the three governmental entities to determine if some services can be consolidated into one facility. That could allow the city, county or school district to sell unneeded property so that property could be returned to the tax rolls.

Buda approves five proposals for possible $55M bond election 

Todd Ruge Buda City Council members recently agreed to break a possible Nov. 4, $55 million bond election into five separate propositions. The council supported placing only one proposition on the ballot, but Mayor Todd Ruge (pictured) urged separating the propositions to giving voters options. The council is likely to vote on Aug. 12 on whether to call the bond election.

 

The propositions are $21 million for a new municipal complex to include city hall, a library and other facilities; $12.25 million to improve intersections on Main Street; $8 million to upgrade parks and recreation; $7 million for drainage and flood control projects; and $6.75 million for a new public safety building that includes a police station and emergency training facilities.

 

Council members' Aug. 12 vote was necessitated because Hays County officials must confirm polling sites for the election before it can be called.

Dallas/Fort Worth Airport eyeing $1.2M for travel lounge study

Members of a concession committee for Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Airport recently recommended that DFW officials approve $1.2 million to hire a consultant to study the feasibility of building a premium travel lounge. The lounge would serve international travelers at Terminal D, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

 

Committee members urged hiring L.E.K. Consulting to perform the study by examining other international customer lounges at global airports and evaluate possible partners to manage the premium lounge at DFW. While one committee member raised questions about the high cost of the study and a section that permits the consulting company to negotiate marketing agreement or airline partnerships if the lounge is built, the chief executive officer for DFW said forecasts indicate the new lounge would be a financial benefit to the airport. DFW board members are expected to vote soon on whether to approve the proposed $1.2 million for the study.

 

Existing lounges at DFW airport are close to capacity and lack some amenities available at other international airports, according to the vice president of marketing for DFW. Premium lounges at other airports often offer massage services, private sleeping areas, manicures, wine cellars and cigar bars, he noted. Lounges now available in Terminal D that serve first-class and business passengers are usually specific to an airline, he added 

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McKinney nets $1.76 million grant to improve airport

The Texas Transportation Commission recently approved a $1.76 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to be awarded to the McKinney National Airport.

 

The grant will be used as part of a $45 million project to upgrade the runway at the airport, noted Ken Wiegand, the airport director.

 

The project, one of the largest projects funded by the aviation facilities grant program, calls for rebuilding the runway to be 7,002 feet long and 150 feet wide with weight-bearing capacity of 450,000 pounds in order to increase the ability of the airport to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft, Wiegand said.

TML plans 102nd Annual Conference, Exhibition in Houston 

Billed as a "program packed with topical concurrent sessions, engaging speakers and chances to network and share ideas with your colleagues from around the state," the Texas Municipal League (TML) 102nd Annual Conference and Exhibition is scheduled for Sept. 30 through Oct. 3. The event will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. This year's event will feature best-selling author and former leader of the Disney Institute, Simon T. Bailey, who will address the topic "Shift Your Brilliance" during the opening general session. Keynote speaker for the Delegate Luncheon will be John Foley, former lead solo pilot for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, whose topic is "Your High Performance Climb." Former TV news anchor Gloria Campos will address the Woman in Government Breakfast speaking on "Everything is Fair in Love, War and Politics." Six concurrent session tracks are available, including such issues as quality of life, transportation and infrastructure and finance. Elected city officials can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attending.  Registration is now open and the agenda is available.

NASW/Texas State Conference set for October in San Marcos 
More than 1,000 social workers are expected to for the 38th Annual National Association of Social Workers (NASW)/Texas State Conference. This year's even will be Saturday through Monday, Oct. 18-20, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa and Conference Center in San Marcos. In addition to networking opportunities, the event will feature presentations by presentations by NASW Assurance Services, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, Texas Association of Social Work Deans and Directors, Texas Field Educators Consortium and Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. Early bird rates apply through Aug. 20. Up to 19 hours of Continuing Education can be earned by attending. For more information on the conference, how to exhibit or to register, visit the NASW/Texas Web site or check out the main conference page.

TEXAS DESAL 2014 event slated for Sept. 11-12 in Austin 
The Texas Desalination Association's conference, TEXAS DESAL 2014 - Best Practices & Emerging Technology, brings together a diverse array of topics, presenters and attendees to build understanding and opportunities for desalination in Texas. Attendees are assured lively and informative discussions among industry experts, policymakers, regulators, researchers and water planners on the leading edge of new water supplies. Confirmed special guests include Texas Water Development Board member Bech Bruun and State Reps. Todd Hunter and Lyle Larson, who will address desalination from policy, funding and legislative perspectives. For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, contact kford@waterpr.com. Full conference details at TexasDesal.org. For more information and to register, click here
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Pension funds becoming big investors in public projects

 

Mary Scott NabersBy Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.


Who could have possibly predicted that one of the unexpected offshoots of the Great Recession would be an ever-increasing interest from pension fund managers in infrastructure investment?

But, that is exactly what has happened. Over the next few years, some financial consultants are predicting that pension funds will invest $3.5 trillion in infrastructure projects. 

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) just announced plans to create a $5 billion infrastructure fund. CalPERS invests in American infrastructure and in international projects. Its portfolio of infrastructure projects includes a double-digit share of London's Gatwick Airport, but the system is also building a fund of $800 million for use only for projects in California. Additionally, it has partnered with a firm from Australia to create a $500 million global infrastructure fund.

Pension funds and other large investors, suffering from low interest rates, are turning to less traditional investments, including infrastructure projects and especially public-private partnerships (P3s). Virginia's public employee retirement system and New York's pension fund are big investors in large public projects.

Infrastructure projects make up a portion of the portfolio of two major public pension funds in Texas. The $130 billion Teacher Retirement System of Texas has a target allocation of 13 percent for "real assets" investments, which includes infrastructure projects. Those real asset investments now total about $2.27 billion. The $26 billion Employees Retirement System of Texas has invested approximately $400 million in infrastructure since 2013.

Earlier this week, CalPERS announced a $500 million partnership with UBS Global Asset Management. That partnership plans to invest in a variety of infrastructure projects. CalPERS has committed to $485 million of the fund, with UBS putting up the rest. 

And while public-private partnerships are increasing in popularity in this country, they have been so successful in other countries, many American investors look first at foreign projects. Globally, infrastructure needs through 2030 are estimated to be about $50 trillion.

The White House's announcement last week of a $10 billion investment fund should encourage even more P3s. The Rural Infrastructure Opportunity Fund, backed by CoBank, has the first $10 billion in the fund and will seek more investors. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 will open the door for water infrastructure projects. There should be no shortage of investment opportunities.
  
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Dallas city manager announces new executive appointments
Dallas City Manager A.C. Gonzalez described his recent shakeup of executives for the city of Dallas as part of his overall plan "to innovate from the top down and re-energize from the bottom up." Gonzalez announced two new assistant city managers - Eric Campbell, current assistant city manager in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mark McDaniel, current city manager in Tyler. Gonzalez said the two "bring excellent experience in public safety, performance management and measurement, and culture change," and their strong national networks will give the city of Dallas access to more talent moving forward and "help us grow our relationships with other cities so we can share best practices."

In the City Manager's Office, joining Campbell and McDaniel will be Ryan S. Evans, first assistant city manager. He has served the city for nearly 30 years, most recently as interim first assistant city manager.

The remainder of Gonzalez's appointments include: Chief Wellness Officer Forest E. Turner; Chief Planning Officer Theresa O'Donnell; Jimmy Martin - Assistant Director, City Controller's Office; Kris Sweckard - Director, Code Compliance Services; Rosa Fleming - Assistant Director, Equipment and Building Services; C. Donald Babers - Housing Transformation Czar; Sana Syed - Public Information Officer; Liza Bustamante - Assistant Director, Sanitation Services; Dennis Ware - Director, Street Services; Jerry Ortega - Assistant Director, Street Services; David Cossum - Director, Sustainable Development & Construction; and Ashley Eubanks - Assistant Director, Sustainable Development & Construction.
Back To School

Kids headed back to school?
Tax-free weekend starts today!
As the start of a new school year approaches, shoppers are out buying school supplies and school clothes for K-12 students as well as dorm supplies and clothing for college students. The annual state sales tax holiday will offer a break on the costs of qualifying school supplies and clothing under $100, by exempting those purchases from state or local sales tax.

The tax-free holiday will run today, Friday, through Sunday. To see a list of which products qualify for the tax-free holiday, click here.

Tyler preparing for search 
for new city manager
The city of Tyler is in the market for a new city manager, following the resignation of Mark McDaniel. The East Texas city manager who has led the city of Tyler for the last 10 years, has taken a job as assistant city manager with the city of Dallas.

Tyler Mayor Martin Heines said the city hopes to appoint an interim city manager on Aug. 13. "Our permanent replacement search will focus on employing a city manager who shares our beliefs in a conservative business-like approach to City government," he said.
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Sugar Land appoints new directors for finance, planning
Jennifer Brown Sugar Land city officials recently appointed Jennifer Brown (top) as the director of finance and Lisa Kocich-Meyer (bottom) as the new director of planning for the city.

Brown, who has worked 14 years for Sugar Land, most recently was director of budget and research. She also has been an accountant, financial analyst and budget manager. In her new post. she will manage Lisa Kocich-Meyer all fiscal operations for the city, including serving as an investment officer. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas A&M University.

Kocich-Meyers, who has worked seven of her 12 years in city government for Sugar Land, has been a planner and a senior planner. She has a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
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Texas A&M adult education 
center nets $4.5 million contract
The Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning at Texas A&M University recently won a $4.5 million contract from the Texas Workforce Commission to fund a two-year program to improve adult education. The two-year contract calls for the adult education center, a part of the College of Education and Human Development, to provide resources for educators involved in GED preparation and English as a second language classes for adults throughout Texas.

The contract calls for providing services to more than 2,500 adult education and literacy professionals in this state that are part of the Texas Research-based Adult Instruction Network Professional Development Consortium.

Thomas to head Jacksonville economic development group

Freddy Thomas, currently the finance director in Jacksonville, recently won selection as the president of the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO). He replaces Darrell Prcin, the former president who retired from JEDCO earlier this year.

 

Thomas won selection over several other candidates considered and interviewed to lead the economic development organization, noted City Manager Mo Raissi. Thomas is a certified public accountant and an accredited business appraiser with a deep knowledge of the city, Raissi said.

Save the date!
Save The Date


The Ninth Biennial Legislative Communications Conference is set for Oct. 1. More information will be made available as we get closer to that date.

Brooker retiring as director

of Llano County MUD

After serving 18 tears as manager of the Llano County Municipal Utility District (MUD), Betty Brooker retired from that post on July 25. Brooker has provided critical knowledge about state laws, water quality, sewer systems, water plant operations and contracts while managing the agency, according to the board of directors of the MUD that serves residents of Blue Lake Estates.

Sherman sets aside $260,000 
to restore exterior of building

Sherman City Council members recently approved a $260,000 budget allocation to fund the second phase of an exterior restoration of the Sherman Municipal Building. The municipal building now hosts about 280 events each year in an auditorium and ballroom in the facility and also is home to six city departments.

 

The second phase that included roof repairs and sidewalk reconstruction is completed, noted Don Keene, director of community and support services. Work on the second phase, which includes restoring brick and mortar and waterproofing the building exterior, is expected to begin later this month or in September, he said. The restoration is needed to preserve history and save money by restoring the current municipal building rather than building a new one, Keene said.
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Langenkamp retiring as director 
of San Marcos Public Library
After 32 years as a librarian, Stephanie Langenkamp recently announced she plans to retire as director of the San Marcos Public Library on Sept. 12. She joined the library in 1977, resigned to work at the library at Texas State University and returned again to San Marcos.

Langenkamp has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. When she began work at the library, it contained 29,000 volumes to serve 25,000 residents. Today, a new library built after voters approved bonds in 1990 serves 65,500 residents of the city and Hays County with 163,500 volumes.

DSHS extends deadline 

for bid to privatize hospital

Officials of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently extended the deadline to Aug. 19 to submit bids to privatize the operation of Terrell State Hospital. While the deadline for submitting bids was in mid-June, DSHS officials agreed to provide extra time to potential vendors who had many questions about the project that needed time to answer, according to Carrie Williams, director of media relations for DSHS.

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Hallsville ISD selects five 
to new administrator posts
Superintendent Jim Dunlap of Hallsville Independent School District recently introduced five new members of his administrative team.

The new administrators include Staci Green, the new director of special education and the Harrison County co-op, who has worked as a teacher and principal for the district. Green has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Texas A&M University and certification as an elementary teacher from East Texas Baptist University. Christi Parsons is the new director of elementary curriculum. A former teacher and principal, Parsons attended The University of Texas-Tyler and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dunlap also appointed Carie Barthelemess, a teacher and principal for the Hallsville district, as director of assessment. She previously worked for school districts in Sulphur Springs, Longview and Kilgore and has a master's degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. He named Tana Scholl as dean of instruction and assessment at Hallsville Junior High and Trish Hall as the new business manager for the district. Scholl has a bachelor's degree from LeTourneau University and a master's degree from Texas A&M-Texarkana. Hall, who attended Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M University, also worked in administration for districts in Marshall and Longview.
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EDC taps Mann as administrator 

of development group

Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation officials recently selected Art Mann as the new administrator effective on Sept. 1.  

Mann, a former reporter and news editor, will replace Sandra Barner, who retired three years ago to become an assistant city manager in Waco. Since Barner retired, City Manager Jack Harper has served as interim administrator for the economic development group. 

Pecos seeks proposals to help with hiring interim city manager

Pecos City Council members recently agreed to ask for proposals from companies to assist in selecting an interim city manager. City officials invited consultants wishing to assist in the search to outline their proposals to be viewed by council members at their meeting on Aug. 14. An interim city manager is needed to replace former City Manager Fred Reyes, who council members terminated in late July.

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Murphy selects Johnson 

as interim city secretary

Murphy City Council members recently selected Terri Johnson, a retired city administrator, to serve as interim city secretary for a second stint in that post. She replaces former City Secretary Kristi Gilbert. Johnson served as interim city secretary several months ago while Gilbert was on medical leave.

 

An administrator in municipal government for 34 years, Johnson currently is a consultant for a company that provides contract services to city governments. She previously was a city secretary in Hereford, a city manager, city secretary in Friona and city administrator in Piney Point Village. 

Brennan retiring as human resources director in Richardson
Margaret Brennan Margaret Brennan (pictured), director of human resources for the city of Richardson, recently announced plans to retire on Aug. 31.

Brennan, who was recognized by the Texas Municipal League for the 2011 Innovation Award, joined the city in 1986. During her tenure in human resources, Brennan focused on procedures for grievances and complaints, personnel policies, recruiting and training employees, benefits and risk management.
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Era ISD approves $819,636 

for new addition to high school

Trustees for Era Independent School District recently approved a maximum price of $819,635 to pay for a new addition to the high school. Current plans are to add new offices for the principal and a receptionist, a new front entrance and to add a multi-purpose space to the cafeteria to expand that facility.

Recent Reports
Texas Government Insider Archives
  
Volume 1-12 Archives - 11/7/03 - 8/1/14
  

Clarification

In the Aug. 1 edition of the Texas Government Insider, a story regarding Tuition Revenue Bonds (TRBs) sought by state-supported institutions of higher education noted that tuition revenue bonds use a revenue stream produced from tuition charges students pay, through rental fees, and other charges that the institution in turn pledges toward the repayment of the bonds. Although TRBs by definition are bonds that may have their debt serviced by revenue from any revenue source available to the institution including student tuition charges, historically the state of Texas has appropriated funds to the individual schools authorized to use the bonds - for either the full amount or a portion of the debt service - thus eliminating any need for an institution to use tuition revenues to service the debt. Although they are called "tuition" revenue bonds, that may be a misnomer, as the money collected from students for tuition is not currently being used to retire TRB debt.

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