In spite of having been touted as faring better than most states through the nation's current economic downturn, figures from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported recently in the New York Times don't necessarily support those claims.

The Lone Star State ranks third - behind only California and Illinois - for the largest dollar shortfall heading into Fiscal Year 2012. California reported the largest shortfall in dollars among the states at $25.4 billion. Illinois had the next highest shortfall, reported at $15 billion. Texas ranked third in shortfall dollars for 2012 at $13.4 billion.

Texas ranks fourth regarding the shortfall as a percent of the FY 2011 budget. The shortfall in Texas is 31.5 percent of the FY 2011 budget, behind Nevada at 45.2 percent, Illinois at 44.9 percent and New Jersey at 37.4 percent. However, Nevada's shortfall was only $1.5 billion, compared to Texas' $13.4 billion. Illinois' deficit was $15 billion and New Jersey's deficit was $10.5 billion.

Forty-four of the nation's states collectively are reporting $124.7 billion in budget shortfalls heading into Fiscal Year 2012. 

Austin moving forward on projects from mobility bond program

It didn't take the City of Austin long to move forward with implementation of projects from the $90 million mobility bond program that passed three months ago. This week, city officials authorized a $56 million amendment to the FY 2011 capital budget for the first phase of the program, approved a $2.5 million rotation list for field engineering services for those bond-funded projects and added the bond program to the 2006 Bond Citizen Oversight Committee responsibilities.
 

Two projects aimed at alleviating congestion at the "Y" in Oak Hill and at the I-35 and 51st Street interchange were also discussed and the council approved negotiation and execution of agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation for those projects. A total of $6.3 million was in the bond program for these projects.
 

Austin City Manager Marc Ott (pictured) said the city is moving rapidly on these projects "to achieve the short-term congestion relief Austin needs and to help position us for long-term improved regional mobility." The program includes more than four-dozen projects throughout the city. Each will have to be approved by the Council as they are readied for design or construction.

'MY 35' report for interstate released at Commission hearing

Citing the need for a mix of different methods of transportation and not just highways, a group of citizen panels involved in the planning process for the I-35 corridor issued their "MY 35" report this week to the Texas Transportation Commission. Four committees were originally designated to study the needs of the corridor from North Texas to South Texas.
 

High occupancy lanes, toll lanes and managed lanes were all among the proposals. Missing from the proposals were recommendations on how to fund the plans. "As chairman of the I-35 Corridor Advisory Committee, our charge was to ensure locally-generated ideas and concerns were included in the corridor-wide MY 35 Plan," said Tim Brown, Bell County Commissioner. "MY 35 identifies future I-35 improvements, studies and needs based on results of these public outreach initiatives."

In addition to highway lane recommendations, the panels also recommended a rail line between San Antonio and Austin. There were also recommendations on how to move traffic more smoothly with dedicated lanes for truck traffic and other suggestions on how to reroute some truck traffic off I-35. Additional lanes were recommended for some areas, along with improvements to some interchanges. Committee members threw the responsibility for paying for some of the proposed improvements back to the Texas Legislature and the federal government.

CPS Energy seeking solar economic development opportunities

CPS Energy in San Antonio will seek local solar economic development opportunities, according to President and CEO Doyle Beneby (pictured), who this week outlined strategy that includes a Request for Proposals (RFP) whose goal is to build up to 50 megawatts of solar energy. Beneby said the plan is to attract solar manufacturing or assembly to San Antonio. He said the task will be a collaboration with the City of San Antonio, chambers of commerce, the Economic Development Foundation, Port San Antonio, The University of Texas at San Antonio and the military. That collaboration, he said, will provide additional leverage.
 

"We're aiming for the complete package - a contract that is also ripe with partnerships for research and development and support for education," said Beneby. "If we can deliver service affordably and reliably, and bring economic development to San Antonio, that's an extra win for our community." 

Currently, CPS's energy generation includes approximately 90 percent traditional fuels and 10 percent renewables. Use of coal and nuclear energy have allowed the company to add renewable energy resources while keeping bills low. The company's Vision 2020 plan sets a goal of achieving 20 percent of renewable energy capacity in the company's generation, with at least 100 megawatts from renewable sources other than wind, such as solar. CPS already is receiving 14 megawatts from one solar farm and another 30 megawatts is under contract with a major energy producer. Another 50 megawatts would bring CPS close to its Vision 2020 goal.

Stephen F. Austin State University to furlough staff for four days

Confronted with shrinking revenue, Stephen F. Austin State University regents recently approved furloughing employees four days this spring and summer in an effort to save about $600,000.
 

The furloughs will impact all 964 full-time and part-time staff members, but does not include 666 faculty members, noted Dr. Baker Pattillo (pictured), president of SFA. Employees with remaining vacation or compensatory time will be able to use that time on April 21, April 22, May 27 and July 1, all of which are close to a weekend or holiday when class is not in session, Pattillo said.
 

The remaining $400,000 of the $1million in budget reductions required will be divided among the offices of academic affairs, finance and administration and university affairs, with academic affairs taking a $200,000 reduction. While current contracts prevent the university from furloughing faculty members, new contracts to be issued to faculty members in the future most likely will be rewritten with provisions for furloughs for faculty members, Pattillo said.

TWU to dedicate Ann Stuart Science Complex Feb. 4

A week before Texas Woman's University hosts a dedication ceremony for the new Ann Stuart Science Complex, the building's namesake - Chancellor Stuart (pictured) - announced that she will donate $200,000 to start an annual science event.
  

The 80,000-square-foot building, which cost $26.4 million, includes cutting-edge technology and equipment for biology, physics and "green" chemistry, which is the production of products that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.
 

"Having more students in science is an issue about which I am passionate.  I cannot imagine a discipline to which I would be more honored to have my name attached," said Stuart, who is establishing the annual Ann Stuart & Ray R. Poliakoff Celebration of Science Series, which begins next year and will continue through 2032.

Lone Star College-Montgomery hires Kirch as VP of instruction

Officials at Lone Star College-Montgomery recently announced that Ann Kirch (pictured) will begin serving as vice president of instruction on Feb. 1.

Kirch, who has 25 years of experience in higher education, most recently served as vice president of instruction at McLennan Community College in Waco. Previously, she worked 20 years at Grayson County College, where she served in several positions including dean of academic instruction from 2005 to 2009.

Kirch earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Texas A&I University, which is now Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She also has a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Zukowski to retire from Sul Ross after 23 years on the job

Longtime Sul Ross State University employment specialist Sue Zukowski (pictured) has announced that she will retire Jan. 31.  

Zukowski has worked at Sul Ross for 23 years. She started as a library assistant in 1987, then jumped to human resources in 1989. She spent more than 21 years in that department. As an employment specialist, she has met people from all across campus.
 

"I get to work for everyone," she said. "At one time or another, every department on campus has had a position open, and I have loved getting to know everybody."

Lamar selects Lassen as vice president for finance, operations

Lamar University officials recently named former energy industry businessman Gregg Lassen (pictured) vice president for finance and operations. He will start Feb. 15.
Previously, Lassen served as executive vice president at The University of Texas at Tyler, where he oversaw most non-academic departments. He has also worked at the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Phoenix and before moving into higher education, spent 18 years in the energy industry.
 

Lassen earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, a law degree from the University of Houston and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi.
 

President Ronald Tidwell (pictured) has been told to prepare for a 5 percent cut. He's not yet sure where the cuts will come.

Pine Tree group backs stadium site for $24 million bond proposal

A Pine Tree Independent School District bond committee recently agreed to urge board members to consider building an activity complex on a site near the Lear Park-Pine Tree Middle School. They say it would reduce the cost of rebuilding the football stadium at its current site.
 

Currently, bond committee members are looking at a $24.2 million bond proposal that includes $14.79 million for a stadium package and $9.44 million for renovations and technology for the high school. Using the Lear Park location will allow the district to use parking lots from the park, which would reduce the $17.67 million estimated cost of building at Pirate Stadium.
 

The upgrades at the high school include remodeling career and technology classrooms, a new field house for tennis, softball and girl's soccer, upgrading lighting and renovating sound equipment at the theater. Committee members also support removing asbestos and renovating a wing of the high school. The committee is preparing a proposal to present to board members in February.

Overton chosen as dean of new undergraduate college

A new academic college for first-year undergraduates has been created at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College to help students achieve academic success. Education professor Terry Overton (pictured) has been named dean.
 

This semester, the college began offering a course that teaches students time management, organization and study habits. Studies show that about half of all college students are weak in one of these areas, Overton said.
 

She is recruiting faculty to teach and develop curriculum for more courses, some of which will be available in the fall.
 

Overton earned her bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degrees from Texas Woman's University. She completed post-doctorate work at the University of Virginia and received a second Ph.D. from Walden University.

Texas Tech to build new $45 million residence hall 

Texas Tech University regents recently approved construction of a new $45 million residence hall to provide an additional 500 beds to its housing capacity. Plans also call for a 20,000-square-foot dining hall and a new parking lot, said Rick Francis (pictured), chairman of the facilities committee of the board of regents.
 

Regents had considered building a parking garage for the proposed 174,000-square-foot residence hall, but opted out of the garage because of large cuts expected in state funding.
 

To make room for the new residence hall, university officials also agreed to demolish the Exercise Studies Center and approved $6 million to renovate and add a 10,000-square-foot addition to the former print shop building to house staff of the Exercise Studies Center. The new housing residence is expected to open in fall 2012. Demolition of the Exercise Studies Center should begin in June of this year, university officials said.

Fort Bend changes plan for proposed science, technology center

Fort Bend Independent School District recently announced the district is backing away from building a proposed science and technology facility with a new plan that will use technology to deliver innovative science content to students at their home campus site.
 

The decision is a response to the economic challenge the district is experiencing concerning the cost of maintenance and utilities, the superintendent said. By canceling construction of the science and technology academy, Fort Bend ISD officials plan to redirect some interest money from bonds to higher priority capital improvement projects rather than seeking a bond referendum in November, the superintendent said.

Boerne ISD awarded second energy conservation grant

A nearly $480,000 Renewable Energy Technology Grant has been announced for the Boerne ISD through the State Energy Conservation Office's Innovative Energy Demonstration Program. Dr. John Kelly (pictured) said the school district is "in the forefront of innovations that provide new forms of energy at a lower cost." He said the current project will "save money, prepare for the future and model behavior for our students to emulate."
 

This second project will be combined with a previous program and provide installation of a solar roof-mounted array of more than 200 photovoltaic panels to generate energy. The project is expected to generate 104,121 kWh per year, saving the school more than $10,500 in energy costs each year, or some 15 percent of the school's electric bill. The two projects together are expected to net a saving annually of more than $16,000.
 

The project is expected to cost $579,964, with City Public Service in San Antonio making up the balance of the costs. The project qualifies for $100,000 in rebates - the maximum amount - through the CPS Renewable Energy Incentive Program.

Stolp selected as LBJ School of Public Affairs associate dean 

Associate Professor of Public Affairs Chandler Stolp (left) has been named associate dean of academic affairs for the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. He succeeds Robert Wilson (right), who has taken a six-month leave of absence to serve as public policy scholar for the prestigious Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC.

Wilson, who joined the LBJ School in 1979 as an assistant professor, has served as associate dean for more than four years. In the fall, he will return to the LBJ School to take up a Faculty Research Assignment (FRA). Wilson's areas of interest include public policy in Brazil, urban and regional policy and local governance in developing countries.

As the new associate dean, Stolp is charged with making sure the academic mission of the school prepares students for public affairs jobs in the United States and abroad.

Stolp, who joined the LBJ School in 1981, has served as graduate advisor and director of the doctoral program for 12 academic years. He has managed several international student exchange programs and has held visiting faculty positions in Chile and Mexico.

Breckenridge selects four finalists for city manager

Breckenridge city officials recently narrowed a list of 49 applicants for city manager to four finalists. The new city manager will replace Gary Ernest, who retired in December 2010.
 

The four finalists include Linda Knight, who is currently serving as acting city manager. Knight also served as city secretary and director of finance for the city. The other finalists are Don Miller, a former city manager of Commerce, an assistant city manager in Killeen and a city administrator in Katy; Brad Newton, city manager in Presidio who formerly served as an assistant city manager in Fort Stockton; and, Steve Floyd, the director of public works in Lufkin who previously served as assistant director of public works in Bridgeport.
 

Council members plan to interview the four finalists this week and have a new city manager in place by March 1, the mayor said.

Dallas County hopes City of Dallas will share communication costs

Dallas County commissioners and City of Dallas leaders plan to split the cost of a new radio communication system, which would dramatically cut costs on much-needed equipment.

The county and city both have 40-year-old systems that inhibit communication between agencies. A new system, which is estimated to cost about $187 million, would allow emergency workers at city, county and state agencies to communicate. Dallas, the largest user, would pick up three-quarters of the cost and the county would pay the remaining $57 million.

The city plans to hold a bond election to pay its share, while the county is considering taking on a short-term debt, which would be repaid with property tax revenue.

"We've got to do it to keep our citizens secure," said County Judge Clay Jenkins (pictured).

Athens ISD to call $6.5 million bond election

Athens Independent School District board members recently agreed to call a $6.5 million Qualified School Construction Bond election on May 14. Voters in that school district last year rejected a similar bond proposal.
 

If approved, the bond funds will be used to upgrade schools throughout the district and to perform maintenance on school facilities, said Superintendent Fred Hayes (pictured). Using Qualified School Construction bonds requires the state to pay the interest payment each month, with a term note due at the end of 15 years, he said. This method prevents a tax increase, said the chief financial officer for the district.
 

Board members plan to place the bond proposal on the agenda of the board meeting in February, district officials said.

Blinn College backs off merger talks with Texas A&M System

Blinn College officials recently decided to end their informal discussions with the Texas A&M University System on the possibility of the community college joining the university system.
 

The discussions ended after Blinn officials determined the benefits of joining the system would not offer relief soon enough to help the college with declining revenues, said Cathy Boeker, executive administrators of external affairs for Blinn. The state of the economy is immediate and must be addressed now and a merger is a long involved process, Boeker noted. If Blinn officials reconsider joining the A&M System, she predicted college officials most likely will seek a vote from the community before pursing further merger discussions.
 

A spokesman for the Texas A&M System noted there never was a plan for Blinn College to join the A&M system, but very informal discussions of the idea occurred.

Bonham ISD group urges $20 million limit for bond proposal

A Bonham Independent School District committee recently agreed to limit any bond requests to $20 million. Committee members have reviewed three different plans with price tags running from $23.2 million to $24.7 million in their effort to study facilities needs of the district.

While the parents, residents and district personnel on the committee reached no consensus on which of the three plans to recommend to trustees, most agreed that the high school should be a top priority and that some improvements need to be made at I.W. Evans Intermediate School. All agreed the bond proposal should not exceed $20 million.

One of the proposed plans called for almost rebuilding the high school and adding space at Evans for fourth graders, while the other plans recommended transforming an elementary school into a junior high school and combining Evans Intermediate School and Rather Junior High School to house K-fifth grade, but did not call for renovations to the high school. Committee members are scheduled to meet again in February to reach an agreement on what recommendations to make to board members.

College of Mainland may delay $86 million bond proposal

In the face of what he termed as growing opposition, Ralph Holm (pictured), trustee for College of the Mainland in Texas City, recently urged other board members to consider postponing an $86 million bond proposal planned in May. While Holm said he supports the bond proposal, he said he is concerned community support for the proposal is lacking.
 

Trustees planned to use the bond funding, if voters approve the proposal, to build a new $7.875 million health sciences center, build a $9 million addition to the science building, a $5 million addition to the workforce training center, perform a $3 million renovation of the welding and auto facility and a $1.8 million renovation to the math-science building. College officials also plan to spend $11.52 million to renovate the technical/vocational building, $4.34 million for renovations to the Learning Resource Center, build a $2 million addition to the Academic Success Center, build a $2.4 million addition to the maintenance building and perform $520,000 in renovations to that building, construct a $3 million addition to the Wellness Center and do $2.94 million in renovations to the student center. Other projects included in the bond proposal are a $6.25 million addition to the performing arts center, a $3.6 million renovation of the physical education building, $2.25 million in renovations to the fine arts building, $2 million for infrastructure and parking, $800,000 to upgrade central plant equipment and $11.955 million for other costs such as fees, bond costs and contingency funds.
 

Several trustees argued that opponents of the bond proposal are mixing the issue with the contested election for two board positions and urged board members to proceed with the bond election in May. The board has until Feb. 4 to call a May election.

Alamo Colleges considering public-private venture with developer

Alamo Colleges officials and a Cleveland-based development company are considering pooling resources to build a mixed-use development around San Antonio College.
 

The college would provide 4.4 acres of land, which is now used for parking, while the development company would pay for the construction of new homes, retail space, a 1,000-car parking garage and 100,000 square feet of academic space for the San Antonio College.
 

Public-private partnerships have become increasingly common due to the faltering economy, an official with the development company said.

Archer, Young county officials approve wind farm pacts

Officials of Archer and Young counties recently approved tax abatement agreements with a major energy company to build a wind farm on sites in both counties.
 

John Bullock (pictured), county judge in Young County, predicted construction on the Trinity Hills Wind Farm should begin by April 1. The agreement calls for a minimum of 50 megawatts of towers to be located in Young County and 75 megawatts of wind turbines, or about 60 percent, to be located in Archer County. Young County will receive $650,000 from the wind turbine project in lieu of taxes over a 10-year period, while Archer County expects to receive $975,000 in lieu of taxes over that same time under terms of the separately negotiated agreements. 
 

The project, which had been in planning for two years, had stalled until about four months ago when the energy company contacted county officials about moving forward with the wind farm to be located on both sides of SH79, Bullock said.

Big Spring police, Howard County Sheriff eye shared space

As a result of several years of consolidating manpower and investigative forces, the Big Spring Police Department and the Howard County Sheriff's Office are exploring further consolidation by sharing office space, according to the city manager of Big Spring.
 

While Big Spring has $1.7 million allotted for renovations to the current police station and the county has a new jail facility on the west side of town, City Manager Gary Fuqua said officials of the police department and sheriff's office have discussed whether moving the two entities together, possibly at the county jail site, could result in saving about $300,000 annually.
 

City and county officials will hold a joint meeting open to the public on February 28 to discuss the proposal for a joint law enforcement center for the city and county.

Foster resigns from San Antonio's CPS board

Charles E. Foster (pictured) recently resigned as a member of the board of trustees of  CPS in San Antonio. He had resigned as chairman last month citing health problems.
 

Foster, a former executive with a telecommunications company, won appointment to the CPS board last year to replace Aurora Geis, who resigned after city officials learned that utility staff members had not disclosed to the board or the council a higher-than-expected cost estimate.

Orange County commissioners consider alternative energy

Orange County commissioners recently discussed transforming a closed landfill into an alternative energy production plant that would generate electricity from methane gas.
 

Representatives from a Spring-based energy company said the change would produce 1.5 million megawatts of power and generate jobs at no expense to the county and with no harm to the environment.

Yet, commissioners wanted more information. They asked the energy company to put together a proposal and contract before going further.

Ramos nominated for federal judge in South Texas

President Barack Obama recently nominated State District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
 

Ramos first served as a municipal court judge in Corpus Christi in 1997 and was elected to the 357th State District Court in Corpus Christi in 2000. She has a bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. She also worked for six years at a law firm prior to becoming a municipal judge.

Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD mulling $136.5 million bond election

Trustees for the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District recently began discussions on whether to schedule a $136.5 million bond election in May.
 

If approved, the bonds would be used to build a $19.2 million career and technology center, activity centers at two high schools and to provide upgrades to technology and facilities throughout the district, said Superintendent Gene Buinger (pictured).

District officials also plan to improve heating and air conditioning systems at several schools, he said. Board members are expected to vote on whether to call the bond election on Feb. 3.

SAWS seeks proposals for private water projects

The San Antonio Water System needs an additional 20,000 acre-feet of water a year - and is seeking detailed proposals from any entity that can get water to the city by 2020. The water, which would supply 60,000 to 80,000 average homes for a year, can't be pumped from the Edwards Aquifer. Plans must include costs and should be submitted by July 22.

TACDC planning conference on 'Going Green Affordably' in March
 The Texas Association of Community Development Corporations has announced its 18th Annual Texas Community Economic Development Conference - "Going Green Affordably" - for March 6-8 in Austin. The event will be at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Austin. Some of the breakout sessions will feature topics such as Green Building, PR for Nonprofits, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Tax Credits. Sponsorships are available and there will be exhibitors at the event. Keynote speaker for the Monday event will be Mary Gordon Spence and keynote for Tuesday will be Mark Pinskey with Opportunity Finance and Sam Yoon with the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations. Early registration will be held through Feb. 18. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

2011 CPM-ASPA Conference planned in Austin on Feb. 18

The 12th Annual Conference of the Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program and the Texas Chapters of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) will be Feb. 18, at The University of Texas LBJ School Of Public Affairs in Austin. Historian Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at the Baker Institute of Rice University will deliver the William P. Hobby Distinguished Lecture. Theme for the conference is "Fiscal Stress: Hard Choices for the Public Service." Requests are being accepted to organize a panel or submit a paper on a public policy and/or administration topic. They do not have to be related directly to the theme of the conference. Conference participants will receive six (6) hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU) or Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credit for CPAs from Texas State University for attending thisconference. For additional information on location, parking, registration fees and forms, click here.  Sponsors are Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program, ASPA District IV and the CenTex Chapter of ASPA.

Texas Lyceum conference to address public pension funds
"Leading with Vision - Igniting to Action" is the title for this year's Leadership Fusion Summit, scheduled for Feb 16-17, 2011, in Houston and sponsored by the Region 4 Leadership Solutions. Extraordinary leaders from both business and education will share a variety of best practices aimed at helping accelerate learning and success in school leadership. Among the speakers is Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the 15 most influential business thinkers in the world. The first 300 to register will receive a free copy of Goldsmith's "MOJO - How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It." Registration is open now and there is a reduced Early Bird fee through Dec. 17. For more information, click here. For the agenda, click here.

Leadership Fusion Summit taking reservations for February event

"Leading with Vision - Igniting to Action" is the title for this year's Leadership Fusion Summit, scheduled for Feb 16-17, 2011, in Houston and sponsored by the Region 4 Leadership Solutions. Extraordinary leaders from both business and education will share a variety of best practices aimed at helping accelerate learning and success in school leadership. Among the speakers is Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the 15 most influential business thinkers in the world. The first 300 to register will receive a free copy of Goldsmith's "MOJO - How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It." Registration is open now and there is a reduced Early Bird fee through Dec. 17. For more information, click here. For the agenda, click here.

Texas lawmakers returned to Austin this month and were presented a "wish list" of much-needed higher education construction and renovation projects. The projects, which totaled more than $3 billion, need legislative approval. Many of the institutions requested funding tied to Tuition Revenue Bonds (TRBs).

TRBs were first authorized in Texas in the early 1970s. These bonds service the debt through tuition charges that students pay. TRBs can be used for purchases, construction, improvements and renovations and for infrastructure projects.

Dollars are tight in the 2012-13 state budget currently under consideration. However, lawmakers will most likely approve some of the TRB projects so the schools can take advantage of more aggressive bidding by companies wanting to capture new business opportunities. Construction costs and interest rates are at historic lows. Most construction costs for public projects are coming in lower than anticipated - sometimes double digit percentages lower!

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Corpus Christi closing in on search for new city manager

A search firm has narrowed the list of candidates for city manager in Corpus Christi to at least six candidates from the 53 applications received, city officials recently said.
 

Council members are scheduled to receive the list of finalists on Feb. 15, begin interviewing applicants soon after that and select a new city manager as early as the end of March. The new city manager will replace City Manager Angel Escobar, who announced his retirement in August 2010.
 

The applicants for city manager include current Assistant City Manager Margie Rose (pictured), K. M. Hubert, former city manager of Aransas Pass, and William Uhlarik, director of community health services for the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District. Candidates from Sugar Land, Teague, San Antonio, Harlingen, Arlington, Rio Hondo and Bryan also applied for the position as did candidates from Miami, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City and smaller cities in Minnesota, Illinois, Arizona and California.

Wilmore retires as finance director for Cleburne

Finance Director Greg Wilmore of Cleburne recently retired after 21 years of service with the city. Council members selected Kim Galvin, the current budget and purchasing manager for the city, to serve as interim finance director until the position is permanently filled.

Deputy superintendent position

in Plano being eliminated

Plano school officials recently responded to potentially devastating budget cuts by eliminating the district's second-highest position, and its second-highest salary.

Deputy Superintendent Danny Modisette (pictured), who earned $210,000 a year, will return to a previous job at a Plano-based consulting company. His duties of supervising human resources, student services and internal operations will be split between other administrators.

Potter County approves $5,000

for local drainage study

Potter County commissioners recently agreed to spend up to $5,000 to hire an engineer to study ways to improve drainage in the community of Bushland, which is located south of IH40.
 

Previous efforts to improve drainage ditches in the area have failed to prevent flooding of roads in the Bushland community when 2 to 3 inches of rainfall occur, said Commissioner Joe Kirkwood (pictured). The flooding threatens attendance at Bushland Independent School District several times a year, especially in rural areas, school officials said.

HISD to purchase propane-fueled buses with $2M in grant funding

Leaders of the Houston school district recently accepted more than $2 million in state grants to help purchase 25 propane-fueled buses, which produce about 50 percent fewer toxins and smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. The grants will cover 70 percent of costs and the school district will pay the remainder, about $900,000.
 

This is just the latest chapter in Houston's persistent pursuit for a more environmentally friendly fleet. In recent years, these efforts have reduced emissions by about 35 tons a year, experts estimate.

Premont school superintendent Cano resigns his position

Premont school superintendent Leobardo Cano recently announced his resignation, which is effective July 31. Cano's contract was not set to expire until 2013. "I just felt like it was time for me to move on," he said.

Brownsboro ISD to use search firm to find superintendent

The Brownsboro school board recently agreed to pay a search firm $10,000 to help find a new superintendent to replace longtime leader Elton Caldwell, who was denied an extension on his contract.
 

Board members hope to have a successor in place by mid-summer. They decided to hire a Dallas-based search firm because no board member has experience finding and hiring a superintendent. The board expects to set up a timeline this week.

Lancaster terminates city manager contract with Childers

Lancaster City Council members recently agreed to terminate the contract of City Manager Rickey Childers (pictured).  Council members also appointed Assistant City Manager Opal Mauldin-Robertson as the interim city manager.
 

Childers, who had one year remaining on his contract, will receive a severance package that includes a year of salary, insurance benefits and retirement contributions. He had served as city manager in Lancaster for four years.

Keene selects George Evans

as interim public works director

Keene City Council members recently selected George Evans as the interim director of public works. Evans, who previously served as assistant director of public works, will replace Mike Baze, who is retiring as public works director on Jan. 28. Evans, who began working for the city at age 16, has already handled day-to-day operations for public works for several months.

Alvin's interim leader

named city's top administrator

The interim city manager of Alvin, who has served in that role since July, was recently named the city's top administrator.
 

Terry Lucas (pictured), a former captain and 27-year veteran of the Alvin Police Department, signed a contract with the city through 2014.
 

The previous city manager, Paul Horn, retired from the position.

Martinez, Saltsgiver tagged

for Transportation Authority

Fort Worth City Council members recently appointed Jesse Martinez and Janet Saltsgiver to the board of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority.
 

A retired executive of an aircraft company and former trustee for the Fort Worth Independent School District, Martinez replaced Robert Parmelee, who moved out of the council district. Saltsgiver, a retired manager of a telephone company, replaced Curtis Toombs.
 

Board members also selected Gary Cumbie as the new chairman of the transportation authority and Rosa Navejar as vice chairwoman.

Fredericksburg may spend $4 million to upgrade city pools

Fredericksburg City Council members recently approved a contract with a design firm to prepare plans for a $2.9 million pool at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and a $1.1 million pool on Travis Street. 

City officials favor a large standard pool on Travis Street to replace the current pool built in the 1950s that was closed last summer because of a major leak, said City Manager Gary Neffendorf (pictured). A more decorative design for the pool is planned for the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, he said. That pool, which was built in the 1960's, also is in disrepair.

Timmerman appointed to chair Lower Colorado River Authority

Real estate developer Timothy Timmerman (pictured) was recently appointed to chair the 15-member Lower Colorado River Authority Board of Directors. He has served on the board since 2008.
 

Timmerman, who is a certified public accountant and licensed real estate broker, has also served on the Round Rock Community Foundation board, and St. David's Medical Center board.

Timmerman earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Laneville postpones project

to remodel ag building

With funding cuts looming, the Laneville school trustees recently postponed a project to refurbish the vocational agriculture building. Officials with the district, which is located in Rusk County, won't plan to re-tile the building until they know how much state revenue the district will lose. 
 

Superintendent Ronald Tidwell (pictured) has been told to prepare for a 5 percent cut. He's not yet sure where the cuts will come.

Burkburnett narrows city manager candidates to 15

Burkburnett leaders recently announced that they have whittled a list of 63 city manager applicants down to 15 contenders.

Of those, 10 are city managers, one is a county manager, two are assistant city managers and two are city department heads. Director of Administration Don Ives, who is serving as interim city manager, is one of the 15 candidates.
 

The job opened in November when Mike Slye, who served in the position for 11 years, resigned to become the city manager of Trophy Club, a Fort Worth suburb. Burkburnett officials want to fill the position by April 15.

Natalia superintendent announces resignation

Natalia school district Superintendent Joey Moczygemba recently announced that he will step down Feb. 11, despite a previous contract that didn't expire until June 2012.  

Moczygemba, who has led the district since 2005, will receive cash and benefits for five months, under a separation agreement approved by the school board.

Judson ISD to accept advertisements on buses

Trustees for the Judson Independent School District recently agreed to accept contracts for advertisement to be placed on district school buses.
 

Under the guidelines adopted by board members, the ads must be from child-friendly businesses. Board members cited the possibility of large cuts in state funding to schools as the reason for seeking to generate more funding for the school district.

University Medical Center selects Nunez as chief financial officer

The board of the University Medical Center in El Paso recently selected Michael Nunez (pictured) as the chief financial officer. Previously serving as the corporate controller for the medical center since 2006, Nunez has served as interim chief financial officer since July 2010.
 

Nunez previously worked as a hospital auditor and as director of finance at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Red Lick Volunteer Fire Dept.

wins $169,100 federal grant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded the Red Lick Volunteer Fire Department with a $169,100 grant. The grant will be used to pay for training, to purchase safety and rescue equipment and for support operations.

Hutto ISD hopes to raise $40,000 with ads on its school buses

Hutto Independent School District board members recently approved a contract with a media company to place advertisements on district school buses. The district expects to earn about $40,000 in revenue from the advertisements during the first year and hopes to increase to about $60,000 a year by the third year of the contract, a district spokeswoman said.
 

District officials are looking at a $1.4 million budget shortfall this year and are expecting to be forced to cut about $4 million to balance the budget for the 2011-12 school year.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD picks Paschall deputy superintendent

Trustees for the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District recently selected Melody Paschall as deputy superintendent. She will replace Jim Chadwell, who resigned last month to serve as superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD.

Paschall currently serves as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Coppell ISD. She previously held administrative posts at Allen ISD and Van ISD and was a teacher for Sunnyvale ISD.

San Marcos school continues search for superintendent

The San Marcos school district will continue to take applications until the end of the month for a superintendent to replace retiring Patty Shafer. Shafer will serve as interim superintendent until her successor is hired, which the school board hopes to do in April.
 

So far about 25 applications have come in, but more are expected, said consultants who were hired to conduct the search. After the Jan. 31 deadline, consultants will narrow the list to five candidates who will be introduced to district officials in March. The board aims to have a contract by the end of April so that the new leader will be in place during important summer budget and personnel discussions.

Wade Stidevent named

new Boling superintendent

The Boling school board recently named district veteran Wade Stidevent (pictured) superintendent. Stidevent served six years as assistant superintendent under Charles Butcher, who resigned on Nov. 19. Since Butcher's resignation, Stidevent has acted as interim superintendent.  

Stidevent came to the Boling district in 1991 as athletic director at Iago Junior High. During his 20 years in the district, he has worked as a teacher, head coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.
 

In a recent letter to the parents, Stidevent said his two most immediate concerns are the district's budget and curriculum. As assistant superintendent, he served as both the chief financial officer and curriculum director - "So I have the necessary background to address both these issues," he said.

Austin to create library jobs center with stimulus funds

The George Washington Carver Branch Library in East Austin recently received federal money to construct a center for computer classes and job search help.
 

The money, more than $63,000 in stimulus funds, will buy 12 laptop computers and training equipment. The City of Austin will also invest nearly $35,000 to create the center.

Aransas County ISD calls for $26.8 million bond election

Aransas County Independent School District trustees recently agreed to call a special election to authorize bonds up to $26.8 million to upgrade the Fulton Learning Center and build a new facility for the Live Oak Learning Center.
 

A facilities committee created 18 months ago urged the district to spend $8.1 million to renovate 10 regular classrooms, an art classroom, a music classroom, a clinic, academic support offices and upgrade student pickup points and four entrance and exit points.
 

The group also recommended building a new $18.7 million Live Oak Learning Center with 36 regular classrooms as well as an additional classroom for art, labs for science, computers, English as a Second Language, math and a challenge room. The plan also calls for a cafetorium to serve as a combined kitchen, dining area, seating and stage area and to upgrade the student pickup point and five entrance or exit points.

• C. Mauli Agrawal of San Antonio, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Thomas Halbouty of Southlake, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Judy Hawley of Portland, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Terry C. Hazell of Georgetown, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Robert Hicks of Austin, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Randal "Randy" Hill of Baird, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Rick Ledesma of Harlingen, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Robert "Bob" Pearson of Austin, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Henry Venta of Beaumont, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Aruna Viswanathan of Houston, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee
• Trey Loftin of Aledo, judge of the 43rd Judicial District Court in Parker County
• Stephanie Simmons of Missouri City, chair, Risk Management Board

Final interviews under way

for Denison city manager

Denison council members recently interviewed four candidates for the city manager position and narrowed the list to two finalists.
 

Although the council is not releasing the finalists' names, they did announce the four candidates: Kilgore city manager Jeff Howell, former Whitesboro city manager Alan Barnes, current Terrell assistant city manager Mike Sims and former Hudson Oaks city manager Robert Hanna.

The position became available when Larry Cruise, who has served the city for 23 years, announced that he will retire next month.

Dallas construction code 

requires contractors to register

Dallas city leaders recently changed construction code procedures so that many contractors must register with the city, at a cost of $120, before a city inspector will review permits or start inspections.
 

The following contractors must be registered with the City of Dallas Building Inspection: commercial general contractors, residential general contractor, concrete/asphalt/paving contractor, demolition contractor, fence contractor, foundation contractor, gas well contractor, landscape contractor, pool contractor, roof contractor and tree service contractor. Also defined as contractors are energy code, gas well and green building providers.

Correction

In the Jan. 21, 2011 edition of the Texas Government Insider, a story erroneously noted that Lone Star College is part of the Texas State University System. The various campuses of Lone Star College are part of the Lone Star College System.