UT System regents order 3,800 layoffs at UTMB

County's largest employer takes another punch from Hurricane Ike

Galveston took a secondary blow from Hurricane Ike this week as The University of Texas System Board of Regents ordered the county's largest employer - The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston - to downsize its work force by approximately 3,800 full-time employees.

UTMB President Dr. David Callender (left) responded to the news with a letter on the UTMB Web site to employees that began, "I write this with a heavy heart."

UTMB suffered $750 million in damages when Hurricane Ike, the third most destructive hurricane to ever hit the United States, came onshore in early September - causing more than $25 billion in damages along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Some of the health care facility's faculty and staff still have not been able to return to work but are still on the payroll. After their meeting Wednesday in El Paso, the UT System regents released a statement noting, "Detailed financial analysis shows that UTMB's current rate of expenditures, including the continuation of wages and benefits for faculty and staff who have not returned to work, exceeds revenues by almost $40 million per month. UTMB will deplete its financial resources and reserves in approximately three months, leaving the institution in the untenable position of having no funds to continue to operate."

Those employees who face layoffs will receive pay until mid-January 2009, said UT System Chancellor ad interim Dr. Kenneth Shine (right).

Sunset staff recommends abolishing TYC, TJPC

Proposes creating new Texas Juvenile Justice Department

No sooner had new Texas Youth Commission (TYC) Executive Director Cherie Townsend announced plans to eliminate 23 positions from the central office payroll by the end of this month and to implement a hiring freeze on 12 additional positions, than the Sunset Advisory Commission released its staff report on the TYC. The staff report recommends that both the TYC and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) be abolished and their functions transferred to a new agency, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Townsend noted in her online statement to TYC employees that most of the positions she wants to eliminate or put under a hiring freeze are currently empty, and only seven full-time staff would lose their jobs. She also indicated she was bringing on two new employees - Director of Government Relations and Coordination Lori Person and Director of Research and Planning Dr. Chuck Jeffords. She said the changes "will result in a stronger agency that is responsive to the customers we serve and the expectations placed upon us."

Changes at OAG follow departure of Sullivan

Weber named First Assistant AG; Frels moves to deputy AG post

Andrew Weber (pictured), former Clerk of the Texas Supreme Court and current Deputy Attorney General for Legal Counsel, has been named First Assistant Attorney General by Attorney General Greg Abbott. Weber will assume his new position on Dec. 1. Weber replaces outgoing First Assistant Attorney General Kent C. Sullivan, who last week was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston.

Abbott called Weber "an outstanding lawyer and experienced manager" who brings considerable public and private sector expertise to his new role. Weber was appointed by Abbott to serve as Deputy Attorney General for Legal Counsel in October 2007. From 2002 to 2006, Weber was Clerk of the Texas Supreme Court, supervising eight deputy clerks and serving as the court's chief administrator.

Weber earned his law degree from Baylor Law School and began his legal career serving as a briefing attorney to then-Justice Abbott at the Texas Supreme Court. Before joining the Attorney General's Office, Weber was a partner in a Fort Worth-based law firm.

October sales tax revenues up more than 5 percent

Despite the national economic slowdown, State Comptroller Susan Combs says Texas sales tax revenues continue to climb. October's sales tax revenue is up 5.2 percent - totaling $1.73 billion - over the October 2007 figure.

Combs sent Texas cities $373.8 million in sales tax revenue, up 4 percent compared to November 2007. Texas counties received $33 million in allocations - up 8.7 percent from a year ago - and special-purpose taxing districts received $20.5 million, up more than 23 percent from last November. Combs allocated $120.9 million to 10 transit systems, up 1.7 percent from a year ago.

To view the tax allocations by city, click here. To view the allocations by county, click here.

Texas voters set record with 66 percent

Texas ranked among leading states in the number of early and absentee votes cast in the General Election. Of the record 8 million votes cast in the election, some 5.35 million, or 66 percent, were cast early. In the 2004 election, 51 percent voted early.

Texas Secretary of State spokesman Randall Dillard said people "just really like the convenience of early voting." In Texas, citizens can cast a vote early at the location of their choosing in the county where they are registered. Democratic and Republican political operatives both contend excitement over the contested race been Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain also played a hand in the record number of early votes.

Riter to head Texas Higher Ed Coordinating Board

A.W. "Whit" Riter III (left) of Tyler has been appointed chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Fred W. Heldenfels IV (right) has been appointed as the board's vice chair.

Riter, president of a management company, serves as chairman of the THECB Strategic Planning Committee in addition to serving on the Select Commission on Higher Education and Global Competitiveness. Riter holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He replaces former chair Robert W. Shepard of Harlingen.

Heldenfels, president and CEO of a major enterprise, is a member of the THECB Strategic Planning Committee and vice chair of the Agency Operations Committee. Heldenfels received a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and replaces Riter as vice chair.

Sunset Commission releases new agency reports

The Sunset Advisory Commission staff has released staff reports for the following agencies:

• Texas Facilities Commission (Study)
• Texas Commission on Jail Standards
• Texas Medical Board (Performance Study)
• Texas Military Preparedness Commission
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Office of State-Federal Relations
• Board of Tax Professional Examiners
• Texas Youth Commission, Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, and Office of Independent Ombudsman

To view the reports, click here.

Borrego joins Garcia on Obama transition team

University of Texas-Pan American professor Espiridion "Al" Borrego (pictured) has been tapped by President-elect Barack Obama's transition team to join them in setting up the new executive branch of government. Borrengo also served on President Bill Clinton's 1992 transition team.

Borrego, a native of Polk and the first Hispanic Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training Services, served in the U.S. Department of Labor from 1994 to 2001 during the Clinton administration. He also served as a program analyst in NASA's comptroller office in the early 1980s.

He joins Juliet Garcia, president of The University of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College, who will also advise the new administration as it shifts to executive power Jan. 20, 2009. Garcia also served on President Clinton's transition team.

Department of Defense to invest $400M in higher ed

The Department of Defense has announced plans to invest an additional $400 million in academic institutions to expand research into new and emerging scientific areas, and to foster fundamental discoveries related to technical challenges the department faces. The effort known as the Strategic Plan for Basic Research is aimed at sustaining and strengthening the nation's commitment to long-term research.

Projects based in academic disciplines ranging from physics and chemistry to electrical engineering and environmental sciences will focus on technical challenges the department faces, such as countering weapons of mass destruction. Deputy Secretary William Rees, Jr. said the grants "will lead to discoveries in fundamental fields which underpin many of technologically complex systems fielded in today's Armed Forces."

DoD research offices determining which institutions will receive the awards include the Army Research Office, the Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

National Science Foundation awards Texas Tech grant

Texas Tech University has received $740,275 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for creation of the Texas Tech Noyce Scholars (TTNS), a five-year program designed to lure more math and science majors into teaching. TTU is one of 20 universities to receive the funding out of more than 103 institutions considered. TTU President Guy Bailey contends that due to a teacher shortage across the state, the grant will help pool talent in an academic area currently shortchanged.

"Many schools must use teachers who are not highly qualified in the areas of math and science," Bailey said, adding that with TTNS, "we can begin a program to focus on a different pool of talent with hopes those students will enter the teaching field."

Upon completing the program, students must teach at a high-needs school for four years. Jerry Dwyer (pictured), program director and assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, said the high-needs classification means that a school may be forced to have a history teacher, for example, teach math or chemistry. With TTNS, Dwyer said, "We can provide the teaching qualifications they (math and science majors) need to move into the classroom."

UTEP promoting heart-health awareness

In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle choices and reduce cardiovascular disease, the College of Health Sciences and Department of Health Promotion at The University of Texas at El Paso have been awarded a grant totaling nearly $2.7 million. Funds from the grant will help support the project known as HEART - Health Education Awareness Research Team.

The purpose of the project is to increase heart health awareness and reduce heart disease risk factors in the community, according to Dr. Maria Duarte-Gardea, associate professor of Health Promotion and principal investigator of the project.

The five-year grant, awarded through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, is part of an ensuing two-phase, community-based participatory research project scheduled to run through 2013.

Austin College picks Marjorie Hass as new president

Dr. Marjorie Hass (pictured), current provost at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, has been chosen as the 15th president of Austin College in Sherman, and will begin her duties July 1 of next year.

Hass was named Muhlenberg's first provost in 2004, after having served a year as interim dean of the college and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She had previously served the college as director of its Center for Ethics from 2000 to 2003. She began at Muhlenberg in 1993 teaching in the philosophy department. She holds her bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As provost, she is the college's chief academic officer with 18 academic department heads who report directly to her, as well as several deans and associate deans, the registrar and others.

Hass will replace Dr. Oscar C. Page, Austin College's president since 1994, who announced in March that he would be retiring from the position. Austin College Board of Trustees Chair Robert M. Johnson called Hass "a rising star ideally suited to define and realize what we know will be a continued bright future for Austin College." Hass said she is ready "to bring Austin College's unique vision and distinctive strengths to the attention of a broader national audience."

UT-Austin student media center renovated, renamed

The student media building at The University of Texas at Austin has been rechristened in honor of media magnate William Randolph Hearst, thanks to a $750,000 gift from Hearst Foundations.

The grant has allowed for expansion to the building and enhanced space for faculty, volunteers and its 700-plus students.

The building houses the school's newspaper staff, yearbook staff, student television station and radio station KVRX.

DCCCD board wins Kennedy award for diversity

Diversity is the cornerstone of a successful academic setting at the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) and for the second consecutive year, the DCCCD Board of Trustees has been recognized for its efforts to promote and support diversity. The board was recently named winner of the 2008 Charles Kennedy Equity Award presented by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). Board members with the award in the accompanying photo include (from left): Kitty Boyle; Diana Flores, vice chair; Jerry Prater, chair; Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr., DCCCD chancellor; Charletta Compton, Bob Ferguson; and JL "Sonny" Williams. Not pictured is board member Martha Sanchez Metzger.

Earlier this year, the board received the ACCT Western Region Equity Award and then competed with four other ACCT regional winners for the Kennedy award.

"This honor represents the spirit in which we are moving forward - inclusion and diversity - which is the most important goal," said Prater. The award is based on enrollment, successful completion of students, participation in certain majors, campus environment, employment and promotion practices, involvement in minority communities and diversity on the board, committees and advisory groups and among contracting and vendor participation in the district.

Border fence segments halted in Rio Grande Valley

Three segments of the Rio Grande Valley border fence have been stalled following increasing engineering and hydrology concerns. Officials concerned about debris and detritus from the fence clogging the river and potentially leading to flood hazards caused U.S. Customs and Border Protection to delay the project.

Construction has been halted in Rio Grande City and the cities of Roma and Los Ebanos. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security had initially planned to build portable fencing along communities abutting the river.

Congress had originally called for 670 miles of fence along the United States-Mexico border to be built by the end of the year, but Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said having all sections of the fence under contract by then was a likelier proposition.

Officials look to buy wastewater treatment plant

City and district officials around Austin are looking to acquire the Bushy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in a bid to save residents fees. The facility treats wastewater for Round Rock, Austin, Cedar Park and the Bushy Creek and Fern Bluff municipal utility districts. In turn, the communities pay fees to the LCRA based on how much they use the facility, which will total an estimated $9.8 million for 2009.

Round Rock City Manager Jim Nuse (pictured) said the bottom line "is to provide the lowest, most cost-efficient wastewater collection and treatment we can provide." If the plant is sold, Nuse expects cities and districts to save around $1 million a year.

LCRA owns 22 water- and 16 wastewater-treatment plants. Board members have only recently expressed an interest in selling the Bushy Creek facility, which services about 200,000 homes.

Secretary to retire after 36 years with City of Longview

Longview City Secretary Lois McCaleb has announced she will retire after 36 years of service.

McCaleb, known as a stalwart force amid the city's roster of employees, began serving as Longview secretary 17 years ago. Prior to that, she served as assistant city secretary, municipal court clerk, criminal analyst and criminal investigation records secretary.

Citing McCaleb's "wealth of information," Mayor Jay Dean said she worked hard to address residents' needs "with kindness and care."

McAllen officials planning to build outdoorsman's oasis

After securing $1.6 million in state funding, city officials in McAllen are looking to build an outdoorsman's oasis, which will include a 6.4-acre fishing lake and camping grounds at Fireman's Park in addition to 11 acres of park land. The park will include a playground, pavilion, restrooms, showers, concession building, trails with bridges, fishing piers and a sand volleyball court.

Mayor Richard Cortez (pictured) said the project will create a "wholesome activity for McAllen families to enjoy" and add to the beauty of the city. The city is adding $800,000 from its coffers to fund the project.

City planners hope to have final designs of the park completed by spring 2009 and begin construction the following summer.

Some Galveston schools may have to close

Some public, private and charter schools in the Galveston area may close due to Hurricane Ike's heavy toll on the island's revenue sources. Many students have been unable to return to their schools because of the hurricane's devastation, which means less funding from the state and private sector. Additionally, tax revenues for public schools will decline as area home and business values plunge.

Galveston's public school district so far has lost 30 percent of its students, and schools suffering more than 50 percent in damages have not yet been renovated because of costs. If the district decides to close these schools, it could mean a significant number of job losses for teachers and staff.

Although insurance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will cover some rebuilding costs, the district could still see its budget - which was $6 million in the red before Hurricane Ike - increase by millions.

Rio Grande Valley trying to erase city/county borders

Global companies looking to build and invest in the Rio Grande Valley are looking past city and county borders, and are asking the Valley's economic development officials to do the same. Eight local governments in Hidalgo and Cameron counties so far have paid membership fees to join in the Rio South Texas Economic Council, a newly created agency geared to promote the Valley as a whole to outside investors.

In response, other governments, educational institutions and private enterprises have expressed an interest in joining the effort, which will help foster collaboration among Valley cities and counties, according to Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas (pictured).

Salinas said the measure will improve the region's ability to compete for jobs and outside investment against national and state markets. He said the effort is necessary "if we're going to attract those Fortune 500-type companies."

Galveston merchants ask city to support casino gambling

Claiming that casino gambling would help Galveston recover from Hurricane Ike, the Strand Merchants Association recently sent a letter to the mayor and city manager urging city officials to support casino gambling.

Allen Flores, president of the downtown merchants association, said casino gambling would create jobs, middle-income housing, an increased tax base and assistance for beach restoration funding. A casino downtown and one on the seawall would draw enough visitors to help local businesses survive the damages and loss of business from the hurricane and encourage some business owners to rebuild, he said.

Mayor Lyda Thomas declined to comment on the letter, saying the island has more immediate priorities than casino gambling, which is a controversial issue that has divided the island politically in the past. To make gambling legal in Texas, two-thirds of the State Legislature would have to approve a constitutional amendment. Bids to permit legalized casino gambling in Texas previously have failed.

Brownsville officials take stadium funding off table

Brownsville city officials have decided against funding $7.5 million for a proposed baseball stadium, which would have been home to the Brownsville Charros. A private investor group had initially proposed to fund the construction itself but was unable to secure financing due to the economic crisis.

Commissioner Charlie Atkinson (pictured) said financing the stadium was not in the best interest of the city after a closer inspection of the proposal. Mark Sossi, the city's contract attorney, advised commissioners on the matter and claimed the deal did not protect taxpayers' monies.

City Manager Charlie Cabler said the city had never been "100 percent" on board with financing the project but is optimistic the city will one day have a stadium.

Irving requires convenience stores to install cameras

The Irving City Council recently approved new rules requiring convenience stores to install three high-resolution surveillance cameras to help reduce crime at convenience stores. The new regulations also require convenience store owners to post signs in English and Spanish prohibiting trespassing and providing unobstructed views of the sales counters through front windows and doors used by the public, and finally to registered their contact information with the police.

Under the new ordinance, existing convenience stores will have until January 2010 to begin using the cameras, but future stores must meet the regulation before they can open. The city also will require store employees to take a training course in safety and to block access or secure areas of the store where beer and wine are sold when the store is open during hours when alcohol cannot be legally purchased.

Store employees must complete safety training within six months and convenience store owners must comply with all other provisions of the law in 30 days.

Lufkin taking cautious approach to capital projects

Although the Lufkin City Council recently ranked priorities for 10 proposed capital improvement projects, Keith Wright, assistant city manager, urged city officials to take a cautious approach on moving ahead on projects due to current economic conditions.

Mayor Jack Gordon (pictured) urged the city to move forward with expansion of the baseball field and renovation of the Pines Theater. Expanding the baseball field and adding concession stands, restrooms and parking areas will draw more visitors who will spend money at local businesses while attending tournaments, he said. The city set aside $500,000 for initial renovations at the theater, including roof repairs and exterior renovation such as painting and changing out windows and doors.

The priority projects were expansion of baseball fields for $700,370, Morris Frank Baseball Expansion $700,370, renovation of Pines Theater for almost $1.5 million, the Kit McConnico parking lot at a cost of $134,940, replacing restrooms in several parks for $109,850, proposed East Whitehouse Drive for $6.4 million, a zoo commissary for $373,930, replacement of White Oak Drive bridge for $154,480, reconstruction of Atkinson Drive for $1.5 million and reconstruction of Moffett Road for $1.6 million.

San Angelo ISD moves forward with renovations

Trustees for the San Angelo Independent School District recently agreed to present architects with a list of changes that could cut the cost of a proposed $6 million field house renovation.

Suggestions made for reducing costs include recycling used brick and other materials, cutting skylights in the turf room, reducing the number of whirlpools and using blinds instead of drapes.

The district should get a guaranteed maximum price for the field house renovations in December and expect construction to begin in January, said Steve Van Hoozer, purchasing director. District officials said the district plans to pay for a majority of the field house renovations as well as use $1.5 million raised by local contributions.

Burleson moving ahead on recreation center

The Burleson City Council recently approved moving forward on a new $17.5 million recreation center, a park at Burleson Commons and a third fire station.

Mayor Kenneth Shetter (pictured) said the new 65,000-square-foot recreation center will include two large meeting rooms, a child care area, two pool party rooms, an indoor family aquatics pool, a five-lap lane pool, a team office, an outside pool, twin gymnasiums, an elevated jogging track, a fitness area with machines and weights, rooms for aerobic dance classes and offices for the parks and recreation department. The council also urged the parks and recreation director to find ways to include an indoor waterfall in the facility.

Council members also approved plans for an outdoor park and children's play area with a water fountain for Burleson Commons and the addition of a new $2.2 million, 10,000-square-foot fire station featuring a residential look, a covered patio and exercise room to accommodate seven firefighters.

Nolte withdraws from Lee College president list

Dr. Harold Nolte has withdrawn his name from consideration for president of Lee College, citing personal reasons. The two candidates who remain, Dr. Michael Murphy of Florida and Dr. Lee Sloan of Corpus Christi, attended candidate receptions in Baytown earlier this week.

Murphy, a consultant with the Association of Community College Trustees and a faculty member at Walden University, previously served as president of College of DuPage in Illinois and campus president at St. Louis Community College in Missouri. He received his Ed.D. from Indiana University.

Sloan is campus dean and dean of business, professional and technology education at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. During his 14 years with Del Mar, Sloan planned a $108 million bond election for the college, managed construction of almost $60 million in new facilities, and established 20 new instructional programs. Sloan holds an Ed.D. from Clemson University. Another finalist, Dr. Ann McNutt of Baytown, withdrew her name from consideration for president after accepting another position.

Texas Tech secures $25M gift for engineering college

Texas Tech University administrators have accepted a $25 million endowment from AT&T in honor of Edward E. Whitacre Jr. (pictured), former chair and CEO of the corporation and former Texas Tech regent. The university's college of engineering will be named in Whitacre's honor as a result of the gift.

Whitacre credits much of his success to TTU, where he graduated from the industrial engineering program in 1964. He said his dream is to ensure other students are afforded the same opportunities as he.

Whitacre has been instrumental in securing some of TTU's largest gifts, including nearly $30 million for Jones Stadium renovations. TTU System Chancellor and long-time friend of Whitacre, Kent Hance, said the latest contribution from AT&T will allow the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering to remain on the cutting edge of engineering education by positioning it "to attract a diverse and quality student body."

Dallas County second to check immigration database

Jailers in Dallas County will soon join with those in Harris County in checking inmates' criminal and immigration records simultaneously in a new nationwide program entitled "Secure Communities." Four counties in North Carolina also soon will access the new combined criminal and immigration database, federal officials recently said.

The program, in which agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are notified electronically when fingerprints match those of a non-citizen of the United States, is expected to expand to more than 50 jails throughout the country by spring 2009. Local law enforcement officials will handle state or local charges but immigration charges will be overseen by federal officials or local law enforcement officials trained and authorized to enforce immigration law under ICE supervision.

Dallas County and Wake County in North Carolina began using the program Wednesday. Gaston, Buncombe and Henderson counties in North Carolina will begin using it by next week. The Harris County Sheriff's Office in Texas and Suffolk County in Massachusetts began using the $350 million federal program last month.

University of Houston endows 13th president

Dr. Renu Khator (pictured) was formally endowed as the University of Houston's 13th president and the UH System's 8th chancellor at an event marking the occasion. Houston Mayor Bill White and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst attended and commended Khator's tenure, which began in January.

Khator, during her investiture, outlined a bold new vision for the university and announced four strategic initiatives geared toward making UH a top-tier university. The initiatives include:

- Bringing together 70 of the university's top faculty to conduct broad levels of research in energy research, including fossil fuels, biofuels, wind and solar;

- Expanding the university's presence and its partnerships with Texas Medical Center institutions;

- Positioning the university as a world-class arts destination through the UH Arts Initiative; and

- Complementing the university's existing commitment to strengthen its centers of excellence, including nationally ranked programs in entrepreneurship, optometry, social work and others.

Khator also pledged a renewed emphasis in non-academic areas, including a new football stadium, a stronger athletics program and more parking on campus, among others.

Texas Veterans Leadership Program in works

The Texas Veterans Leadership Program (TVLP) - a resource to help returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans assimilate to civilian life by providing employment and training services - is being readied to launch.

Modeled after the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, TVLP will be headed by Texas Workforce Commissioner (TWC) Tom Pauken and overseen by a state director. The committee will recruit 28 veterans to serve as liaisons in TWC centers across the state.

Pauken said the program provides "an opportunity to welcome veterans home in the right way and assist them with a successful transition."

ASU nursing college receives grant

The Health Resources and Services Administration's Bureau of Health Professions has granted $32,784 to Angelo State University's Department of Nursing. The funds will help supplement the university's Nursing Faculty Loan Program (NFLP), which grants low-interest loans to ASU graduate students to help pay for tuition, fees, books and supplies as they work toward a master's degree in nursing.

Because of these funds and contributions from the university, part-time students will be eligible for the program for the first time since 2009. Dr. Leslie Mayrand, dean of the ASU College of Nursing and Allied Health, said most of the master's degree nursing students work full time, which made it difficult for them to take advantage of the program in the past.

Since ASU's nurse educator master's program is offered online, students outside Texas are also considered. The program subsidizes out-of-state tuition. As a result of these measures, the university expects the number of students enrolled in NFLP to spike from nine this year to 20 in 2009.

Corpus Christi studying bond projects timeline

City staff in Corpus Christi are set to spend the next few weeks determining when $153 million in bond projects will begin during a four-year timeline. A series of factors, including oil costs, materials expense and availability of contractors will set project agendas.

City Manager Angel Escobar said it's a matter of "how we can balance the work that needs to be done." For example, asphalt projects and street overlays will be slated first if oil prices remain low. Other projects will be scheduled according to what can be done quickly.

Street projects totaling more than $104 million will likely be delayed to prevent conjestion from 2004 projects in the city's south side. Funding for some of the bond projects is expected to be divvied up as early as January, providing a boost to the local work force. Escobar said the city generally uses at least 75 percent of local architects and engineers as consultants for the projects.

Plans for Corpus veterans' cemetery move forward

Plans for a 54-acre veterans' cemetery in Corpus Christi are set to move forward as county and state officials formalize a land swap agreement. County Judge Loyd Neal (pictured) has signed over the donated lands to the General Land Office, clearing a path for what Neal termed "a great milestone."

From there Nueces County officials will work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to coordinate construction. Once federal funds have been appropriated, it will take about a year to design the cemetery and 18 months to build it.

Land office spokesman Jim Suydam said he is expecting around $9.3 million in federal funds by 2010. Veterans Affairs will cover the majority of remaining expenses, and Nueces County will pick up tabs for legal and survey work.

DSHS Rio Grande clinic to get $10M renovation

The Department of State Health Services' South Texas Health Care System recently broke ground on a $10 million renovation of its outpatient clinic in Harlingen. The clinic serves more than 60,000 patients a year from Cameron and Hidalgo counties.

System officials plan to spend about $5 million to renovate the building by updating the air conditioning system, windows and lighting. The remaining $5 million will be used to update water lines, sanitation and landscaping. Once renovations are complete, the 41,500-square-foot facility will be smaller than the original 68,000 square-foot, 50-year-old facility because so much of the current clinic is unused because of disrepair, officials said.

Once the renovations are complete, all services offered at the South Texas Health System campus will be located in one facility, including primary care, infectious disease treatment, the pharmacy, laboratory and space for diabetes education, said Dr. David Moron, the clinical director. The clinic will remain open during construction. Renovations should be completed in about a year, he said.

Sugar Land imposes hiring freeze, cost-savings

Reacting to current economic conditions, Sugar Land city officials recently imposed a hiring freeze and cost-saving measures to reduce spending by 3 percent.

Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard (pictured) said the belt tightening is necessary in light of an anticipated 5 percent decrease in sales tax revenues, a 40 percent decrease in development revenues or a possible $1.6 million decrease in general fund revenues.

Bogard said he expects most vacant and new positions will not be filled until April and that capital and nonrecurring purchases such as vehicles and computer equipment will also be delayed until April. He also said a bond sale to pay for budgeted capital projects is planned in the spring to allow time to monitor the market and sell the bonds when the market is healthier.

Odessa kicks off $1.6M first phase of water upgrades

Members of the Odessa City Council recently approved spending $1.69 million to kick off the first stage of the city's five-year, $69 million effort to improve its aging infrastructure through its Water and Sewer System Improvement Programming Project (WSSIP).

The city has secured almost $60 million in bonds, with $45 million set aside to replace existing water and sewer lines, up to $15 million to install new lines and $9 million planned for new meters and equipment to read the new meters, said Ajay Shakyaver, the city engineer.

About $8.9 million will be spent on infrastructure improvements this winter including this portion, Shakyaver said. City officials also are looking for a contractor for about $1.7 million in additional sewer line replacement. The city will have to pay $4.9 million for a new sewer main to service future development on the 700 acres of land council members approved annexing in July. The Sewer Line H bid will go out in December. The city plans for projects totaling $5 million in the spring, he added.

TPWD introduces family camping to S.Texas

Texas Outdoor Family workshops sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), already a hit in the Houston and Austin areas, are expanding to state parks near the Texas central coast, Laredo and the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

During the weekend-long workshops, families receive expert instruction on how to explore and appreciate the outdoor world around them.

Better yet, no camping equipment is necessary to take part in the workshop, according to Texas State Parks Outdoor Program Coordinator Chris Holmes. He said that many in today's increasingly urban culture lack "the same skills or backgrounds as earlier generations of Texans." TPWD hopes to remedy that with the workshops.

Each workshop costs $55 for families of six or fewer, and includes instruction in kayaking, fishing, trail navigation and cooking outdoors, among other recreations.

Dallas ISD superintendent lays out budget plan

Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Michael Hinajosa's plan to overhaul the district's financial system is on track to be completed by the end of the year. After a three-hour meeting with a group of Dallas business leaders, Dr. Hinojosa said by January, "We'll be implementing everything."

The district faced a $64 million shortfall this year and may potentially face an even higher deficit next year. In response, the board of trustees voted to lay off hundreds of teachers and staff to reduce spending.

Hinojosa blamed the deficits on poor coordination among DISD departments and said more teachers were inadvertently hired than were necessary, adding his meetings with business leaders and Texas Education Agency commissioners have been focused on new financial systems as opposed to past problems. Hinojosa said the systems need to be in place "to make sure this doesn't happen again."

UT-Arlington planning special events center

The University of Texas at Arlington plans to use part of the $50 million to $100 million it expects to receive during the next 10 years by allowing the drilling of six natural gas wells on campus to pay for a new special events center.

President James Spaniolo (pictured) said university administrators estimated the school will earn about $75 million from the natural gas wells to be located on the southeast corner of the campus. He also said university officials plan to spend about $15 million of the gas well revenue on a campus master plan, including a new special events center. The remaining $60 million in expected revenue will be split equally between faculty recruitment and retention and financial aid programs.

Spaniolo said he plans to soon release details on a new special events center that will be tied to the redevelopment of downtown Arlington. University officials have discussed for several years the need for a multipurpose area that would serve as home to the Maverick basketball teams.

TPWD acquires additional lands for El Paso state park

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has acquired roughly 1,670 acres from the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board to add to the Franklin Mountains State Park. At 24,247 acres, the park stands as the largest urban wilderness area in the continental United States.

John Moses, director of El Paso state park complex, said the acquisition "will give us a buffer between previous state park boundaries and pending development areas."

The 80th Texas Legislature required TPWD to acquire the land and allocated $162,000 for the purchase.

Jasper voters to decide on how to spend 4A funding

Board members of the Jasper Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) recently approved asking voters to decide whether 4A funding can be used for 4B projects such as sports facilities and street improvements. The proposition will be on the May 2009 city ballot.

The language on the ballot will mirror the language used by the Silsbee Economic Development Corporation in their election to fund 4B projects, said Sid Stover (pictured), president of JEDCO. Under 4-A corporation rules mandated by the state, JEDCO is limited to assistance to manufacturing and warehouses operations.

Funding from JEDCO can be used for 4B projects only after an election and approval by voters said Kari Ellis, JEDCO's interim director. Approval of the proposition will allow the corporation to use its revenues for retail operations, parks, entertainment and tourism. Because all of JEDCO's revenues are produced from sales taxes, people who shop in Jasper from Pineland, Newton, Woodville and other nearby cities will pay for most of the improvements, she said.

Pampa looking at new water park, improvements

Pampa city staff recently proposed that the city commission approve a new water park to attract more visitors to the city and make major improvements to other city parks. City Manager Trevlyn Pitner (pictured) said he requested the city's parks and recreation director present a plan for improvements that would enhance economic development efforts and improve quality of life because the city has made no major improvements to its parks in 25 years. The swimming pool is 30 years old and had a major drainage and leakage problem last year that forced closure of the pool for a few weeks and is often overcrowded, he said.

Parks and Recreation Director Shane Stokes asked city commissioners to consider plans for a water park, ranging from a high-end water park with a spray ground, a pool, bathhouse and changing houses to a more scaled down version with water slides and a spray ground. A scaled down water park would cost between $1.5 million to $3 million, while a high-end water park could cost from $8 million to $10 million.

Stokes also proposed making essential improvements by adding $250,000 in new playground equipment and other upgrades at Recreation Park, Hobart Street Park Highland Park and Inez Carter Park. He said improvements also are needed at Prairie Village, Lion's Club Park, Alameda Park, Beech Park, North Crest Park and Central Park that would cost about $500,000. Both options include new playground equipment, benches, shade structures, fencing, ground cover and sidewalks. Stokes said he has asked the Pampa Economic Development Corp. to contribute $80,000 for playground equipment, $220,000 for a splash park and $50,000 for improvements to the swimming pool. While some commission members expressed support for the plan, city commissioners took no action on the proposal.

Busy legislative session
less than 60 days away

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

The 81st session of the Texas Legislature is set to convene in less than 60 days. Hard to believe...but true.

The State Capitol is already buzzing. Monday was the first day of pre-filing of legislation for the upcoming session and if that first day's count of bills filed is any indication, this session will definitely be a busy one.

The 423 bills filed Monday eclipsed first day pre-filing totals for the last 10 legislative sessions. In fact, this is the first time first-day pre-filed bills topped 400, as the previous record was 318 prior to the 80th Legislature.

Before the session ends, literally thousands of bills will be filed and usually what happens on the first day bills can be filed is an indication of things to come. During the 80th Legislature alone, members filed a total of nearly 11,000 bills - including House and Senate bills and resolutions. Not all bills filed will make it to committee hearings or move through the legislative process, but thousands will.

Longview ISD adds $2.9 million to school budget

Trustees for the Longview Independent School District recently authorized an additional $2.9 million to include an expanded auditorium and dance studio at Longview High School.

Voters in May approved a $34.7 million bond package calling for 49,600 square feet of additional space. Administrators asked the board to support the addition of 57,000 square feet to the physical education, fine arts and career/technology areas. The changes include expanding the new auditorium from 500 to 955 seats and adding the dance studio to the fine arts addition, said Superintendent James Wilcox (pictured). Funding for the project will come from the district's fund balance only if no money remains from the bond sale, he said.

Waco plans renovation
of convention center

Waco city officials are looking for construction to begin in early February on a $17.5 million renovation of the Waco Convention Center.

Plans call for the almost windowless concrete building to be transformed into a more modern curvilinear building with a new facade, a three-story glass atrium and a porte cochere with cables copying the lines of the nearby suspension bridge over the Brazos River. The east side of the building will get a two-story porch overlooking the river and much of the building will be wrapped in glassed-in hallways, said the architect. Expected completion of the project is scheduled for the summer of 2010.

Dianne Hess joins SPI
as senior consultant

Dr. Dianne Hess (pictured) has joined Strategic Partnerships, Inc., as a senior consultant, with a specialization in K-12 public education. Hess spent 20 years in Texas public schools - first as a classroom teacher and later as assistant superintendent for curriculum/instruction and special populations. She also has six years multi-district experience through her regional Education Service Center consulting.

A veteran of state government as well, Hess has six years of state agency experience with the State Board for Educator Certification, from which she retired in 2001. Since that time she has provided consulting services for a variety of educational entities, including school districts, Education Service Centers, Texas universities, state agencies and others.

Hess earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

San Antonio approves $1.6 million to comply with ADA

The San Antonio City Council recently approved $1.6 million for 742 new wheelchair ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The new ramps are included in the city's 2008-2009 street maintenance program.

Majed Al-Ghafry, the public works director, said all future street and sidewalk maintenance programs will have ADA compliance built in even though in the past the city had no formalized program to ensure its streets and sidewalks complied with the federal law. Al-Ghafry presented a new ADA infrastructure implementation plan prepared with the assistance of the city's disability access office to the council in August. Funds for the new ramps will come from cost savings realized when the public works department was able to lock in 2008 prices for projects to be done in 2009.

Jasper ISD selects Joe Whittemore as lone finalist

Trustees for the Jasper Independent School District recently selected Dr. Joe Whittemore as the lone finalist for superintendent. Whittemore will replace Dr. Jimmy Creel, who served as interim superintendent following the retirement of Bill "Butch" Dean from that post.

Corpus Christi gives $1M grant funds to TAMU-CC

The Corpus Christi City Council recently authorized a $1 million grant for a mechanical engineering program at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi is the largest city in Texas without a university that offers a degree in mechanical engineering.

The grant was awarded because the Coastal Bend area has a great demand for mechanical engineers to work at local refineries and other industries that use motors and machines, said Emily Martinez of the city's economic development office. It will be used to help start a mechanical engineering program. University officials now must raise another $2 million in private contributions in January to fulfill their goal to enroll students in mechanical engineering by next fall.

SPI announces job opportunities
for K-12, health, law enforcement, local government consultants

SPI is adding more individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has immediate openings for part-time consultants with expertise and strong connections and relationships in the K-12 education arena, in the healthcare arena, in law enforcement and in local government in Texas, particularly the San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Rio Grande Valley areas.

To apply for these part-time consulting positions at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for (either) K-12 Consultant, Healthcare Consultant, Law Enforcement Consultant or Local Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

McDuffie chosen as city manager in Diboll

The Diboll City Council recently chose Dennis McDuffie as the new city manager. McDuffie, who currently serves as city manager in McGregor, will replace Kenneth Williams, who resigned in August to become city manager in Buda.

McDuffie, who attended school in Nacogdoches, will begin his new duties on Jan. 15. He also served as city manager in Glenn Heights and Jamaica Beach in Texas and San Juan Bautista, Rancho Palos Verdes and Delano in California.

Where are they now?

Where do folks go when they leave state government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and employees are now.

Rebecca Klein was appointed commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas in 2001, and subsequently was named chair. She served the agency until 2004, when she resigned to run an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. House. Prior to serving at the PUC, Klein was policy director for then-Gov. George W. Bush. She now serves as Of Counsel in the Austin office of a San Antonio-based law firm.

Melissa Noriega was the first Texan to take advantage of a constitutional amendment that allows another individual to serve if a state legislator is called to active duty to serve in the U.S. Military. Her husband, State Rep. Rick Noriega was called to active duty in the Texas Army National Guard in June 2004. She left a more than 20-year career in the Houston ISD and in January 2005, was sworn in to serve in her husband's seat in the Texas House. She was a member of the 79th Texas Legislature's regular and first and second called sessions. She relinquished the seat back to her husband when he returned from service and in 2007 she was elected to Place 3 on the Houston City Council.

La Marque approves new emergency alert system

The La Marque City Council recently approved an agreement for an emergency alert system that allows residents who register to receive free messages from the city by telephone and e-mail. Council members also approved an ordinance instituting a 20-cent charge on city utility bills to pay for the alert system that is projected to cost the city $14,000 annually.

Other cities using the system are Clear Lake Shores, Seabrook and Texas City, which used the alert system as a key communications tool during Hurricane Ike. The system also may be used to warn residents of water outages or a late garbage pick up, said City Manager Robert Ewart. The new alert system should be installed and operating by next month, he said. The communications difficulties experienced by La Marque residents following the hurricane convinced city officials who had earlier voted against the system to change their minds, he said.

Escobar accepts Corpus
Christi city manager job

In a narrow 5-4 vote, members of the Corpus Christi City Council recently selected Angel Escobar (pictured) as the new city manager to replace Skip Noe, who resigned earlier this year. Escobar, who has served as interim city manager since Noe left the position, did not at first accept the job, saying he would consult with his family before making a decision. Thursday he made that decision and accepted the position.

Mayor Henry Garrett thought Escobar might have been reluctant to take the job because of the split vote. Escobar has worked in engineering for the city for nearly 20 years and was one of two finalists for the job.

Want to join SPI's Special Services Division?

SPI is seeking additional skilled and experienced keynote speakers, mediators, executive coaches, meeting facilitators, proposal writers, etc. to become part of the Special Services Division. This new division includes some of the country's premier and most experienced providers of specialized services. SPI, working in conjunction with specialists throughout the United States, offers a myriad of special services to government agencies, nonprofits, school districts, chambers of commerce and more - and the division is expanding. If you would like to be considered as a member of SPI's Special Services Division, please send your resume and credentials to Cory von Leonrod at SPI at cleonrod@spartnerships.com. Read more about this division and our specialists on our Web site.

West University moves forward on parks projects

Members of the West University City Council recently approved $995,000 for architectural and engineering services for improvements to several recreation facilities. City officials hope to shorten construction time by using a construction manager at risk process to complete a new indoor pool at the Recreation Center by the winter of 2009. The design services include schematic designs, design development, construction documents, the bidding process for subcontractors and construction administration.

Voters earlier this month approved a bond proposal that included $8.8 million for improvements to the Recreation Center, $8.8 million for improvements to the Colonial Park and pool house and $300,000 for improvements to the Community and Seniors Center.

Wichita Falls ISD will
hire search firm

Trustees for the Wichita Falls Independent School District recently agreed to ask for bids from search firms to help find a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Dawson Orr. Orr accepted the position as superintendent at the Highland Park Independent School District and is expected to leave his position in Wichita Falls on the last working day of 2008.

District officials said they hope to choose a search firm by the end of December and have the search firm begin looking for candidates in January so that a new superintendent can take office in June or mid-summer of 2009.

Socorro ISD to shift bond projects to follow growth

Citing lower than expected growth and rising construction costs, trustees for the Socorro Independent School District recently agreed to terminate the contract for construction of an $18 million ninth-grade center and a $500,000 junior reserve officer training corps building.

The growth is not there, said Tom Eyeington (pictured), the assistant superintendent for district operations. The escalating cost of construction also is a factor, he said. Money from the canceled projects will be used toward combining Keys Academy and Options High School into one complex that will house both alternative education programs and for an athletics center at the planned Pebble Hills ninth-grade center, Eyeington said.

Texas DPS aiming for driver's license checkpoints

The Texas Public Safety Commission has asked Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott for a ruling about the legality of statewide driver's license checkpoints. Some lawmakers say the move would constitute unauthorized immigration policymaking.

Allan B. Polunsky, chairman for the commission that oversees the Texas Department of Public Safety, asked for the ruling requiring driver's license applicants to prove United States citizenship. The request bothered some lawmakers, who claim the department is overstepping its bounds in an attempt to set immigration law.

It is not known yet when Abbott will issue his opinion on the matter. Checkpoints have not been allowed since 1994, when the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled a "politically accountable governing body" at the state level must first authorize them.

TCEQ expands electronic comment options

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is now accepting electronically submitted comments in its permitting process. "Internet technology has allowed us to re-evaluate the way we conduct business at the agency," said Chairman Buddy Garcia. The electronic comment option that was previously available only for rulemaking, is now available for hearing requests, requests for reconsideration, requests for public meetings and withdrawals of these requests, for any pending air, waste, water and wastewater permit application.

Up to 10,000 characters (approximately 2 ½ pages) may be submitted through the eComments system. An attached pdf or MS Word file, up to 5MB, may also be submitted. Each submittal will receive an automatic e-mail, from the TCEQ, verifying receipt. Written public comments will continue to be accepted by mail, hand-delivery, courier or fax.

Bryan ISD to sell $28
million in bonds for schools

Trustees for the Bryan Independent School District recently gave preliminary approval to the sale of $28 million in bonds to pay for improvements to aging schools. A final vote on the bond sale is scheduled for Nov. 17. The bond sale must be final by Dec. 15 to take advantage of the Texas Education Agency's Instructional Facility Allotment program that offers up to $500,000 per year toward paying off debt, said David Stasney (pictured), a board member.

The bonds will be sold at a fixed interest rate, but have the option of selling the remaining $9.5 million at a variable rate in the future, district officials said. Voters in May approved the issue of $37.5 million in bonds. School officials said the highest priority is a $22 million replacement campus for Kemp Elementary and Carver Early Childhood Center.

San Felipe Del Rio CISD names new superintendent

Kelt Cooper began his new tenure as superintendent at San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District this week. Cooper comes to the district from the Arizona Department of Education in Phoenix, where he served as director of technical assistance in English Acquisition Services.

Cooper holds bachelor's and master's degrees in addition to several years experience as a superintendent in El Paso and Bastrop counties, and Nogales, Az. Cooper was chosen for the position from a field of 30 candidates. He will replace Robert Fernandez, who has announced plans to retire at the end of the year after 37 years with the district.

New Diana superintendent will retire in March

Patrick Clark, superintendent for the New Diana school district, has announced plans to scale back hours in January and retire next March. Clark, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, said his mind isn't ready to leave the job, but his body is. He has served five years as superintendent.

One of two Region VII school districts to be recognized for the 2007-2008 school year, Clark attributes the district's success to its staff. "I hired good people," he said. The school board met this week to canvass election results and discuss logistics related to hiring an interim superintendent and a permanent replacement.

VA planning to open new medical clinic in Austin

The Federal Department of Veterans Affairs is planning to build a new facility to accommodate the growing population of veterans in Austin. The only veterans' clinic in Austin serves 21,000 vets currently. That number is expected to spike to 30,000 by 2025.

The VA has set aside $18.5 million for the new clinic, which will be about three times as large as the current facility. It is set to open in 2012 in one of two locations being considered. As World War II veterans are dying in increasing numbers, more veterans are returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly 40 percent of the 837,000 troops deployed there have sought medical treatment from the VA.

Recent Reports

• November 2008 bond election results
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• 12th Annual Texas Workforce Conference
• 'Putting America Back to Work' conference
• TSABAA 29th Mid-Winter Conference
• Texas Lyceum 23rd Public Conference
• TxDOT Texas Small Business Briefings
• Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 6 Archives · 11/7/03 - 11/7/08

Appleby VFD wins $62,000 for training, equipment

The Appleby Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $62,220 grant to buy safety and rescue equipment and increase training for volunteer firefighters. The Office of Grants and Training of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded the grant through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• A. W. "Whit" Riter III of Tyler, chair, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Fred W. Heldenfels IV of Austin, vice chair, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• David Baucom of Sulphur Springs, Texas Medical Board
• Kelly G. Moore of Brownfield, presiding judge, Ninth Administrative Judicial Region
• David Peeples of San Antonio, presiding judge, Fourth Administrative Judicial Region
• Stephen B. Ables of Kerrville, presiding judge, Sixth Administrative Judicial Region

New Summerfield ISD upgrades to cost less

Trustees for New Summerfield Independent School District recently got a peek of a small silver-lining behind the nation's clouded economy when bids for a new high school wing came in lower than predicted.

Bids for construction of a 14,700-square-foot addition to the high school came in at about $121 a square foot while the estimates for the project were $128 a square foot, said the project's construction manager. Board President Michael Davis (pictured) said he hopes the project may be completed sooner than expected because more contractors are looking for work during the economic downturn.

Victoria selected for grant for training volunteers

Victoria County recently received a $5,000 grant to buy a trailer to be used for training volunteers to serve during hurricanes, floods and other emergency situations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded the grant.

The county will use the trailer to store equipment, transport equipment from location to location and respond to emergencies, said Jeb Lacey, the county's emergency management coordinator. Lacey said his office is looking for instructors to begin training volunteers in January or February 2009.

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Northwest VFD wins $78,000 grant for fire gear

Following a year of fighting record grassfires, the Northeast Volunteer Fire Department recently won a $77,678 grant to purchase firefighter safety and rescue equipment.

The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants and Training, also will be used to send more volunteers to safety and equipment training classes, said Fire Chief Mat McClure.

Midland ISD approves updating Mashburn Building

Trustees for the Midland Independent School District recently authorized $695,000 to renovate the Mashburn Building to provide space for the district's athletics, police and technology departments.

Ed Zachary (pictured), the assistant superintendent of administration and operations, said district personnel will do much of the interior work such as moving walls and doors and installing new drop-in ceilings and insulation, but will seek bids for roofing and replacing the heating and air conditioning system.

Pecos to seek grant
for on-board computers

Pecos County commissioners recently authorized county officials to apply for a grant for up to $300,000 to purchase on-board computers for 18 sheriff's vehicles.

The on-board computers will allow deputies to access driver and registration information and has a software program to collect, store and share data and compile reports, said Sheriff Cliff Harris. A patrol interface fee of $99.95 a month for each vehicle also will be paid for with the grant.

Taylor hires search firm to find new city manager

The Taylor City Council recently approved a contract with an Austin-based search firm to conduct a search for a new city manager to replace former City Manager Frank Salvato, who recently resigned to accept a position as city administrator in Bee Cave. The city authorized spending $15,000 in addition to paying expenses to the search firm. City officials expect the search to be completed in three or four months.

Under terms of the contract, the search firm will place national advertisements, meet with city council to determine the most important criteria for a new city manager, select three to five of the best applicants and ensure that the candidates undergo a two-day interview process with city council members and take the candidates on a tour of the city.

Rio Hondo officials approve loan for new water plant

Rio Hondo city officials have approved a 30-year loan resolution for more than $3.5 million to construct a water treatment facility. The loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help supplement a grant the city has already received. Construction is set for early next year and will require an increase in water utility costs for residents.

City Administrator Arturo Prida said the price hike is "mandatory...in order to pay the loan."

The city's current water plant does not produce enough water to accommodate its population, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The new plant will produce roughly 850,000 gallons per day - up from 781,000 - which will allow for further subdivision development currently at stake because of the potable water shortage.

The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.

To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.

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TWC hosting annual Workforce Conference Dec. 3-5

The 12th annual Texas Workforce Conference will be held Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 3-5, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio Hotel on the Riverwalk. The conference will feature nationally known speakers, workshops, exhibits and networking opportunities. The conference offers the opportunity to strengthen partnerships among employers, local workforce development boards, economic development professionals, educators and other state and federal workforce partners. Among the topics to be discussed are the changing face of the Texas labor market, rural community and economic development, regional collaborations, public-private partnerships and more. To view the agenda and for a registration form, click here.

TSABAA planning 29th Mid-Winter Conference

The Texas State Agency Business Administrator's Association (TSABAA) 29th Mid-Winter Conference is slated for Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 3-5, at the Inn of the Hills Resort and Conference Center in Kerrville. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 14. This year's conference will feature speakers from the State Comptroller's Office, the Legislative Budget Board and the Employees Retirement System of Texas. Among the topics to be discussed are how the economy is affecting pension plans, how to prepare for legislative hearings and presentations and an overview of the upcoming Texas legislative session. CPE credits are available. To view the conference agenda, click here. For a registration form, click here.

'Putting America Back to Work' conference planned

The Texas Workforce Commission will host its "Putting America Back to Work" conference on Jan. 15 and 16, 2009, at the Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark. The two-day conference topics include: The Texas Economic Model, Lessening our Dependency on Foreign Energy, Rebuilding Our Manufacturing Base and Challenges of our Business Tax Structure. Among the confirmed speakers are former Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson and Barry Smitherman, chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. For a registration form and agenda, click here.

TxDOT hosting small, minority business briefing in Austin

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will host a series of briefings throughout Texas to provide small and minority-owned businesses with information on how to do business with TxDOT. The briefings will offer information regarding how TxDOT procures services and purchases products. General Industry Sessions will include an overview of TxDOT toll projects and contracting opportunities on toll way projects, professional services consulting contracts and state contracting for information technology products and services. Several breakout sessions will be conducted on Small and Minority Business Certifications, Resources for Small Business Development and Marketing Your Business to the State. Each briefing will conclude with an industry networking session and reception. The first briefing will be held in Austin on Nov. 18 and 19 at the Omni Southpark Hotel. For more information, click here or call the Business Opportunities Programs Office toll free at 1-866-480-2518, option #2.

Texas Lyceum hosts annual public conference

The Texas Lyceum will host its 23rd Public Conference, "Transportation Infrastructure: Establishing Public Policy Priorities" from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Reliant Center in Houston. Elected officials, transportation policy experts and stakeholders from throughout the state will attend to discuss and prioritize transportation policy issues prior to the 81st Legislature convening in January 2009. Those attending will hear from four panels and participate in interactive sessions after each panel. The event provides an opportunity for the Lyceum Directors, its alumni and the public to interact with policy makers, policy advocates and each other and actively engage in the discussion. For more information and to register, click here.

Executive Women in Texas Government set conference

The Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd annual Professional Development Conference will be Monday, Nov. 24, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. Hailed as a meeting of "ideas, solutions and connections," this year's event will feature keynote speakers Dr. Tina Dupree (AKA as the Chicken Lady) and Major General K.C. McClain, Commander Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and workshops relating to development of executive level management skills, expanding leadership capabilities and networking and mentoring. The event will begin with a 7 a.m. registration. The first keynote speaker will be heard during the opening general session at 8:30 a.m. followed by two morning workshops and breaks for exhibits and networking. The EWTG Woman of the Year presentation will be made during lunch, with another afternoon workshop on tap and the closing general session and second keynote speech at 3:15 p.m. Sponsorships are available and exhibitors are also being accepted. For more information on the conference and registration, click here.