Texas Government Insider
Volume 9, Issue 7 - Friday, February 18, 2011

States, local governments face more fiscal uncertainty 

 

President's buget plan could have far-reaching effects on programs, families

Fiscal UncertaintyState and local governments, already trying to make ends meet because of dwindling revenue, increasing demands for services and growing budget deficits, are now facing even more red ink from some of the provisions of President Barack Obama's proposed federal budget.

 

While local and state budget deficits are not in the trillions like the federal government, in many cases even the smallest of federal revenue streams drying up can have significant impacts on their budgets. And the impact of those cuts can be far-reaching.


The president's budget proposes a 1 percent reduction in the funding for employment and training programs administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Education and training are key to ensuring an educated workforce, which helps draw business and industry to a community. Many local governments fear the loss of training dollars could result in fewer trained workers and the possible loss of some business and industry to other locations.


A reduction of $350 million in Community Development Block Grant funding is also part of the president's proposed budget. Many communities depend on that funding for housing and wastewater projects, disaster recovery and programs that benefit low-to-moderate income families. Many fear loss of any funding from the program will take its toll of communities that cannot afford such projects on their own. Nationwide, cuts of $2.5 billion are proposed in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Local governments fear that families who need help the most will suffer as a result.


The cuts touch many programs that are important at the state and local level. Among the other proposed cuts of interest to state and local governments in the president's budget proposal:

  • Eliminating $160 million in water infrastructure earmarks;
  • Eliminating $10 million in local government climate change grants; 
  • A $947 million reduction in funding for State Revolving Funds that provide grants and low-interest loans for projects such as water or wastewater in local communities;

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Redistricting: State officials receive data dump from U.S. Census

 

Population growth, demographics information also part of decennial report

 

Census

Texas state officials and the Texas Legislative Council Thursday received their 2010 data dump from the U.S. Census Bureau. The detailed information will be used by Texas lawmakers to redraw political districts throughout the state.


Burt SolomonsRep. Burt Solomons (right), who chairs the House Committee on Redistricting, said he expects the process of redrawing political lines to be an "open and transparent" process and that the committee will hold hearings over the next weeks and months to allow committee members to hear from "all interested parties."


House Speaker Joe Straus said he looks forward to passing "fair and legal maps that represent the makeup of Texas."


Legislative Council will be busy installing software on legislators' computers so lawmakers can watch as proposed lines come to life. Not only will members of the Texas Legislature have input on where the lines should be drawn, but members of the public can submit their own proposals at work stations that will be installed throughout the State Capitol.

 

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Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

 

Duane WaddillA. (Alan) Duane Waddill, Executive Director for State Services, Adjutant General's Department

 

Career highlights and education: Prior to working for the Adjutant General's Department, I was the executive director at the Texas Residential Construction Commission. I was the chief fiscal officer (CFO) for the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner and before that, the CFO for the State Preservation Board during the $187 million dollar restoration and renovation project. I am a graduate of Abilene Christian University and a native Texan.

What I like best about my job is: On occasion, I get to ride in military helicopters, and I hve been able to shoot an M4 assault rifle.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: There are acronyms for everything and a lot of times people don't even know what they stand for, so now I make up my own.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: You are a professional and I will treat like a professional. I rely on you to get your job done, so let me know when you need help. Otherwise, I trust you've got it under control.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: playing golf with my son.

People would be surprised to know that I: officiate high school football.

One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: is how much we do behind the scenes to make sure our fellow Texans are protected from our enemies and to assist in times of natural and manmade disaster.  
  

 

Port of Corpus Christi OKs property sale as part of redevelopment 

Officials of the Port of Corpus Christi agreed yesterday to sell a 600-foot pier to Flint Hills Resources, a private sector firm based in Houston, Texas. The price quoted is $8 million - and the deal is related to redevelopment efforts of the former Naval Station Ingleside. The port is expected to enter negotiations to sell the remaining base property to Houston-based Canyon Supply and Logistics.


The sale of the property was reportedly a compromise that will allow the port to retain part of the property. The original offer from the Houston firm for the entire property that included port land on Harbor Island was $140 million. A subsequent offer for just the base was $110 million. The offer extended Tuesday was for $102.5 million for all of the property, excluding the pier.


The pier is expected to be used to export crude oil from the Eagle Ford Shale north of Nueces and San Patricio counties. 


The Canyon offer includes most of the 918 acres but not the "campus" section, which includes barracks, a dining hall, classrooms and a fitness center. Canyon has offered $28.5 million for the campus area and hopes to create an offshore oil exploration service center on the maritime section of the base. If the sale closes, the Texas A&M University System will get a portion of the sale proceeds because of its role as master developer. 

 

 

Price giving up chance to be TAC's first female president

 

Resigns as Tarrant Co. tax assessor-collector to run for Ft. Worth mayor

Betsy PriceBetsy Price (pictured) this week gave up her opportunity to become the first female president of the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Counties (TAC). Price resigned her post Monday as Tarrant County's Tax Assessor-Collector to throw her hat into the ring to become the 44th mayor of the City of Fort Worth. Price was one of three candidates to officially file to run for the mayor's slot Monday after current Mayor Mike Moncrief announced he would not seek a fifth term.


State law requires a local government office-holder to give up that position when they officially file to seek another office. Price, who was elected to office in 2000 and began serving as tax assessor-collector on Jan. 1, 2001, was in her third term serving Tarrant County. 


For the last year and a half, Price has been serving as president-elect of TAC. She would have taken over as president for a two-year term beginning in January 2011. Because she has resigned her position with the county, she will no longer be eligible to serve as president.


"I don't know if our board will want to replace her before then (January)," said TAC Spokesperson Elna Christopher, who added that the TAC board does not meet in regular session until March, with subsequent meetings set for August and December. Christopher said she expects that a replacement will be chosen the same way as other board members - a candidate's name is put up as a nominee and then voted on by the board.

 

Zivley appointed next Texas Securities Commissioner

Benette L. Zivley, director of the Inspections and Compliance Division of the State Securities Board, has been named Texas Securities Commissioner and will assume his new duties on March 1. Zivley will replace Denise Voigt Crawford, who is retiring Feb. 28 along with Deputy Commissioner John Morgan.
 

Zivley has worked for the State Securities Board for a dozen years and has headed up the Inspections and Compliance Division since 2003. He also is an attorney and served previously in the Enforcement Division of the agency from 1999 to 2003.
 

Zivley holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.

 

Three years later, a break in the Governor's Mansion investigation

Steve McCrawState officials this week announced a break in the 2008 arson fire that destroyed a major portion of the Texas Governor's Mansion. At a press conference Thursday, state officials said an anarchist group based in Austin has been linked to the fire. Three people in a Jeep caught on a surveillance camera the night of the fire have been identified as "persons of interest," according to Steve McCraw (pictured), director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
 

DPS officials released composite photos of the alleged arsonist and reminded of a $50,000 reward in the case for information that leads to arrest and conviction of the arsonist. They believe the person who threw a Molotov cocktail onto the porch of the mansion in June 2008 is connected to the persons in the vehicle on the night of the fire.

 

TCEQ announces new e-mail and domain change to tceq.texas.gov

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is changing its address, but visitors shouldn't get lost because the old Web site and email addresses will continue to function for several years.
 

The new Web site is www.tceq.texas.gov and email addresses will now end in <@tceq.texas.gov>.
Although the old addresses will continue to work for five years, TCEQ officials ask that visitors update their bookmarks and address books now.

 

TCEQ's Garcia co-chair of group working with coastal areas

Buddy GarciaTexas Commission on Environmental Quality Commissioner Buddy Garcia (pictured) was recently named co-chair of a new America's WETLAND Foundation initiative that aims to help Gulf Coast communities from Texas to Florida prepare for coastal threats and disasters.


As part of the 18-month Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities program, towns and cities along the Gulf will host leadership forums to listen to concerns from residents of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
 

"There's value in Texas' bonding with our sister Gulf states," said Garcia.  "By building a broad coalition and working together as a cohesive region, we can move forward together."

 

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Obama appoints 'Cha' Guzman to national security post

'Cha' GuzmanPalo Alto College President Ana Margarita "Cha" Guzman (pictured) was recently nominated to the National Security Education Board, a 13-member panel that makes recommendations on how to improve national security by increasing American's capacity to deal effectively with foreign cultures and languages.


The board is made up of representatives from seven Cabinet-level departments and six presidential appointments, which must be OK'd by the U.S. Senate. Guzman awaits Senate confirmation.
 

Guzman, who served as senior advisor to Education Secretary Richard Riley during President Bill Clinton's last year in office, has been in educational administration for more than 30 years. Guzman holds a bachelor's degree from Stout State University, a master's from Texas Southern University and a Ph.D. from the University of Houston.

 

J.J. Pickle Research Campus wins $1.6 million grant for solar panels

The State Energy Conservation Office recently awarded a $1.6 million grant to the J. J. Pickle Research Campus of The University of Texas at Austin to pay for a new solar cell system designed to reduce energy costs.

 

The grant will pay for 80 percent of the cost of installing two solar cell systems at the research campus, which now buys power from the city-owned utility rather than generating its own power as is done on the main campus of UT. Campus officials originally had planned to use bio-diesel sources to save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions, but determined that solar panels were more efficient. Installation of the solar panels is expected to be completed in late May. 

 

Frank Phillips president accepts Kansas community college job

Herbert SwenderFrank Phillips College President Herbert J. Swender (pictured) recently announced that he will leave the Texas Panhandle college to take a new job at Garden City Community College in Kansas.


Swender, a southeast Kansas native, is expected to start at the community college by July 1, when his contract becomes effective.
 

He succeeds Carol Ballantyne, who retired last summer because of health issues.

 

St. Mary's President Cotrell to give up post, return to teaching

Charles CotrellSt. Mary's University President Charles Cotrell (pictured) plans to step down in May 2012, when he will take a six-month sabbatical before returning to the university as a full-time political science professor.
 

While serving as an administrator for nearly three decades - 26 years in the No. 2 spot as provost and another 12 as president - Cotrell continued to teach one course per semester. During his final 15 months as president, Cotrell plans to take on financial and economic challenges.
 

Cotrell holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree from St. Mary's and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.

 

TWU celebrating grand opening of new T. Boone Pickens Institute

Ann StuartTexas Woman's University will host a grand opening celebration today, Friday, for the eight-story, 190,000-square-foot TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center, which is named for the Texas oilman and entrepreneur who donated $5 million toward the building in 2006.
 

Pickens plans to speak at the ceremony at the center, which will initially house the College of Nursing and the TWU Stroke Center-Dallas and by 2012 add the occupational and physical therapy programs. The center is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District at 5500 Southwestern Medical Avenue.
 

The event will also recognize donations from Dallas resident Florence A. Doswell, who gave $3 million toward building the facility and another $2 million to endow two chairs in nursing. In honor of those gifts, TWU has named the nursing school the Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell College of Nursing.

 

"With this facility, we are establishing a new threshold in providing learning environments that create a seamless transition from the classroom to the workplace," said TWU Chancellor Ann Stuart (pictured).

 

D/FW Airport ready to kick off $2 billion upgrade of terminals

Officials of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport are preparing to kick off a $2 billion renovation of four passenger terminals.

 

The Terminal Renewal Improvement Program (TRIP) is scheduled to begin in late February when the first gate at Terminal A will be closed. Plans call for renovating the four terminals by redesigning the concession space, enlarging security screening areas and replacing the present "disco era" decor with a more modern style, a spokesman for the airport said. The project also calls for installing new plumbing, electric and heating and cooling systems along with raising the ceilings in some areas, he said.
 

Construction on Terminal A should be completed in 2014. Work on Terminal E is scheduled to begin later this year and renovations on the remaining two terminals will follow at a later date, the spokesman said.

 

UH-Downtown selects Chapman as provost/senior vice president

Brian ChapmanUniversity of Houston-Downtown officials recently selected Brian R. Chapman (pictured) as provost and senior vice president, effective March 1. Chapman will replace Michael Dressman, who was appointed as interim provost and senior vice president when Molly Woods left that post in July 2010.


Chapman most recently was a biology professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs and as acting president at West Texas A&M University, as dean at Sam Houston State University and in other positions at the University of Georgia, the University of Oklahoma and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

 

Pine Tree ISD exploring up to $25 million bond proposal

Pine Tree Independent School District officials have scheduled a special meeting next week to continue debate on whether to call a $13.7 million to $15 million bond election to pay for a new football stadium and renovations to the high school.

 

A bond development committee recommended the bond election despite the resignations of Superintendent Marian Strauss and Athletic Director Huey Chancellor. Board members said they need to hold a special public meeting to gather more information regarding the proposed site for the new football stadium and facility needs at the high school. 


Denison ISD sets $79.75 million bond election

Jay WatkinsDenison Independent School District board members recently approved a $79.75 million bond election to be held on May 14. Board President Jay Watkins (pictured) said the need to offer students and teachers the facilities essential for meeting education requirements, to consolidate schools to save on operating costs and current low construction costs prompted board members to schedule the bond election despite concern over the economic climate.
 

Trustees will ask voters to approve bonds to pay for building a new high school and for renovating the current high school, a middle school and four elementary schools.
 

The board also adopted bond committee recommendations to demolish two elementary schools, to consolidate elementary campuses into five elementary schools and to renovate a middle school to become a fifth and sixth grade campus and the high school to become a seventh and eighth grade campus.

 

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD pushing for $124.5 million bond election

Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District officials recently continued efforts to win support for a $124.5 million bond proposal to upgrade technology and to improve and maintain facilities throughout the district.


In the second of four campus meetings to discuss the bond proposal, district officials said that 57 percent of the $124.5 million in bond funds will be used for maintaining, expanding and improving facilities, while 37 percent will be spent on new equipment, new classrooms and restrooms for elementary campuses, expansion of a career and technology program at the high school, library resources and improvements to athletics and fine arts. The remaining bond funds will go toward replacing furniture, kitchen equipment and buses.

 

The proposed district-wide technology upgrades include replacing computers, laptop computers, printers and the old media retrieval system with a new district-wide Virtual Reference Library. District officials also hope to provide every secondary student with a wireless computer device as part of a move to the digital-classroom concept where students maintain their own digital lockers and online student portfolios. The plan also called for classrooms to be equipped with new projectors, slates, interactive whiteboards and to have student response systems installed.

 

Franco retiring as director of Corpus Christi Housing Authority

Richard FrancoAfter nine years on the job, Richard Franco (pictured) recently announced he is retiring as executive director of the Corpus Christi Housing Authority.
 

Housing Authority officials plan to begin looking for a new director in February, said Priscilla Waller, who chairs the Housing Authority board. Board members also are considering hiring Franco as a consultant after he retires to help guide the agency in the application process for $22 million in federal funding to demolish two old housing projects and replace that public housing with mixed-income housing, she said.

 

North East ISD sets $400 million bond election in May

Trustees for the North East Independent School District recently scheduled a $400 million bond election in May to pay for upgrades to district facilities and technology.

 

Board members plan to use the nearly $400 million in bond funding, if approved by voters, to pay for a new $64 million middle school on Bulverde Road, $48 million in upgrades and additional classrooms at Lee High School, $28.5 million in upgrades to Nimitz Middle School, $25 million to begin phase one construction of a campus replacement at Garner Middle School and a $64 million technology upgrade.

 

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Texas State stadium North Side Complex design documents OK'd

Texas State University System regents recently OK'd architectural design documents for the $33 million expansion of Bobcat Stadium.
 

The project, which is scheduled to begin in May, will bring stadium capacity to between 28,000 and 30,000 with the addition of 13,000 seats in the new North Side Complex. While the upper and lower levels will contain seats, the field level will include offices, a bookstore/fan shop and new ticketing station.
 

The stadium is expected to be complete by the 2012 football season, when Texas State's program moves to the Football Bowl Subdivision (the highest level of college football competition). It will join the Western Athletic Conference.

 

Galveston port officials seeking public/private partnership

Steve CernakThe Wharves Board of Trustees of the Port of Galveston recently voted to seek a public-private partnership with a major international investment group and a maritime shipping terminal operator.
 

The vote will begin a process where port officials will attempt to negotiate a definitive agreement with a private equity firm and the largest worldwide marine terminal company that operates more than 50 ports in 25 countries. The two companies are bidding as a 50/50 joint venture with the Port of Galveston. Any agreement reached would require approval of the Wharves Board of Trustees, said Steve Cernak (pictured), executive director of the Galveston port.
 

As proposed by the two private companies, the agreement calls for a 75-year master lease that would give the companies control of the port's existing leased assets, a new 100-acre terminal to be built on the west end of the port's property, a new 20-acre terminal for roll-on and roll-off cargo, port land on Pelican Island and the port's two cruise ship terminals along with associated assets and operations. The proposed agreement calls for the two private companies to pay about $60 million in debt owed by the port, cash and release of port funds, capital expenditures for 10 years, annual expense payments and a share of profits from cruise and freight revenues. According to a consultant hired by the port, the proposed agreement could double the contribution by the port to the local economy and boost wages, salaries and spending generated by the port from about $500 million in 2007 to about $1 billion.

 

College of Science at Texas State adds 'Engineering' to its name

Officials at Texas State University-San Marcos recently added "Engineering" to the College of Science name, to better reflect the student population.
 

The engineering programs, which began in 1999 with 13 students, have now expanded to more than 500 students.
 

The Bruce and Gloria Ingram School of Engineering, created in 2006 with a $5 million private donation, is made up of three programs: manufacturing, industrial and electrical engineering.

 

Galyean chosen as Tech's interim dean of College of Agriculture

Michael GalyeanProfessor Michael Galyean (pictured) will become interim dean of Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, effective July 1.
 

He succeeds retiring dean John M. Burns, who has served as head of the college since September 2007.
 

Galyean, who joined the Texas Tech faculty in 1998, holds a bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University, and a master's and Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.

 

Transportation officials in Houston taking grant applications

In an effort to improve mobility options in the Houston area, transportation officials are calling for grant proposals to the Job Access/Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom programs, which are funded through the Federal Transit Administration that has about $3.5 million available this cycle.

 

The JARC program aims to provide access to jobs and training opportunities for low-income people and to improve access to suburban employment centers, regardless of income.
 

The New Freedom program provides new and improved transportation services to disabled persons, beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
 
Project applications, which are due to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) on or before 3 p.m. March 9, should be emailed to proposals@h-gac.com, Attn: Kari Hackett, Manager of Special Studies. Late submittals will not be accepted.

 

Lampasas approves $5.8 million bond election for construction 

Lampasas City Council members recently agreed to ask voters in May to approve $5.8 million in bonds to pay for two construction projects.
 

City officials will ask voters to approve up to $3.5 million to pay for expansion and renovation of the public library and up to $2.27 million to pay for a new civic center.
 

Plans call for expanding the library from 6,000 square feet to 11,075 square feet by adding a meeting room, more space for the children's area, the young adult area, more space for public use computers, two study rooms, a genealogy room, two patio areas, lounge areas and kitchen/vending areas. The new, 10,000-square-foot civic center will be located on city-owned land in Campbell Park.

 

Missouri City accepts state parks grant for tennis, recreation center

Allen OwenThe Houston area community of Missouri City recently accepted a $950,000 state grant to build a tennis and recreation center. The city will provide matching funds.
 

The money comes through the Texas Recreation and Parks Account Program, which receives revenue from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods.
 

"This is great news for the citizens of Missouri City," said Mayor Allen Owen (pictured). "The Tennis and Recreation Center will be a state-of-the-art recreational facility that all residents can enjoy for years to come."

 

HPU selects Haley as director of facilities, planning 

Officials at Howard Payne University in Brownwood recently named Sara Haley the new director of facilities and planning.
 

In her new position, Haley will maintain all campus facilities, grounds, utilities and related systems and equipment. She will also help plan and direct future construction plans and projects.
 

Haley, who holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, has served as a project manager for a Brownwood construction company for the last two years.

 

Officials to spend $15 million as A&M buildings go green

Texas A&M University plans to spend $15 million toward energy-efficient lighting and building automation upgrades.

 

The changes, which are expected to be complete by the end of the year, will reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while improving heating and cooling automation.
 

The State Energy Conservation Office gave the university a 10-year, low-interest loan to pay for the upgrades.

 

 
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Plano seeks $34 million upgrade on U.S. 75 ramps at turnpike

In an effort to improve traffic flow through a notorious North Texas bottleneck, Plano city officials are pitching a $34 million plan to reconfigure ramps and merges at U.S. Highway 75 and Bush Turnpike.
 

This stretch of highway, which serves more than 200,000 vehicles a day, is one of the region's busiest areas.
 

The city has not yet secured funding for the project and isn't likely to begin construction for another year or two. 

 

Earp running Kyle police operations on temporary basis

James EarpTwo Kyle city leaders are temporarily reassigned - Assistant City Manager James Earp (pictured) will lead the police department and Communications Director Jerry Hendrix will act as assistant city manager - while the city is without a police chief.


A nine-person committee soon will begin interviewing for the position, which will be vacated by Michael Blake on Feb. 25. Blake is leaving to become police chief in Bastrop.


Kyle city leaders hope to find a new chief by the end of March.

 

Abilene group urges shifting $353,000 for redeveloping downtown

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Abilene recently agreed to urge city council members to transfer $353,000 to a project to re-develop an area south of downtown and other capital improvement projects to be funded by issuing $1.5 million in certificates of obligation.
 

Commission members will urge council members to approve $200,000 to improvements included in the city's South Downtown Plan, $80,000 for the Bicycle Plan Implementation Program, $42,000 for athletic field lighting, $25,000 for repaving a stretch of Hardison Lane and to add $6,000 to the $83,000 currently proposed for concrete paving and sidewalk repairs in 2011.
 

Planning commission members recommended that the $353,000 be taken from $553,000 proposed to replace a fire engine destroyed in an accident last year. The presentation of the five-year Capital Improvement Program is scheduled for the March 10 city council meeting. City officials hope to issue certificates of obligation and sell bonds from April to June.

 

Keller, Southlake mulling merger of municipal courts

Dan O'LearyCity officials in Keller and Southlake recently said they are supporting proposed legislation to allow the cities to merge their municipal courts to reduce operating costs. A state legislator has filed a bill to create an exception to current state law that requires cities to conduct municipal court operations within their own city boundaries.
 

A consultant, hired by both cities, recommended the cities work together to create one court in Southlake in the city's new Department of Public Safety headquarters near Town Square. Keller currently operates its municipal court in the same facility as its jail and hires five full-time employees and a part-time judge to staff the court, said Keller City Manager Dan O'Leary (pictured). He also said he believes Keller residents will not object to driving to Southlake for court appearances if the two courts are merged.
 

Southlake now has nine full-time employees and two part-time judges in its municipal court. The consultant recommended a plan creating a merged municipal court with 12 full-time employees, including a judge and a part-time judge. That plan would save about $127,856, with the city of Southlake receiving about 70 percent of those savings, the consultant said. Plans for any merger of municipal courts will remain on hold until the state law is changed, a spokeswoman for Southlake said.

 

Denton County urging area cities to back I-35E widening project

Denton County officials recently began urging area cities to join with the county in endorsing a plan for a private developer to widen I-35E from the Bush Turnpike to US 380.

 

More participants are needed to pay for the approximately $5 billion widening project as the Dallas District of the Texas Department of Transportation has only about $800,000 allotted to build new roads or widen existing roads. And because Denton County has only about $500,000 in funding from bonds and toll revenue for the project, a public/private partnership will be needed to pay for the project. City officials also will need the assistance of other cities to win legislative approval of a funding mechanism to pay for the project. Similar legislation failed last session.
 

Private developers have proposed charging from 15-80 cents per mile for privately managed lanes to reimburse the company for its investment in the I-35 widening project. Under the proposed plan, motorists could drive in one of the four free lanes or on the frontage road, but would have the option of paying a variable toll to travel in the managed lanes, he said. The variable toll charge would increase as traffic congestion increased, he added.

 

Texas State University approves design for stadium expansion

Regents of the Texas State University System recently approved the design for a proposed $33 million expansion of Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos.

 

Plans call for adding about 13,000 new seats in the north endzone of the North Side Complex of the stadium, raising capacity to about 30,000. The planned expansion will include an upper and lower level and will connect the east and west sides of the stadium. The field level of the expansion will include offices, ticketing stations, a bookstore and a plaza area that can be used for gatherings and special events. The project is scheduled to begin in May, contingent on the completion of a new track and field stadium now being built near the stadium. The project should be completed in time for the 2012 football season, university officials said. 


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Private partner sought for DFW road projects

The Dallas-Fort Worth area Regional Transportation Council will seek the legislature's permission to find private funding to build and manage five freeway projects in North Texas.
 

The projects, which each have a managed toll lane in the median are:   

  • Interstate 35W from Interstate 30 near downtown Fort Worth to Texas 170;
  • Texas 183 from the Texas 121 split in Bedford to Texas 161 in Irving;
  • East Loop 820 from North East Mall to south of Randol Mill Road; and
  • Managed lanes on Interstate 35E in Denton County; and
  • Managed lanes on Texas 183 from Texas 161 to downtown Dallas.  

If the legislature OKs the projects, the list will become the second phase of North Tarrant Express, a multibillion-dollar toll way project in Northeast Tarrant County.

 

Johnson County approves jail expansion to handle ICE inmates

John MatthewsJohnson County commissioners recently approved a proposal from a private company to build a 96-bed corrections facility on county jail property to handle overnight and weekend inmates. That will make space in the current jail to house inmates in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Dripping Springs-based company has a 15-year contract to manage the Johnson County jail facility. Commissioners also approved construction of a $4 million adult probation building. 

 

The private corrections company agreed to finance the cost of the jail expansion not to exceed $1.25 million and to allow the county to repay the company over the life of the contract that expires on Aug. 20, 2015. County officials plan to pay for the new facilities from revenue earned from housing ICE inmates and from increased phone revenues, said Commissioner John Matthews (pictured).  The county will receive the new jail facility free and clear when the 2015 contract expires even if the company does not recover all construction costs, he said. The county also will not be liable for any reimbursements to the company after the contract expires. Commissioners requested company officials to submit a draft contract for their consideration at the next meeting of the court. 

 

Commissioners also agreed to seek proposals for a construction manager-at-risk to oversee the construction of a proposed $4 million, two-story, 32,000-square-foot adult probation building to be located west of the justice center.

 

Wichita Falls ISD mulling proposal to promote city on buses

Trustees for Wichita Falls Independent School District recently began discussion on a proposal to wrap the district's white activity buses with banners featuring the city's new logo and Web site while transporting students to athletic and fine arts events throughout the state.


The marketing director of the chamber of commerce said she worked with the marketing director for the school district in preparing the proposal to use the approximately 100 road trips the buses take each year to promote the city and its attractions with banners wrapped around the activity buses. The banners will be used only on buses not identified as school buses.


The chamber will pay all costs for placing the banner featuring a large yellow star on a dark blue background with the city logo and outline of Texas on the buses, but will not pay the district for displaying the banners. The banners are expected to cost about $1,300 per bus and should last between seven to nine years. Board members took no action on the proposal.

 

Longview pitches $10 million events center to county

Proposed CenterLongview city leaders and Gregg County commissioners recently discussed plans for a proposed $10 million events center (as seen in accompanying artist's rendering), which the county would build and the city would maintain.


The 4,500-seat Gregg County Events Center, used for rodeos, concerts, graduations and other events, could be constructed on the Maude Cobb Activity and Convention Center grounds.
 

The city could pay for annual operations and maintenance through an increased hotel/motel tax. To hike the current 7 percent tax to the necessary 9 percent, which would bring in an additional $476,000, would require state legislation.

 

Socorro may add cameras at railroad crossings

Socorro city officials recently began considering whether to install a system similar to cameras at railroad crossings at track crossings on five roads in the city.
 

The monitoring system would detect vehicles that drive around a lowered crossing boom and photograph the vehicles that do not stop. Socorro police would review the photographs and decide whether to issue a violation. Current plans call for a private company to maintain and operate the system. A spokesperson for the railroad company that primarily uses the tracks said the company supports installing the railway crossing system as a way to reduce accidents at railroad crossings.
 

Supporters of the railroad crossing monitoring system cited the success of the program in Grand Prairie, which implemented the system in 1996. The city, which had the highest railroad crossing death rate in the state, has not recorded a death at a railroad crossing since the system was installed, the spokesperson said.

 

 

Marc WilliamsonTechnology upgrades part of Fredericksburg bond vote

Fredericksburg Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $9.975 million bond election on May 14.


If approved by voters, bond proceeds will be used to pay for new roofs and air conditioning units at several schools, technology upgrades and new buses, said Superintendent Marc Williamson (pictured).  


 

Bonham ISD group to urge $25 million bond election in May

A committee appointed to study facilities needs of the Bonham Independent School District recently agreed to recommend that trustees schedule a bond election in May asking voters to approve no more than $25 million in bonds to pay for upgrades throughout the district.


The committee also agreed to urge trustees to renovate the high school and an intermediate school to increase capacity at both schools. Plans also call for the addition of a new gym, fine arts area, administrative area, library cafeteria, kitchen and several new classrooms at the high school. Trustees have a March 14 deadline to call a bond election in May 2011.

 

 

Canutillo ISD to seek voter approval of $43.95 million in bonds

Sergio CoronadoTrustees for the Canutillo Independent School District recently agreed to ask voters to approve a $43.95 bond proposal to upgrade district facilities.


If voters approve the bonds and a separate proposal to approve a tax rate increase, district officials plan to use bond funds to repair and upgrade sewer systems at two schools, modify several facilities to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, install air conditioners and build a new school, said Sergio Coronado (pictured), school board president.

 

 

San Saba ISD seeking approval of bonds to build new school

San Saba Independent School District school board members recently scheduled a bond election on May 14 to ask voters to approve funding to build a new elementary school, science labs at the high school and a new band hall.


The district has qualified for $5.142 million in low interest bonds from the Qualified School Construction Bonds authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, district officials said.

 

Avery to begin new job as superintendent at Aransas Pass ISD

Royce AveryDr. Royce D. Avery (pictured) recently began his new duties as superintendent for Aransas Pass Independent School District. Trustees earlier named Avery as the lone finalist for the position and are scheduled to vote on his final contract on Feb. 21.


Avery previously served as executive director for secondary education at Waco ISD, as principal at Lubbock ISD, Woodsboro ISD, Calallen ISD and Robstown ISD and was an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University. He has a bachelor's degree from Rice University, a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. 


 

Montague County looking at upgrades to courthouse

The county judge of Montague County recently appointed a committee to study courthouse building needs and whether a new annex to the courthouse is needed.

 

The judge asked the committee to examine the courthouse as a whole. The judge said he supports creating a fund for dome and roof upgrades when a new budget is adopted. He also said he also would like to begin planning on building an annex on property north of the courthouse.

 



Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce conference set Feb. 25

The Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce (TCBCC) and the Galveston Chamber of Commerce have joined forced to promote economic opportunities in construction, delivery of goods, services and labor in the Galveston County region. After extending its service area to Galveston County, the TCBCC will host its 2011 Plan of Work Conference on Friday, Feb 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center in Galveston. Galveston County Commissioner Stephen D. Holmes, who dedicates much of his time to building better cooperation between cities and county government, will deliver the keynote luncheon address. Among state agencies participating in the conference are The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Department of Information Resources, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Department of Transportation, The University of Texas at Austin, Lower Colorado River Authority, Texas A&M University System and the Health and Human Services Commission. Leondria R. Thompson, president and CEO of TCBCC, encourages all businesses interested in competing for state business to attend the conference to ensure growth of their business. The conference is open to the public and sponsorships and exhibit space are available. Click here to register online. For more information, contact Sherri Gongara, Conference Director, at 832-875-3977 or email 2011POW@tcbcc.net

 

LBJ School, Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation host symposium

"The Promise of Freedom, Justice and Democracy in America" is a daylong symposium hosted by The University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation. It commemorates Barbara Jordan's legacy as a politician, policymaker, activist and educator by examining issues surrounding Wikileaks, the Voting Rights Act, education, early childhood intervention, juvenile justice and criminal justice.  Texas State Sen. Rodney Ellis will deliver the keynote address.  The symposium will be followed by a week of events planned by LBJ School students. Reservations recommended: http://www.utexas.edu/lbj. The LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas, 2315 Red River Street, 471-3200. For more information, click here.

 

Governor's Commission for Women Legislative Luncheon slated

Actress Janine Turner will serve as mistress of ceremonies and will join Gov. Rick Perry and Texas First Lady Anita Perry on Tuesday, April 26, in honoring the women of the 82nd Legislature while enjoying lunch overlooking Austin. The luncheon will be at the Sheraton Austin at the Capitol from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Beacon State Fund, a nonprofit organization established to support the goals of the Governor's Commission for Women. Tickets are $60 each and sponsorships are available. For more information, please contact the Governor's Commission for Women at (512) 475-2615 or women@governor.state.tx.us.

 

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.

 

TxDOT announces Small Business Briefing conferences
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services has announced upcoming FY 2011 Small Business Briefing conferences. An April 20, 2011, conference is slated in Fort Worth and a July 20, 2011, conference is planned for San Antonio. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT.  Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas.  The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allow them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions.  It also gives agencies a chance to show the myriad of prospects available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information and to register, click here or call 512.866.480.2519, Option 2.
 
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Hard to believe, and
harder to understand

 

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

 

In spite of a comparatively strong economy in Texas and the addition of more jobs in 2010 than any other state in the nation, a recently released report discredits every recent claim that Texas is "the envy of the nation."
  
The Texas Legislative Study Group this week released the fifth edition of its "Texas on the Brink" report - outlining how Texas ranks among the 50 states in critical categories including education, environment, health care and more.

 

Warning to readers - Texas scored very poorly... and reading the rest of this article may cause stress and pain.
  
When compared to other states, Texas ranks second in public school enrollment.  But the number of Texas students who graduate is abysmal. Texas ranks only 43rd in high school graduation rates. And, Texas ranks 50th when it comes to residents age 25 and older with high school degrees.
  
As public school officials nervously await word on how much their state funding will be cut over the next biennium, it's obvious that employee layoffs are inevitable...and many teachers will lose their jobs. The average salary of a teacher in Texas ranks only 33rd when compared to other states. And, one of every three high school teachers serving the highest percentages of low-income students lack full certification in subjects they teach. As new budget cuts are announced, schools will be under even more stress.
  
  
P3 Opportunities

Kilgore ISD planning $55

million bond election in May

Trustees of the Kilgore Independent School Jody ClementsDistrict are proceeding with plans to ask voters to approve $55 million in bonds to pay for new facilities and renovations to existing district facilities.


Funding from the proposed bond election will be used to build a new elementary school and a new middle school, said Superintendent Jody Clements (pictured). The new schools are needed to replace overcrowded facilities, including some schools that now use portable buildings for classes, Clements said.

 

AT&T

Round Rock to pay for study

for Arts, Culture Strategic Plan

Round Rock city officials recently hired two nationally recognized architectural firms to put together an arts and culture strategic plan.
 

The city will discuss the plan at a workshop and meeting on Feb. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 301 W. Baghdad Ave. The public is invited to attend the event.
 

For more information and to access the Arts & Culture Strategic Plan Blog, click here.

 

Southlake tags Richardson

as new city secretary

Southlake City Council members recently selected Alicia Richardson as the new city secretary. Richardson previously served as a city secretary in Highland Village and as an assistant city secretary in North Richland Hills.

 

Richardson, who also will serve as the secretary for the mayor and city council and coordinate their activities, will replace former City Secretary Lori Payne, who accepted another position in the city manager's office. 


TxDOT unveils plans for $20 million expansion of SH19

J. TurnerOfficials of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently unveiled plans for a $20 million expansion of State Highway 19 between US Highway 30 and Interstate 45. The highway project is badly needed to increase safety and reduce congestion in the area, said Huntsville Mayor J. Turner (pictured).


Plans call for widening SH19 to four lanes with a grass median to be built between northbound and southbound lanes, the elimination of all two-way entrance and exit ramps and the construction of three bridges. Highway officials also plan to add a turnaround lane under the I-45 overpass and install traffic signals at SH19 and Old Colony Road to improve safety. TxDOT officials expect to take bids for the SH19 project in May and begin construction in the following months.

 

USDA seeks applications for Rural Development funding

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting loan and grant applications for rural projects that aim to create jobs and spur economic development. 

 

The USDA, through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, will give grants and zero-interest loans to local utilities. The money is then re-loaned to local businesses for the projects that will help create and maintain jobs and growth. 

 

"Our mission at USDA Rural Development includes the creation and preservation of jobs in rural Texas," said State Director Paco Valentin.  "The REDLG program supports this mission by promoting entrepreneurship and stimulating business expansion." The deadline for applications is March 31 for 3rd quarter funding and June 30 for 4th quarter funding. 

 

21st Century Technologies

Texas low-income home energy assistance program to face cuts   

A program that helps low-income families pay energy bills is expected to see massive funding cuts in 2012 - with Texas hit hardest of all states, according to the Office of State-Federal Relations.
 

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is expected to be cut $2.5 billion to $3 billion, which represents a reduction of more than 50 percent. In Texas, because of the allocation formula, funding would drop by 76 percent.
 

In 2011, Texas received about $184 million of the total $4.1 billion energy assistance funds. The year before, Texas got about $210 million of $5.1 billion in funding.

 

Real Estate Center Advisory Committee names two officers

Barbara RussellDenton realtor Barbara Russell (left) and Amarillo commercial realtor Joe Bob McCartt (right) were recently elected to top positions on the nine-member Real Estate Center's Advisory Committee.
 

Joe Bob McCarttVice chairwoman Russell, who was appointed to the committee in 2006, has been elected chairwoman and succeeds Houston realtor J. Michael Boyd.
McCartt, who is serving his second appointment, replaces Russell as the committee's vice chairman.

 

Wildfire training available

for firefighters at academy

Volunteer and agency wildland firefighters can register for the upcoming Central Texas Wildfire Academy, which will be held Feb. 18-20 at the Camp Bowie Training Site in Brownwood.
 

The event, sponsored by the Texas Army National Guard and Dam Volunteer Fire Department, includes courses such as Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service, Water Tender Shuttle and Emergency Vehicle Operations taught by Texas Forest Service professionals. Anyone interested in registering for the event may contact Program Coordinator Rich Gray at (979) 218-2406.

 

Clifton Gunderson LLP

Krum OKs documents to get started on treatment plan

Krum city leaders recently OK'd documents regarding the building of a $2.5 million sewer treatment plant, which is expected to begin operating by September 2012.
 

The plant, which will be paid for with bonds, will initially be built to handle 350,000 gallons of wastewater per day - enough for all current city sewage plus more from identified new developments. If the city grows, the plant can be expanded to handle 750,000 gallons per day. Construction is expected to begin in the fall.

 

Austin wins $5M grant to help

buy alternative fuel vehicles

In an effort to reach carbon neutrality by 2020, the Austin City Council recently won a $5 million state grant that will cover about 66 percent of the cost for 27 alternative fuel vehicles. The city will pay the remaining $3.2 million that is not covered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality grant.

The new vehicles, which include 18 garbage trucks, are expected to save the city about $355,000 annually and prevent the release of 9.62 tons of nitrogen oxide from entering the atmosphere each year.


Fuller brings local government expertise to position with SPI

Mitch FullerMitch Fuller (pictured) brings a strong background in strategic planning, public-private partnerships and local government to his position as senior consultant with Strategic Partnerships, Inc. A sitting city council member since August 2007, Fuller last May was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. As an advocate for public safety and core services such as water and wastewater, planning and transportation, he also serves as president of a regional utility authority.
  

Fuller's expertise in analyzing and planning related to the core issues of municipalities led to his being appointed to the Commission on State Emergency Communications (the 911 Commission) and to the Lower Colorado River Authority Board of Directors. He also has worked on economic development efforts as a member of his community's Economic Development Corp.
 

As a former political science professor at universities in Kansas and Oklahoma, Fuller brings a broad understanding of all levels of government to his position with SPI. A decorated captain in the Texas Army National Guard, Fuller has held various command and staff positions in the military.

 

 
Northrop Grumman

Gladewater superintendent

cuts his salary by 5 percent

J. P. RichardsonConfronted with a large cut in state funding to public education, Superintendent J. P. Richardson (pictured) of the Gladewater Independent School District recently cut his salary by 5 percent.  

 

Trustees had approved a 5 percent increase, raising the superintendent's annual salary to $131,250. Richardson, however, said he believed the superintendent's salary should be frozen if the possibility exists that the salaries of other district personnel will be frozen or staff will be eliminated. The district is facing about a $2 million cut in state funding during the next two years, district officials said.

 

Marlin ISD tags Ridlehuber

as interim superintendent

School board members of the Marlin Independent School District recently selected Marsha Ridlehuber as the interim superintendent to replace Dr. Eli Casey, who resigned as superintendent.

 

Ridlehuber previously served as an assistant superintendent at Waco ISD. She began her new duties as interim superintendent for Marlin ISD on Feb. 7.

 

HDI Solutions

Austin delays construction of $17.4 million boardwalk project

Austin city officials recently delayed construction on a $17.4 million boardwalk project on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. Voters in November approved $90 million in transportation bonds to pay for the new boardwalk and for other transportation projects.
 

City officials planned on beginning construction on the boardwalk in early 2011, but encountered a long bidding process and unexpected legal concerns. Plans now call for building on a proposed 1.1-mile concrete bridge that will be placed for bids this summer and with construction beginning in late 2011 or early 2012, the project manager said. The new boardwalk will close a missing link in the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake and provide a safe bike and pedestrian link to the area east of I-35 once the project is complete in about two years.

 

Cy-Fair's superintendent quitting for job with education nonprofit

David AnthonyCypress-Fairbanks ISD Superintendent David Anthony (pictured) recently announced that he will retire from the state's third-largest district to become chief executive officer for the public education nonprofit, Raise Your Hand Texas.
 

Anthony, who took the helm of the "recognized" district in summer 2004, will stay until June 1 unless the school board finds a replacement sooner.  Cy-Fair is the largest Texas district, with 106,000 students, to have the coveted "recognized" academic status.
 

This year, Raise Your Hand Texas, which was founded in 2006, will focus on protecting state funding for schools and maintaining grant funding for pre-kindergarten.

 

Rio Hondo, Los Indios to install solar panels at city facilities

City officials in Rio Hondo and Los Indios recently won a federal grant to install solar panels at city facilities. The State Energy Conservation Office distributed the federal grants aimed at reducing energy consumption and the cost of energy for small communities.

 

In Rio Hondo, city officials expect to save about $42 a month in energy costs from the 14 solar panels to be installed on the south side of the City Hall building. In Los Indios, city officials plan to use the federal stimulus funds to install solar panels at the city's new $330,000 community center, the city administrator said.

 

Birdville ISD taps Thompson

as interim superintendent

Jay ThompsonBirdville Independent School District board members recently selected Jay C. Thompson (pictured) as interim superintendent.

Thompson, who previously served as the associate superintendent for staff and student services, began his duties as interim superintendent in mid-February. 

 

Thompson previously served as a teacher, athletics director and principal. He will replace Superintendent Stephen F. Waddell, who accepted a position as superintendent for Lewisville ISD.

 

Amarillo Fire Department

wins $64,256 federal grant

The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded a $64,256 grant to the Amarillo Fire Department. The funding will be used to purchase firefighter safety and rescue equipment, fire department officials said.

 

SPI on Twitter

Glasscock will take over as Plano's next city manager

Bruce GlasscockDeputy City Manager Bruce Glasscock (pictured) will take over for retiring City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck as the City of Plano's next city manager.


Glasscock, also former police chief for Plano, is a veteran of municipal government, having worked in a variety of capacities in Fort Collins, Colorado, and St. Petersburg, Florida. Glasscock was picked over three other finalists for the job - Plano Deputy City Manager Frank Turner, Las Vegas Deputy Administrator Jim Nichols and Denton Assistant City Manager Jon Fortune.

 

UT regents expected to give OK for computer system expansion

Officials of The University of Texas System were expected to grant preliminary approval today, Friday, for a more than $50 million expansion of The University of Texas' Advanced Computing System. Regents are meeting today to close out the second day of their agenda.

 

A facilities planning and construction committee of the regents approved the expansion plan yesterday, but the full Board of Regents was expected to act on the proposal today. That approval would allow the university to spend up to 5 percent of the cost of the project on design work. It would include adding 8,000 square feet of data center space and utility improvements. The expansion is hoped to lead to a possible federal grant of $54 million over four years.

 

Montoya takes old role as Hidalgo Co. emergency head

In Hidalgo County, Oscar Montoya recently returned to his former job as emergency management coordinator, which he held from 2002 to 2006. After working four years as a bank fraud prevention manager, he was recently asked to return to emergency management by his old boss, County Judge Ramon Garcia. He replaces Tony Pena, who is now the county's environmental compliance monitor.
 

Montoya, who began his law enforcement career in 1987 as a sheriff's deputy, will oversee a four-person staff charged with maintaining and running the county emergency plans.

 

Kilgore selects McMillan

as new city secretary

Kilgore City Council members recently selected Denise McMillan as the new city secretary. McMillan, who previously was employed as an administrator at a hospital, will replace City Secretary Karen Custer, who is retiring from that position.

 

Natalia ISD names Perez

as interim superintendent

Sylvester PerezFormer Midland ISD Superintendent Sylvester Perez (pictured) recently was named interim superintendent of Natalia ISD in Medina County. Perez, who left Midland in September, will lead NISD until the school board conducts a search and hires a full-time superintendent.


Perez steps in for Joey Moczygemba, who was superintendent for five of his 12 years with the district. He resigned with one year remaining on his contract.

 

Big Spring ISD to build new

$11.5 million elementary school

Big Spring Independent School District trustees recently agreed to spend $11.5 million to build a new Moss Elementary School rather than renovating the school as originally planned.

 

Trustees made the decision after learning that renovating the old school would cost only $1.4 million less than new construction will cost. District officials plan to shift funding from the $60 million in bond funds by cutting some features from projects to pay for the new construction, said Superintendent Steven Saldivar. 

 

Recent Reports

 

Texas Government Insider Archives
Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 2/11/11 
  

TIRZ discusses projects, but

not sure which ones to fund

An Amarillo downtown redevelopment group has not yet decided how to spend $1.4 million that was collected from property tax revenues.

 

Leaders at the Center City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone can use the money to pay for downtown improvements or give it as incentives so that private developers start projects in the area.
 

The board of directors recently discussed projects such as beautifying city streets or upgrading the underground electrical grid - but have not made any decisions.

 

Governor's appointments
Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:
  • David Weir of College Station, Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers
  • Patrick Robertson of Clarendon, Texas Funeral Service Commission
  • Joyce Odom of San Antonio, Texas Funeral Service Commission
  • Delbert Horton III of Cooper, presiding officer, Sulphur River Regional Mobility Authority
  • Rodney Rodriguez of Lubbock, Texas Violent Gang Task Force
  • Sheri Sanders Givens of Round Rock, Office of Public Utility Counsel
  • Deeia D. Beck of Austin, Office of Public Insurance Counsel
  • Jim Parrish of McKinney, Texas Municipal Retirement System
  • Roel "Roy" Rodriguez of McAllen, Texas Municipal Retirement System
     

Final draft of transportation

plan seeks input from citizens

North Texas residents are invited to give input on the final draft of Mobility 2035, the 25-year plan for all transportation projects in the 12-county area.

 

The $101 billion plan, which has been introduced and discussed at three recent public meetings, suffers from budget cuts that mean fewer improvements and more congestion in a fast-growing area. The 2030 transportation plan had nearly $45 billion more in available funding.
 

For more information about the plan, click here. And, residents can email comments to mobilityplan@nctcog.org.

 

Job Board

Volunteer fire departments

in Mabank, Trinidad win grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded a $48,450 grant to the Mabank Volunteer Fire Department and a $63,272 grant to the Trinidad VFD.
 

Officials of Mabank VFD plan to use the grant funds to buy new radios and spare air pack bottles, said Fire Chief Ricky Myrick. Trinidad VFD officials will use their grant funds to buy radios with P25 capabilities that will be required by 2014, said Chief Arthur Arnold.

 

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Cameron ISD names Collin

Clark lone superintendent finalist

Collin ClarkThe Cameron school board recently named Collin Clark (pictured), who serves as superintendent of the Celeste school district, the lone finalist for superintendent/CEO.
 

Clark, who has more than 30 years of public education experience, began his career as a teacher and coach in Sulphur Springs. He joined Celeste schools in 1996 as the junior high principal and was promoted to superintendent in 1996. The Cameron school board is expected to hire Clark this week.

 

Cassie VFD receives federal

grant for new firefighting gear

The Cassie Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $39,900 federal grant to fund training, replace outdated gear and purchase new safety-and-rescue equipment. The grant comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

 

"I think it is a wonderful thing," Cassie Fire Chief Gene Ehler said Friday. "We worked hard to receive it."

 

Miller starts as Gregg County information services director

Former naval code breaker Derold Miller recently took over as information services director department in Gregg County.


He replaces Cindy Romines, who retired at the end of January.

 

 

Gun Barrel City wins $500,000 grant for new park for city

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently awarded a $500,000 grant to Gun Barrel City to build a new park on 21 acres of land recently purchased by the city.


The land purchase will represent most of the matching funds required to accept the grant, the city manager said. The new park will include tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field and seven to nine acres of natural terrain, the city manager said. 

 

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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