Proposed budget cuts could have widespread fallout

Grant recipients, schools, community colleges could be left in lurch

When the state's leadership told state entities to submit a prioritized plan to identify an additional 5 percent savings from general revenue for the 2010-2011 biennium, many responded with proposals that cut into operating costs and internal expenses, or that implemented hiring freezes or eliminated capital projects. Many of the proposals resulted in multi-million-dollar cuts into entities' biennial budgets.

But for some small agencies with few employees and already-small budgets, the proposed cuts could create bigger hardships. Additionally, many of the cuts at the larger agencies could have a trickle-down effect as millions of grant dollars were proposed as possibilities for being reduced or eliminated to make up the 5 percent cuts.

Grant amounts that make their way to local governments and nonprofits or that benefit individual Texans could take a big hit in many cases.

Programs in Texas public schools could suffer from proposed Texas Education Agency (TEA) funding reductions. The agency offered a number of possible cuts, noting that "While every effort was made to minimize the impact on direct services to students, the proposed reduction or elimination of some grant programs will have a direct impact on school districts/charter schools."

Diamond Jubilee:

DPS preparing activities for agency's 75th anniversary celebration

"75 Years of Courtesy, Service and Protection" is how the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is describing its Diamond Jubilee year, being observed in 2010. DPS was created by the Texas Legislature in 1935 and began operations on Aug. 10 of that year. The agency is celebrating its Jubilee Year with a number of activities, including celebrations at each of the six DPS Regional Headquarters beginning on July 26 and culminating with a grand finale at the DPS Headquarters in Austin on Aug. 6.

One of the key events will be the 13-day 75th Anniversary Motorcycle Ride that will begin at the Austin DPS headquarters on July 25. Riders will tour the state with stops at each of the DPS Regional Headquarters. The DPS Diamond Jubilee flag will be carried to each location and flown there. Participants will carry uniform items from two motor patrolmen who graduated from the 1930s State Highway Patrol academy class, including one item from Arthur Fischer, the first Highway Patrolman killed in the line of duty.

Some of the activities tentatively planned for the August event at DPS headquarters include outside displays that feature a dive boat, a canine vehicle with personnel and dog, a crash reconstruction team with personnel and equipment, SWAT personnel and equipment, helicopters and more. There will be numerous displays at the Training Academy as well. Those attending can tour the DPS Museum and the headquarters complex. A barbecue lunch will be offered as well as events for children. More information for those who would like to donate to help defray some of the costs of the events will be made available soon.

Combs named winner of Bob Bullock stewardship honor

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs (pictured) was recently named winner of the Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship. The award is given to individuals who are committed to public service while working toward a more efficient government, using technology as a catalyst for improvement.

Combs offered praise for the late Bullock, himself a former Texas State Comptroller, who she said used technology to "truly modernize" the office.

Combs said she and her staff "realize the importance carrying on that tradition of using technology to shoulder ever-increasing burdens." She cited several projects in her office that use innovative technology.

Texas entities awarded $43 million in TIGER funds

Two Texas entities were among the 51 recipients this week who shared $1.5 billion in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. There were 1,400 applicants for the funding, which was pared down to 51 recipients in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

The Texas State Highway 161 project in Irving and Grand Prairie was awarded $20 million in Recovery Act funding for its $1.3 billion project and the downtown Dallas streetcar project garnered a grant of $23 million toward its $53 million project. The State Highway 161 project is located in a high-growth center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Regional traffic management centers will link to an intelligent transportation system which uses real-time traffic flow and visual data to address traffic congestion and air quality and to shorten incident response time.

The Dallas streetcar project will extend from downtown Dallas through the largest job center in the North Texas area. A stop at Union Station will provide access to the city's light rail lines and to Fort Worth by way of the Trinity Railway Express. It is expected to not only increase transportation alternatives but to also provide seamless transit connections.

Capital Metro hires Billy Hamilton as consultant

Capital Metro has given a consulting contract to Billy Hamilton (pictured), former Texas deputy comptroller, in an attempt to improve the company's financial sustainability. Hamilton will work for about 20 hours a week for the next six to eight months. His services which will include "financial planning, financial performance measurements, budget processes and communication to various stakeholder groups," according to a press release.

As deputy comptroller, Hamilton oversaw daily operations for the state's chief treasurer, revenue estimator, accountant and tax collector. He has also conducted a performance review of the State of California while serving on special assignment and advised the World Bank on public debt management.

Capital Metro Interim President/CEO Doug Allen said Hamilton's rank as "one of the most highly respected financial experts in the state if not the entire country" will no doubt serve the organization as it struggles to right its finances and open a new rail line.

Sales-tax allocations down more than 7 percent

Texas collected $1.66 billion in sales tax revenue in January, down 14.2 percent compared to a year ago, according to the Comptroller's office.

State Comptroller Susan Combs sent $618.2 million in local sales taxes to Texas cities ($417.7 million), counties ($35.1 million), ten transit systems ($140.6 million) and 163 special-purpose taxing districts ($24.6 million). That overall figure represents a 7.1 percent decrease from last year's disbursements.

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

Adam Jones picked to represent TEA on DIR board

Adam Jones (pictured), deputy commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, has been named the agency's ex-officio member of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Board of Directors, effective immediately.

The board position was previously held by Associate Commissioner John Cox, who is retiring from TEA. Along with being a deputy commissioner at the education agency, Jones is also TEA's chief operating officer and has recently been designated as the agency's information resources manager.

Texas obligates major portion of stimulus funds

Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) this week noted they have obligated about $1.9 billion of the $2.25 billion the agency received from the federal Recovery Act for transportation projects. Approximately $389 million has been spent for highways and bridges, public transportation and general aviation. The agency also was provided $67.5 million for transportation enhancement projects such as hike and bike trails, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and more. Transit funds totaled $371 million, divided between urban and rural areas. Six aviation projects that sought funding also were awarded a total of $17 million.

Other transportation funds for Texas included $11 million for high-speed intercity passenger rail programs and $7.2 million in discretionary funds for the construction of a new 28-car ferry for the Port Aransas Ferry System in Nueces County. TxDOT also has been able to leverage its $2.2 billion to build more than $3.5 billion in multimodal transportation projects.

"We're keeping Texas moving," said Amadeo Saenz (pictured), executive director of TxDOT.

Baylor chooses Kenneth Starr as its 14th president

Kenneth W. Starr (pictured), a former independent counsel and dean of Pepperdine University's School of Law since 2004, has been named president of Baylor University. The placement ends a nearly 20-month search following John M. Lilley's termination in July 2008.

Starr, universally recognized as the prosecutor whose efforts led to then-President Clinton's impeachment in the late 1990s, has several decades of legal experience. At age 37, he was the youngest person ever nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. President George H.W. Bush asked Starr to become solicitor general for his administration. He later went into private practice in Washington.

Starr earned his bachelor's degree at George Washington University and law degree from Duke University.

Johnson Hadley sole finalist for TCC chancellor

Interim Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley (pictured) has been named the lone finalist to become chancellor of Tarrant County College (TCC). Hadley, who has been with TCC for more than four decades, will by law have to wait 21 days before the offer from the board of trustees is official.

Hadley began her career with TCC in 1968 as a business instructor. She was named interim chancellor in June when former Chancellor Leonard de la Garza resigned. She has worked her way up through the TCC administration. In 1981, she was named vice chancellor and in 1991 was elevated to vice chancellor for administration.

Hadley holds a bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University and a master's degree from Bowling Green State University. She has studied at the University of Texas and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Texas. In addition, she holds an honorary doctorate from Paul Quinn College.

U.S. attorney for Southern District of Texas named

Jose Angel Moreno (pictured) has been nominated to serve as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas. He currently serves as assistant U.S. attorney for the district.

Moreno, of Laredo, has worked primarily in local and federal prosecutor jobs along the Texas-Mexico border region. He also serves as deputy criminal chief and coordinator of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for South Texas.

An ex-Marine, Moreno earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Texas Law School.

TxDOT opens construction bids on flyover project

With funding secured, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has opened construction bids on a flyover project connecting SH 146 southbound to Spur 330 westbound.

The effort - once thought to be a distant-future project - was recently made a reality through a combination of city bond funds, federal transportation appropriations and federal stimulus funds. The measure arrives as the result of collaboration between local congressional and state legislative members.

The project is estimated to cost less than $6 million. Construction could begin as early as May and be completed a year later.

Abilene Christian names Schubert 11th president

Phil Schubert (pictured) has been named the 11th president of Abilene Christian University (ACU), replacing Royce Money on June 1. The other finalist was professor and public speaker Rick Lytle. Lytle will remain dean of ACU's College of Business and Administration.

Schubert, currently the university's executive vice president, graduated from ACU in 1991. He played an instrumental role in the university's mobile learning initiative, which provides incoming freshmen with an iPhone or iPod Touch.

Money, meanwhile, will become the university's chancellor after serving 19 years as president.

Angelo State University picks development officer

Robert Clark (pictured) has been named development officer for Angelo State University. He will focus on major gifts to athletics and select academic programs in his new role, which begins March 1.

Clark has served the last two years as special assistant to the senior associate athletic director for student-athlete development at Texas A&M University, where he is working on his doctoral degree.

Clark has also served as coordinator for A&M's athletic compliance office. Prior to that charge, he worked as a football recruiter for Occidental College in Los Angeles, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees.

TAMU-Corpus Christi announces Meyer as vice provost

Dr. Paul R. Meyer (pictured) has been named vice provost at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where he will play a direct role in the university's educational leadership and planning.

Meyer previously served as assistant provost at Texas A&M University in College Station, a post he held for six years. He has also served as an assistant professor of English at both Texas A&M University-College Station and New Mexico State University.

Meyer holds a bachelor's degree from Rice University and master's and doctoral degrees from The University of Texas at Austin.

Texas State University System picks interim chancellor

Dr. Kenneth Craycraft (pictured) has been named interim chancellor of the Texas State University System, where he has served the last nine years as vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Craycraft previously served as a professor and academic dean at Sam Houston State University before joining the Texas State University System. He has also taught at Bowling Green State University.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University, a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a doctoral degree from Indiana University.

St. Mary's board approves VP of Academic Affairs

Andre Hampton (pictured) has been confirmed as vice president of Academic Affairs at St. Mary's University, where he has served as the post's interim since June 2008.

Hampton has worked at St. Mary's since 1994. Before joining the Office of Academic Affairs, he taught at the university's School of Law.

TAMU Board of Regents finalizes three appointments

The Texas A&M University of Board of Regents has approved appointments for three posts. Tom G. Boggus has been named director of the Texas Forest Service, Dr. R. Bowen Loftin will serve as the 24th president of Texas A&M University and Dr. Maria Hernandez-Ferrier has been named Texas A&M University-San Antonio's inaugural president. All three were recently named the lone finalists for their posts.

Boggus has worked for the Texas Forest Service for the past 30 years. He previously worked as associate director for Forest Resource Development and Sustainable Forestry before serving as the agency's interim director in May 2008.

Loftin has served as interim president of TAMU for the last six months. Prior to that charge, he worked four years as vice president and chief executive officer of TAMU-Galveston. He holds a bachelor's degree from TAMU and master's and doctoral degrees from Rice University.

Hernandez-Ferrier has served as interim president of TAMU-San Antonio since June 2009. She previously worked as executive director of the institution when it operated as a system center of TAMU-Kingsville.

UT-Tyler School of Nursing to implement virtual program

Dr. Carol Kilmon (left) and Dr. Kathy Missildine (right) have been selected to serve as information technology scholars at The University of Texas at Tyler's School of Nursing. Both Kilmon, an associate professor of nursing, and Missildine, assistant professor of nursing, will utilize Second Life - an online virtual world that allows users to interact through avatars - to expand the school's existing curriculum.

The year-long scholars program will provide mentorship to faculty as they develop and implement the technology-based project for the nursing school. The initiative arrives as a result of a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Bureau of Health Professions in partnership with the Office of Health Information Technology.

Kilmon said the benefits of working in a virtual environment are both effective and safe. "Students can hone their skills by practicing patient assessment and clinical decision-making with no risk of harm if an error is made," she said.

Houston ISD superintendent selects leadership trio

Houston ISD Superintendent Terry Grier has announced additions to his leadership team. These three employees will individually serve as chief school officers of the district's elementary campuses, middle schools and high schools.

Sam Sarabia, the interim east region superintendent, will serve as executive principal of HISD elementary schools. Terence Johnson, former HISD principal and KIPP charter school supervisor, will oversee all middle school campuses. David Simmons, former superintendent of Richardson ISD, will supervise the district's high schools.

UNT announces Diebel as its interim president

Phil C. Diebel (pictured) has been announced to serve as interim president of the University of North Texas following Gretchen M. Bataille's resignation, effective Feb. 28.

Diebel retired as a UNT administrator in 2007, but has continued to serve in an advisory capacity. He joined the university faculty in 1981 as controller and was soon promoted to vice president for finance and business affairs. In 2001, he assumed the position of UNT System vice chancellor.

Diebel, a certified public accountant, earned his bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Border crime prosecutions ramped up with $1.7M grant

The newly formed Border Prosecution Unit will help fight drug smuggling and transnational gang activity across Texas's 1,250-mile border with Mexico, the Governor's Office recently announced.

A $1.7 million grant will increase the number of prosecutors and special investigators assigned to regional crimes such as money laundering and human- and drug-trafficking. The funds arrive as part of $110 million approved by the Texas Legislature last session to bolster border-security operations.

Midland College board approves technology upgrade

Midland College board of trustees has approved the purchase of $103,312 in equipment to be installed in the Elizabeth and Herb Blankinship Lecture Hall at the college's Advanced Technology Center.

Funds totaling $285,000 have arrived from a U.S. Department of Education grant and will go toward the purchase of high-definition video screens, three projectors and other items as well as a revamp of the center's security system. The equipment will replace 10-year-old items, which will be distributed around the ATC, according to Director of Workforce Education Barry Horseman (pictured).

Department of Labor awards San Jacinto College $4.7M

The U.S. Department of Labor (USDL) has awarded San Jacinto College in Pasadena approximately $4.7 million as part of $225 million in health care and emerging industries grants. The funds arrive as part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

College officials plan to use the funds to provide lower income unemployed and incumbent workers with comprehensive training in the petrochemical industry with an emphasis on attracting Hispanics and women.

Kelly Simons, president of resource development at San Jacinto College, said that with the dominant petrochemical industry in Pasadena, there is a strong need for trained and skilled workers in the area.

Tarleton partners with environmental research institute

The Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER) has joined forces with Tarleton State University's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (COAES) as part of an initiative aimed at broadening the university's academic and research scope. The merger becomes official March 1.

Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio said the fusion will provide a new research direction for the school and benefit students, faculty and research staff in the process. Additionally, he said, "the environmental research staff within the institute will help fulfill the expanded academic mission of the COAES."

Dan Hunter (pictured), executive director of TIAER, said the opportunity will allow the institute to continue to fulfill its vital research agenda while "providing a component in the academic success of the university."

FHA awards Amarillo $7M for bridge construction

Since the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has pledged $7.39 million, construction is slated to begin on a bridge that will alleviate railroad-caused traffic congestion in Amarillo.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials have worked to cut the design and engineering phase of the $9.1 million project to just more than nine months in order to meet stimulus-program deadlines. The process normally takes 18 to 24 months.

The city plans to contribute $900,000 to $1 million to the project.

UT-Dallas announces interim dean of libraries

Sheila Amin Gutierrez de Pineres (pictured), associate provost and economics professor at The University of Texas at Dallas, will serve as the school's interim dean of libraries. She replaces Dr. Larry Sall, who retired last month. In her new role, she will oversee a staff of 63 at the collections and services of the McDermott Library and the Callier Library at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders.

Prior to joining UT-Dallas in 1996, Pineres taught economics at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. She has authored or co-authored a number of published articles along with a book.

Pineres holds a doctoral degree from Duke University.

Conroe ISD pulls back on purchase of 32-acre site

Trustees for the Conroe Independent School District recently voted to terminate a contract to buy 32 acres of land to build a second junior high school for Oak Ridge North. District officials had offered $1.52 million for the site located at the intersection of SH 242 and Needham Road.

A new flood map released recently by the Federal Emergency Management Agency prompted district officials to ask for a time extension on the contract to more closely review issues such as flood plains, fault lines and other issues regarding the property. The developers refused the district's request for the time extension.

District officials had planned to build a second junior high school to open in 2012 using funding from a $527 bond package approved in May 2008. The district will continue to look at options for the new junior high school, the board president said.

West Texas A&M names Rogers associate dean

Dr. Jim Rogers (pictured) has been named the inaugural associate dean of Academic Environmental Health and Safety at the Graduate School of Research at West Texas A&M University.

Rogers, an associate professor of environmental science, joined the WTAMU faculty in 1997. He has more than 30 years experience in environmental planning, restoration and protection, working with nonprofits such as the World Bank and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Rogers holds a bachelor's and master's degree from WTAMU and a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.

Galveston group approves plans for rebuilding housing

The Galveston Planning Commission recently approved redevelopment plans submitted by the Galveston Housing Authority to rebuild public housing destroyed by Hurricane Ike.

Commission members, however, made a few changes to the proposed plan by increasing density at public housing on Broadway Blvd., while decreasing density at public housing on 33rd Street and Strand Streets. City council members are expected to consider the GHA redevelopment plan in late February, which if approved will released $25 million in federal Community Block Grant funding the city has earmarked to rebuild public housing.

The GHA redevelopment plan calls for rebuilding 390 public housing units on their previous sites and another 179 public housing units scattered throughout the city. The housing authority plans to hire an architect to design the public housing once city council members approve the redevelopment plan.

Grant will fund Coastal Bend mobile lab

Coastal Bend College (CBC) is slated to receive a $500,000 grant to fund a mobile nursing lab. The lab will be inside a gooseneck trailer such as the one pictured and will allow nursing students to practice scenarios that will help improve their nursing skills. The funds are from the federal Recovery Act and are administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The funds will allow for the purchase and equipping of a mobile lab to be circulated among the college's campuses in Alice, Beeville, Kingsville and Pleasanton, thus meeting the training demands of four cities for the price of one. "Nursing students who train in large metropolitan hospitals may see victims of heart attacks on a daily basis, but not CBC students," said Betty Sims (pictured), CBC director or nursing.

The project includes the purchase of a gooseneck trailer to transport medical equipment and simulators around the region. Students and local healthcare personnel will gain access to the mobile lab for classroom exercises and continuing education. Mobile labs reduce the need for hospitals and care centers to create their own simulation labs or send their employees out of town for training. Sims said the lab will help improve healthcare in the region.

Fannin County to decide on college campus

A petition to have Grayson County College (GCC) build an extension campus in Fannin County has garnered enough signatures - a minimum of 5 percent of the county's voting population - to put the measure on the May ballot. The GCC Board of Trustees will decide whether to follow through with the move at its next monthly meeting.

If approved, GCC will have a permanent presence in Fannin County, thanks to 100 acres of land donated by a local resident expressly for the purpose of housing a GCC campus. The college has also received a $2 million matching grant for construction costs.

Carl McEachern, Fannin County Higher Education Committee chairman, said he is optimistic the measure will pass. He said he is excited about the academic boost the college will receive and the trade classes that will be offered as a result, adding, "It will be a tremendous benefit to Fannin County."

Bedden lone finalist for Irving superintendent

Dana T. Bedden (pictured) has been named the lone finalist for the top job in the Irving ISD. Bedden currently serves as superintendent of the Richmond County School System in Augusta, Georgia. He will replace former Superintendent Jack Singley, who is retiring after 21 years with the district.

The district must wait 21 days for officially hiring Bedden. Bedden would bring 15 years of experience in educational administration and leadership to the Irving position. He has worked in a variety of school districts with student populations from 3,500 to 200,000 in both urban and suburban areas. Before joining the Richmond system, he served other schools as a teacher, director of athletics, community and athletic resource administrator, subschool principal, high school principal, regional superintendent and superintendent.

Bedden holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, a master's from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate from Virginia Tech.

Central Texas COG supports $42M in highway funding

The Central Texas Council of Governments recently asked for support for a plan calling for Texas Department of Transportation officials to allow the Killeen Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization to use $42 million in state funding for the next 10 years to pay for the proposed US190/Copperas Cove bypass.

Speaking to Harker Heights City Council members, Jim Reed, the CTCOG executive director, asked the council to announce their support for pass-through financing now rather than waiting because the rules for pass-through financing could change. If KTMPO receives the money upfront for the bypass project, the group can still receive more than $11 million from the federal government's second stimulus package, Reed said. Funding from both sources would give KTMPO enough funding to leverage other money to complete the project. That would include the widening of US 190 from the main gate of Fort Hood to FM 2410, including a turnaround bridge on FM 2410 much earlier than previously planned, Reed said.

In response to council member's concern that the project could lose state funding if the KTMPO receives funding from the second stimulus package, Reed said the group should receive both even if the project wins a second round of stimulus funds. Council members took no action on the request.

Four vie to head local workforce board

A former Corpus Christi city manager and a former interim CEO of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce are among four persons seeking to become head of the Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend.

Former City Manager Skip Noe and former chamber executive Ken Trevino join two candidates from out of state seeking the position. The final two applicants are James Applin, chief strategy officer and COO for Michigan Works, that state's workforce development board in Benton Harbor, and James McShane III, executive director of Grants, Inc., in Illinois, a grant research and nonprofit training organization. Noe currently is a consultant and interim city manager for the City of Port Lavaca. Trevino currently is corporate director of business services for a workforce development firm.

Carroll ISD approves affinity credit card to raise revenue

Trustees for the Carroll Independent School District recently approved a proposal to launch an affinity credit card featuring the district's dragon mascot to help raise revenue.

The proposal calls for the school district to enter into a five-year agreement with a credit card company providing for the district to receive a percentage of each purchase made on the district's affinity card. "We don't have to do anything. There's no overhead," said Julie Thannum (pictured), spokesperson for the district. The school district also will receive $50 when a customer signs up and uses the Dragon affinity card and up to 10 percent back on purchases at select merchants. The district will receive 2 percent on gas and grocery purchases and 1 percent on other purchases made on the affinity card.

The Dragon affinity card will target parents, grandparents and other supporters of the school district, but will not be marketed to students, a spokeswoman for the district said. Revenue earned from the affinity card will be deposited in the district's general operating fund.

Williamson Co. reorganizes, creates five senior directors

With an eye toward creating a management structure that more closely reflects standard business practices, Williamson County commissioners recently created positions for five senior directors who will report directly to the court.

The five senior directors will lead Emergency Services, Human Resources, Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation and Technology Services. The director of Emergency Services will oversee emergency medical services, the Mobile Outreach Team, emergency communications, wireless communications, hazardous materials and emergency management while the director of Human Resources will oversee employee relations and communications, risk management, compensation, veterans services and the HR information system.

The director of infrastructure will administer the unified road system, fleet services and facilities and the director of technology services will oversee information technology applications, IT operations, administrative services and geographic information systems. The director of Parks and Recreation also will now oversee environmental programs and special projects.

TTUHSC Web site offers info on health career jobs

With continuing shortages of professionals in the health care industry, the job market in that sector remains wide open. With a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) has expanded information on health-related careers in its HOT (Health Opportunities in Texas) Jobs Web site.

The Web site, TexasHOTJobs.org, is designed particularly for those seeking health care careers in rural and under-served areas of Texas, for students, parents and educators. It provides information on more than 90 health careers and offers information on job outlook, salary and educational opportunities in the industry in Texas. Enhancements include a Spanish version, an online health professional role model feature for sharing experiences, an interactive career exploration module, new sections for parents, families and educators and a "My Career" tool that allows users to manage their own content.

"The health care industry, which continues to see shortages of professionals in many areas, offers a great opportunity for people seeking a career that offers stability, flexibility and mobility," said Billy Philips, Ph.D., vice president and director of the TTUHSC F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health. "The HOT Jobs Web site is the starting place for career seekers to learn about all the options available." Development for the entire HOT Jobs resource line, also including a HOT Jobs book and a parent guide, was led by West Texas Area Health Education Center (AHEC), with financial and content support for the books from the Texas Department of Rural Affairs, the Texas Hospital Association, South Plains College, East Texas AHEC and South Texas AHEC.

Seadrift moving on $619,000 water/sewer project

Seadrift city officials recently announced they are moving forward with a $619,000 sewer and water infrastructure project using a grant from the Texas Capital Fund. That water/sewer project will create 32 jobs, a spokesman for the city said.

City officials also are waiting to learn if the city will receive a $500,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office or a $550,000 Community Development Block Grant to pay for installation of a wind generator at the sewer plant to provide power to the plant. The State Energy Conservation Office is expected to make a decision on recipients of the Renewable Energy Technology Projects grant in about two weeks, the spokesman said. The Texas Department of Rural Affairs is expected to announce recipients of the Renewable Energy Demonstration Pilot Project grant in May. Either grant will pay for the installing of a wind generator at the sewer plant.

Additionally, city officials are waiting for final engineering to be completed on a water and sewer project funded by a $250,000 grant from the Water and Sewer Improvements Program of the Community Development Block Grant before advertising bids for that project, the spokesman said. City officials also expect to ask for bids soon on a project to install a required backup generator at the sewer plant. That project is being paid for by a $160,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.

Pine Tree ISD considers possible $1.98M bond proposal

Trustees for the Pine Tree Independent School District recently discussed 30 maintenance issues to be included in a May bond proposal under consideration by board members.

Maintenance projects discussed include replacing materials destroyed during a recent asbestos removal at the high school, upgrading the theater at the high school, improving the automated heating and air conditioning at the high school and at the junior high and intermediate campuses. Following the discussion, board members removed a roof repair project from the list of possible projects to be funded by bonds. Board President Melinda Burns (pictured) noted that district officials need to keep the bond package as tight as possible to win community support.

District officials also plan to do some of the deferred maintenance left off the bond proposal this summer if board members approve the estimated $530,000 cost. Those projects include replacing carpeting, changing lighting, painting hallways and resurfacing and sealing parking lots.

Nacogdoches group urges creation of technical college

Following a recently released study of youth drain in Nacogdoches County, the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation urged public officials to create a 25,000-square-foot Nacogdoches Technical Training Center to offer technical training to encourage more young people to remain in the community.

The study recommends that technical college supporters work closely with county school districts and local industry to determine which courses should be offered at the proposed Nacogdoches Technical Training Center. Among the curriculum under consideration are welding, auto repair, medical certifications for nursing aides and certification for database administrators or call center operators.

The consultants estimated that about 350 students will enroll in the first year the technical training center opens and as many as 450 students will be enrolled in four to five years as county residents now must travel to Angelina College or Tyler to receive similar training. County officials agreed to take the lead in planning for a new structure, said NEDCO Chairman Ed Pool.

Hewitt OKs $951,370 to buy land for city facilities

Hewitt City Council members recently authorized $951,370 to buy 41 acres of land to serve as a site of a proposed new library, police station, fire substation, administrative offices and a water tower.

The city will pay for the land purchase using certificates of obligation, said City Manager Adam Miles (pictured), who described it as necessary because the city has fewer than 1,499 acres available for development.

The decision to purchase a less expensive site followed voter rejection in November of a bond proposal to fund the purchase of 63 acres of more expensive land to house city facilities and create a town square with shops, restaurants and housing. Council members said they plan to ask voters in November to approve bonds to pay for the design and construction of the scaled-down city facility project to provide adequate safety for police officers and other city employees.

TxDOT reserves $42.3 million for Temple/Killeen bypass

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently told the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization (KTMPO) that the agency is reserving $42.3 million in state funding that most likely will be used for the U.S. Highway 190 bypass project.

The $42.3 million should be made available to the KTMPO in 2013, said Ken Roberts of TxDOT's district office in Waco. The $42.3 million represents about 80 percent of the total $55 million cost for the bypass that will serve as a reliever route from the east side of Copperas Cove at U.S. Highway 90 to a junction with the highway on the west side of Copperas Cove.

Roberts also outlined three available options for obtaining the remaining funding required by the bypass project. One option is the city of Copperas Cove applying for a pass-through finance option. In that scenario, TxDOT would reimburse about 80 percent of the project. Other options are using possible federal stimulus funding or for legislators to increase the amount of Proposition 12 bonds available for TxDOT, Roberts said. No start date for the bypass is available as the decision for the funding will remain tentative until the agency's finance division can confirm the numbers, Roberts said.

McKinney schedules $51.35 million bond election in May

McKinney City Council members recently approved an ordinance calling for a $51.35 million bond election.

Projects included in the proposed election are an active outdoor facility, which would include a skate park and improvements to parking in the downtown area.

Government will have more to spend on technology in 2010...

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

Technology firms sell many kinds of products and services to governmental entities. But, here's where public officials are expected to spend most of their technology money in 2010:

• desktop PCs;
• laptops;
• infrastructure hardware;
• software upgrades; and
• security solutions.

These predictions are based on designated funding allocations to state and local governments. The federal government continues to send historic amounts of money to the states and much of it will result in technology purchases. Texas will receive its fair share in 2010...and the amount available for technology spending could be quite large.

Funding was abundant for technology upgrades in the past year with Recovery Act funding and more is expected in 2010. Approximately $2.4 billion in stimulus funding was awarded during the last part of 2009.

Grapevine-Colleyville group urges $125.9 bond election

An advisory committee to the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District board of trustees recently recommended the district hold a $125.9 million bond election and a tax rate hike.

The bond issue and tax rate measures are intertwined and should be presented to voters as a package, said Charlie Warner (pictured), president of the board of trustees. Trustees have a March 8 deadline to call for a bond election in May.

Southlake approves
football stadium expansion

Southlake City Council members recently approved the expansion and improvements to Dragon Stadium operated by Carroll Independent School District.

Plans call for the stadium to be equipped with an additional 1,600 seats to be installed on two wings at either end of the bleachers, expanding the parking lot by 137 spaces and building additional concessions, restrooms and an area for a new Disaster Recovery Center. Construction is expected to begin at the end of February and be completed in time for the 2010 football season, district officials said.

Needville to apply for grant for police upgrades

Needville City Council members recently authorized police officials to apply for a $98,682 grant to buy a new laptop computer system and digital cameras for police vehicles. Houston-Galveston Area Council members also must approve the application before it goes to the governor's office for final consideration, said Police Chief Michael Dickerson.

Hondo names Colbath
as new city secretary

Gloria Colbath has been named city secretary of Hondo. She replaces Yolanda Benitez, who resigned last July. Interim city secretary Sanda R. Torres will return to her duties as deputy secretary.

Colbath, whose new role begins March 1, previously served as Castroville city secretary.

Rockwall ISD names Bailey lone superintendent finalist

Trustees for the Rockwall Independent School District recently selected Deputy Superintendent Jeff Bailey (pictured) as lone finalist for superintendent. Bailey will replace Superintendent Gene Burton, who has announced his retirement effective in June. Bailey previously served as a deputy superintendent for Plano ISD before accepting the deputy superintendent position with the Rockwall school district in April 2009.

Big Spring ISD studies
$60 million bond proposal

Following two studies pointing out three school campuses that failed to meet safety codes or support technology, Big Spring Independent School District officials recently scheduled a special meeting to ask for public support for a possible $60 million bond election to pay for three new schools.

Three elementary schools need to be brought up to date to support technology and to meet safety codes and improve energy efficiency, said Superintendent Steven Saldivar. He proposed the district use the bond funding to build new schools on the same campus sites so classes can continue without interruption. Board members are expected to make a decision on whether to schedule a bond election in May before the March 8 deadline to call the election.

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.

Jennifer Ransom Rice is a former communications director for the Texas State Comptroller. She also served as press secretary to former Texas Sen. Tom Haywood. Most recently, Rice served as chief of staff for Sen. Florence Shapiro. Rice was recently named director of development with the Texas Cultural Trust.

David Bernsen served as a member of the Texas Transportation Commission from 1991 to 1997, serving as Commissioner of Transportation from 1993 to 1995. In 1998, he was elected to the Texas Senate and served until 2003. In 2002, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for Texas Land Commissioner. Today, Bernsen is a partner in a Beaumont law firm.

FEMA partners to award Cedar Hill more than $65K

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the U.S. Fire Administration, has awarded $65,569 to the Cedar Hill Fire Department. The funds will be used to buy equipment and for training and operations measures.

The award is aimed at enhancing emergency first-responders' ability to protect the public with respect to fire-safety hazards. The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local governments to bolster emergency response through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition and technical assistance.

Grayson County approves $82,645 for repairs at jail

Grayson County Commissioners recently approved $82,645 to reinforce the ceiling of the county jail.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards notified county officials that the 49-bed variance most likely will not be continued without the repairs, said Police Captain Kelli Stephens. County officials approved $58,458 to buy steel for the ceilings and an additional $24,187 for other improvements to bring three jail pods to the standards required to house maximum-security inmates.

Center Point ISD reviewing options for $9.9M bond vote

Trustees for the Center Point Independent School District recently began reviewing proposals to expand two school campuses and continued discussion on whether to ask voters to approve $9.9 million in bonds to pay for the expansion.

The proposed renovations include adding new classroom space, a new arts classroom, a new library, a new cafeteria and an on-campus agricultural science lab at the secondary school, building a new gym and pre-kindergarten facilities at the elementary school and remodeling the central office, adding a computer lab and re-roofing the high school. District officials hope to begin work on the facility improvements in September if the board schedules the bond election in May and voters approve the proposal. "We certainly want the whole board to be in agreement on a major decision like this," said CPISD superintendent Cody Newcomb (pictured) said.

New Braunfels ISD group urges November election

The Facilities Planning Committee of the New Braunfels Independent School District recently recommended that trustees call a bond election in November. Committee members suggested the district reprioritize its initial $55 million plan that included building a middle school in the far south and southeast side of the district that would eventually be transformed into a second high school. The district would then renovate New Braunfels Middle School into a ninth grade center and move the transportation facility, according to the committee's proposal.

The committee also added a project to the proposal and urged trustees to build a new $15 million elementary school. District officials project the new middle school could be completed by the summer of 2012 if voters approve the bond proposal.

Stephenville ISD backs off on $59 million bond election

Following a lengthy discussion, trustees for the Stephenville Independent School District recently voted 4-3 against scheduling a proposed $59 million bond election on May 8 to pay for facility upgrades.

FEMA,Fire Administration award grant to Ennis FD

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has joined forces with the U.S. Fire Administration to allocate $42,655 to the Ennis Fire Department. The funds will help support firefighters' work as first responders with training and support operations and the purchase of new equipment.

The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local governments to bolster emergency response and preparation through funding, training, exercises, equipment purchases and technical assistance.

Corsicana approves $3.7 million bond sale for utilities

Corsicana City Council members recently approved the sale of $3.7 million in bonds to pay for four improvement projects. The projects include moving city-owned utility lines on Seventh Avenue and installing new water and sewer lines throughout the city, said City Manager Connie Standridge. Installing the new utility lines along Seventh Avenue is being done in conjunction with a drainage improvement project the Texas Department of Transportation plans to begin soon, Standridge said.

El Paso approves $1.5 million to hire bridge guards

El Paso City Council members recently agreed to spend almost $1.5 million a year over the next three years to pay for guards to patrol three international bridges operated by the city.

The $3.4 million funding to pay for the bridge guard contract with a private security contractor will come from toll revenue produced by the bridge, city officials said.

Jersey Village to expand new $275,000 lift station

After the public works director recommended expanding pumps at the Jones Road lift station to increase capacity for new development, the Jersey Village city council recently approved an additional $18,000 to pay for engineering services to redesign the lift station to use a 3-inch pump instead of a 2-inch pump.

The estimated cost for the new lift station is about $275,000, said Danny Segundo, director of public works. The city is using funding left over from a 2003 bond proposal to pay for the lift station project.

Cook to retire as chief financial officer of Dallas

Dave Cook, who has served as the chief financial officer for the city of Dallas since October 2000, recently announced his retirement, effective this week. City officials previously had named Jeanne Chipperfield, the city's budget director, as the new chief financial officer.

Burton ISD approves plans for new junior high school

Trustees for the Burton Independent School District recently approved the conceptual plan for a new junior high school and gave the architect a thumbs up to add wiring, plumbing and other infrastructure to the plan. Most of the funding for the new construction will come from a bond proposal voters approved in November 2007.

School officials hope to ask for bids in May so that construction can begin this summer, said Superintendent James Palmer.

Corsicana wins $400,000
in grants for technology

Corsicana recently won almost $400,000 in federal grants to improve record keeping and buy security equipment for law enforcement. The federal funding will help pay for a new record keeping system, purchase surveillance equipment for the police department and buy new cameras and computers for police vehicles, said Police Chief Randy Bratton.

Conroe ISD approves $1.9 million to upgrade school

Board members for the Conroe Independent School District recently approved $1.9 million to add five new classrooms and expand the canopy at the front entrance of Washington Junior High School from the gym to the front of the school. District officials also plan to improve security by enclosing a sidewalk on campus to prevent the public from viewing students using the sidewalk.

Recent Reports

• Service Plan 2020, CapMetro (this is a large file)

Texas Government Insider Archives

Volume 1 - 8 Archives · 1/8/04 - 2/12/10

Washington County accepts $711,485 equipment grant

Washington County commissioners recently agreed to accept $711,485 in federal grants to install emergency generators at a cost of $200,151 at Faith Missions and at a cost of $384,551 at the city's water treatment plant. The Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program awarded the grant to assist communities that demonstrated a failure to function during Hurricane Ike.

Governor's appointments

Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• Roger Jeffrey "Jeff" Walker, presiding judge, Eighth Administrative Judicial Region
• George Bithos of Austin, Independent Ombudsman for State Supported Living Centers

Bowie appraisal district
OKs $8,200 for computers

The board of directors of the Bowie Central Appraisal District recently approved $8,200 to purchase eight new computers and three monitors. The new computers are needed to replace computers with a replacement date of 2004 and that operate too slowly, said the interim chief appraiser.

Boerne delays decision
on multiple library bids

After receiving 21 bids for building a new library, Boerne City Council members recently agreed to delay naming the winning bid until the project committee can more closely study the bids. The 21 bids submitted for the library construction project ranged from $5 million to $6.5 million, all lower than the projected cost, said Kelly Skovbjerg, the library director.

Amarillo OKs more than
$1M in stimulus spending

The Amarillo City Commission has approved $299,000 in federal stimulus dollars for LED traffic signal bulbs to be installed at intersections throughout the city. The money arrives as part of $1.8 million in federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The funds are reserved for "green" energy-saving initiatives.

Stimulus funds totaling $760,000 to $780,000 will be used to install energy-efficient lighting at the city's Rick Klein Sports Complex and six other sports fields.

Throckmorton County wins $180,000 for courthouse

The Texas Historical Commission recently awarded $180,000 in grant funds to Throckmorton County. The grant, awarded through the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, will be used to develop a master preservation plan for the courthouse. The Texas Historic Commission, through its courthouse preservation program, has awarded more than $174 million in grants in this sixth round of funding for the preservation program that began in 1999.

Canutillo ISD selects Murphy as new superintendent

The board of trustees for the Canutillo Independent School District recently selected Dr. Damon Murphy (pictured) as the district's new superintendent. Murphy currently serves as associate superintendent for priority and secondary school for El Paso ISD.

Aransas Pass selects Stonebraker city secretary

Aransas Pass City Council members recently appointed Yvonne Stonebraker to serve as the new city secretary to replace Ada Owens, who is retiring from that position she assumed in May 2006.

Stonebraker has worked for the city for 13 years and most recently served as the secretary to the city manager.

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Stephens County wins $450,000 for courthouse

The Texas Historical Commission recently awarded a $450,000 grant from its Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program to Stephens County to help pay for a major renovation of the county courthouse. County officials, who plan to return the historic courthouse to its original 1926 look, are required to contribute $225,000 in local funds to the renovation project.

Bexar Metro 911 looks at Schertz for dispatch center

Bexar Metro 911, which provides emergency dispatch services for 34 cities in three counties, is looking at Schertz as a possible site for its regional dispatch center, said Assistant City Manager David Harris (pictured) of Schertz. The city has proposed three possible sites for the regional dispatch center, Harris said. Schertz would make an ideal location because it is near the county lines of Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties and provides access to IH 35 and FM 3009, he added.

Schertz is one of the locations under consideration for the proposed regional dispatch center, but no decision has been made on whether to establish such a center, said Bill Buchholtz, executive director of Bexar Metro 911. The proposed regional center could house dispatchers from all three counties and could act as an emergency operations center during disasters and emergencies, Buchholtz said. The center, which would operate 24 hours a day throughout the year, would require up to five acres for a 20,000- to 30,000-square-foot building. A decision on whether to establish a regional dispatch center should be made within the next six to eight months, he said.

Deer Park officials appoint Jackson as interim manager

Deer Park city council members recently appointed Gary Jackson, the assistant city manager, as interim city manager until city officials hire a new city manager. The retirement of current City Manager Ron Crabtree becomes effective on Feb. 26.

Sugar Land approves pact for baseball team, stadium

Sugar Land City Council members recently approved an agreement with a private Pennsylvania-based company to establish a professional minor league baseball team and develop a stadium in the city's cultural and entertainment district.

The agreement designates the company as the city's exclusive negotiation partner for 90 days as city and company officials develop a formal and binding agreement, said Doug Adolph, a spokesman for the city. Plans call for the stadium to be a flexible, multi-use design that will support college and high school baseball tournaments, concerts and other uses, Adolph said. The new stadium should be ready for use in time for the 2012 baseball season, he added.

Del Rio wins $52,200 federal grant for fire department

The Del Rio Fire and Rescue Department recently received a $52,200 grant to buy new safety and rescue equipment and improve training. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded the grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Plans call for the fire department to replace an aging air compressor used to fill self-contained breathing devices and to buy thermal imaging cameras, said Deputy Fire Chief John Sheedy (pictured).

Comal moving ahead on $8.6M in renovations

Comal County Commissioners recently began a search for additional office space needed when $8.6 million in courthouse renovations begins in about six months. About 20 county employees must be moved to another location while courthouse renovations are being done, county officials said.

The county received almost $3.4 million in state funding to repair the courthouse built in 1898 and officials plan to use another $5.3 million in certificates of obligation to pay for the renovations.

The project includes demolishing some dilapidated sections of the courthouse and upgrading the entire plumbing and electrical systems. The grant requires that the work begin in six months and be completed within one year and a half after the start date, the county engineer 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.

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TASSCC to host one-day 2010 TEC Conference

The Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications (TASSCC) and the Texas Department of Information Resources will host the TASSCC Technology Education Conference (TEC) on Wednesday, March 10, at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin. Early registration is available until Wednesday, Feb. 24 for "Results 2.0 - Delivering & Communicating IT's Business Value." The TEC 2010 will focus on improving output and obtaining results in a complex and cost-conscious work environment that is becoming more virtualized. The one-day event includes technology directors from Texas state agencies and institutions of higher education as they review specific topics of interest. To register online, click here.

AACOG to host five-day grant training workshop

The Alamo Area Council of Governments is hosting a Grantsmanship Training Monday through Friday, March 1-5. The training, presented by the Grantsmanship Center, will be in the Northeast Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive in San Antonio. The five-day workshop features hands-on learning covering all aspects of researching grants, writing grant proposals and negotiating with funding sources. Those attending will learn how to locate new funding sources for their organizations and will work with a team to prepare an actual proposal for funding. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

TML sets March date for Economic Summit

M. Ray Perryman, president of The Perryman Group, and Billy Hamilton, consultant and state revenue expert, will be among the featured speakers at the Texas Municipal League's Economic Summit, set for Friday, March 5, at the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas. Perryman will address "The Economic Outlook for Texas" while Hamilton will address "Texas Revenue Sources and the Economy." This educational opportunity for both elected and appointed city officials is designed to help them better understand the future economic outlook in the state, to learn about the state budget and how it affects cities, to find out about Texas revenue sources and to study regional plans for economic development. There is a discount for early registration and elected officials can earn Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI) credits. For more information, click here. To register online, click here.

TxPPA planning annual spring workshop for February

The Texas Public Purchasing Association Spring Workshop 2010 is slated for Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 24-26, at the Crowne Plaza in Austin. The three-day event features concurrent sessions on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Basic and Intermediate Contract Management, Wisdom from the Attorney General's Office, AP and Purchasing P-Card Partnership and Public and Private Partnerships. There will also be a legislative roundtable and a discussion of the state economy. For more information, click here. To register online, click here.

Statewide 2010 Conference on Aging set in March

The statewide 2010 Conference on Aging will be held Sunday through Wednesday, March 21-24, at the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville. The conference, whose 2010 theme is "Deep in the Heart of Aging," is designed for professionals who deal with aging with both administrative and direct service responsibilities and who work in a broad range of community-based settings. The conference features technical assistance, best practices and management tools sharing to help promote service delivery excellence. The conference is hosted by the Texas Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Texas Association of Aging Programs and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, click here. To register online, click here.

Last two BOP sessions with TxDOT are announced

The last two sessions of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences have been announced for April 1, 2010, in Dallas and June 15, 2010, in Texarkana. 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 allows them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions. It also allows the agencies to show the myriad of opportunities available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information, click HERE or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2.