Texas Government Insider
Volume 8, Issue 19 - Friday, May 14, 2010
Texas voters approve $1.7B for local government projects
 
Bond funding will provide contracting opportunities outside construction
 
Technology UpgradesAlmost $1.7 billion in bond funds for cities, counties, school districts and hospital districts was approved by Texas voters on May 8. This represents a significant increase from May 2009 when $1.37 billion in bond funding was approved. Texas residents approved 71.2 percent of the total dollars up for vote, slightly off the 73 percent May 2009 pass rate. Local entity officials debated over the timing of the bond elections given the economic situation. However, many local entities had held off on their bond proposals for several election cycles, and postponing significant projects for another six months was not an option.
 
The majority of the bond funds will be used for new construction and renovation projects for parks, roads, school building, hospital facilities and jails. However, the bonds also include money for technology, security, vehicles and solar panels.
 
Examples of non-construction projects include:
 
  • A school district in the San Antonio will use a portion of its bond funds to install rooftop solar panels and purchase new school buses.
  • A city in Northeast Texas will purchase an ambulance, fire truck and brush/wildland fire truck for its fire department.
  • A school district in the Houston area will use funds for safety and security measures, including the purchase of a new visitors information system and security cameras.
  • A portion of bond funding for a San Antonio school district will fund significant technology projects, including network equipment replacements, e-mail system replacement and an IPTV system.
Clements donates $1M to Game Warden Training Center
 
First phase of facility completed; class scheduled to graduate in July 
 
Game Warden TrainingThe second phase of the new Texas Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton County
got a $1 million boost recently from former Gov. Bill Clements. The donation brings the former governor's contributions to the project to $3 million. The state-of-the-art facility is located on 220 acres near Star and is the result of a public-private partnership that has raised half of its $20 million goal to complete the project.
 
"No other state agency helps Texas put its best foot forward than the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department," Clements said at Wednesday's dedication of the recently completed first phase of the training center, seen in the accompanying TPWD photo by Chase Fountain. The new facility includes a 39,000-square-foot campus. It includes an administration building, an education hall-armory, dining hall and fitness center. The second phase will include a firing range, a water rescue facility, an emergency vehicle operations course, refitting of instructor quarters and cadet cabins and a helicopter landing pad.
 
There are currently 43 future game warden candidates and one conservation officer from the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon who are completing the training course, and they are scheduled to graduate in July. At the opening ceremonies this week, the training center's landscaped central plaza was named in honor of Clements.
 
 
Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 
Chris TraylorChris Traylor, commissioner, Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services 
 
Career highlights and education: Prior to becoming the commissioner for the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), I was the associate commissioner for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).  I served as chief of staff at HHSC and as the director of HHSC's Transformation Program Management Office, managing the day-to-day operations of the consolidation of Texas health and human services agencies in 2004.  I previously served as deputy commissioner for government relations at the Texas Department of Human Services, held legislative staff positions for elected officials in the Texas Legislature and United States Congress, and owned and operated a business for four years.  I earned my degree from Texas Tech University.
 
What I like best about my job is: The daily challenge of leading an agency with the opportunity to lay the groundwork for the next 10 to 30 years in the delivery of long-term services and support, while maintaining agility and flexibility to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Judge the health of your organization by how quickly bad news travels to the top.  Always operate as a healthy organization and elevate issues so that they can be quickly addressed.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Enjoy your work.  Very few jobs give you the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.  A job at DADS gives you the opportunity, and that is something to enjoy.
 
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found:
 Sending e-mails from my BlackBerry.

People would be surprised to know that I: Competed in National Cutting Horse Association events and finished in the nation's top 10 in 1979.
 
One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: I wish more people would be able to meet our consumers face to face.  It would give them a unique perspective on the challenges and importance of the quality of life for DADS consumers. 
 
 
Texas Supreme Court justice O'Neill to resign in June
Harriet O'NeillJustice Harriet O'Neill (pictured) recently announced that she would leave the Texas Supreme Court June 20, six months before her term expires in December. After nearly 12 years on the court, O'Neill will resign as the Court's longest-serving female justice and first elected woman to serve as Chief Justice. 
 
While on the bench, O'Neill put special interest in improving the court system for abused and neglected children, said Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson. Her legacy will continue through the Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families, an effort she spearheaded to improve the judicial handling of child-protection cases. 
 
Before joining the Court in 1999, O'Neill had served as a justice on Houston's 14th District Court of Appeals and also as a Harris Country district judge. O'Neill will resign in June, a slow summer month, to cause the least disruption, she said.
 
EPA awards TCEQ $480K grant for coast survey
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $480,000 to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a Texas coastal survey.
 
The survey arrives as part of the National Coastal Condition Assessment, a statistical survey that assesses coastal conditions while promoting jurisdictional boundaries and building state tribal capacities.
 
Bond Election Results
 
April sales tax revenues showing modest increase 
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has announced state sales tax revenues for April. The state collected $1.68 billion, up 1.4 percent compared to last year.
 
Combs will distribute $567 million in allocations to local governments, a 4.7 percent increase over May 2009. The comptroller's office will also allocate $385.2 million to Texas cities, up 5 percent compared to a year ago; $33.7 million to Texas counties, a 3.8 percent increase from May 2009; $22.4 million to 165 special-purpose taxing districts, up 4.9 percent compared to last May; and $125.5 million to 10 local transit systems, a 4 percent increase from May 2009.
 
To view the allocations by city, click here. To view the allocations by county, click here.
 
UTB/TSC selected Villareal for vice president position
Rene VillarealRene Villarreal (pictured) has been selected to serve as associate vice president for Enrollment Management at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.
 
Villarreal served as the university's admissions director since 2001 before taking over his new role in an interim capacity last fall.  

 
Villarreal holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree from UTB/TSC and is working toward a doctoral degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.
 
Sunset Commission to meet for staff reports, testimony 
The Sunset Advisory Commission will meet Tuesday, May 25, at 9 a.m. to hear staff reports and public testimony for the following agencies: Public Utility Commission of Texas; the Public Utility Counsel; the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority; the Division of Workers' Compensation - Texas Department of Insurance; the Office of Injured Employee Counsel; and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel.
 
On Wednesday, May 26, the Commission will meet at 9 a.m. for decisions for the following agencies: Coastal Coordination Council; Texas Public Finance Authority; Commission on State Emergency Communications; and the State Soil and Water Conservation Board.

 
Both meetings will take place at the Senate Finance Committee Room (E1.036) at the Capitol Extension.
 
Provost national search to begin at Texas A&M University
Eleanor GreenJohn CromptonTexas A&M University officials have assembled an 18-person committee charged with conducting a national search for a new provost.
 
The committee of faculty, administrators, current students and graduates is co-chaired by: Eleanor Green (left), dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and John Crompton (right), professor of recreation, park and tourism sciences.
 
The committee has not yet received instruction on how much time and money is available for the search, Crompton said. The provost position opened in July when Jeffrey Vitter resigned. Since then, long-time administrator Karan Watson has served as the university's top academic official.
 
Dragoo to leave chief financial officer post at Texas Tech
Corky DragooCorky Dragoo (pictured), the chief operating officer and vice president for administration and finance for Texas Tech University, recently resigned from that post to oversee special projects for the university.
 
Dragoo began his career at Texas Tech in 2007 as an executive assistant to Chancellor Kent Hance and assumed the position of chief operating officer and vice president for administration and finance in 2009. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's degree from Harvard University. 
 
University officials selected Kyle Clark, who served as an administrator for Dragoo, as the interim chief operating officer.
 
Malone to serve UT-Arlington as alumni group director  
Lora MaloneThe University of Texas at Arlington has named Lora J. Malone (pictured) executive director of the UT Arlington Alumni Association.
 
Malone has served as vice president and chief programs officer for the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association for nearly a decade. She joined OSU in 1991 as an undergraduate admissions coordinator.

 
Malone holds a bachelor's degree from Central State University in Edmond, Okla., and a master's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
 
A&M-San Antonio breaks ground on its first building
Champions of Texas A&M University-San Antonio recently came together to break ground on the campus' first building, a 91,000-square-foot structure on the South Side.
 
The building, located on nearly 700 acres south of Loop 410, will house classrooms, office space, computer labs, a bookstore, food area and library. The university's faculty and 2,600 students will move into the $40 million building, funded by state tuition revenue bonds, after July 2011. 
 
Faculty and students currently reside in two old elementary schools.
 
Committee chosen to search for next president of UNT 
Bobby RayUniversity of North Texas officials have created a 23-member search committee, headed by former Board of Regents Chairman Bobby Ray (pictured), to find the next UNT president. The committee, with help from a search firm, could have a list of candidates by early fall, which would enable regents to chose a president in February. 
 
During the interim, former Washington State University President Lane Rawlins will serve in the position that became open when Gretchen Bataille resigned this year.
 
The selected committee members are: Denton Mayor Mark Burroughs; Stan Morton, president of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton; Randy Robinson, president of Access 1st Capital Bank; Rhys Best, managing director of Seren Management LLC in Dallas; Victor Rodriguez, retired superintendent of the San Antonio school district; Ben Joyner, UNT Alumni Association representative; Ken Newman, UNT Foundation board chairman; Lisa Baronio, UNT vice president of advancement; Jim Coffey, UNT police captain; Rosemary Haggett, UNT system vice chancellor for academic affairs; Mercedes Fulbright, incoming Student Government Association vice president; Mariya Gavrilova, Graduate Student Council member; Costas Tsatsoulis, dean of the College of Engineering; Michael Monticino, dean of the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies; Beverly Bower, counseling and higher education professor; Richard Fossey, education professor; Timothy Jackson, music professor; Michael McPherson, economics professor; Keith Owens, design professor; Victor Prybutok, regents professor of information technology and decision sciences; and UNT regents Jack Wall and Steve Mitchell.
 
UTMB-Galveston names pharmacology, toxicology chair
Lawrence SowersLawrence C. Sowers (pictured) has been announced as chairman of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. His appointment becomes effective on Sept. 1.
 
Sowers, a successful cancer researcher, previously served as associate dean and chairman of the Department of Basic Science at the Loma Linda School of Medicine. He has completed fellowships at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Harvard Medical School and the University of Southern California.
 
Sowers holds a doctorate from Duke University.
 
Three finalists interview for Amarillo College vice president
Amarillo College leaders recently interviewed and publicly presented three applicants who are vying to become the college's next vice president of academic affairs. There is no timeline for filling the position, AC officials said.
 
Don Tomas is the senior vice president of instruction at Weatherford College and has served 18 years as an administrator at Southwest Texas Junior College-Del Rio. Debra Kuhl is the dean of instruction at Clarendon College in the Texas Panhandle. Russell Lowery-Hart serves as associate provost of academic affairs at West Texas A&M University, also in the Panhandle.
 
Austin's Cap Metro names two finalists for CEO position
Linda WatsonDeborah Wathen FinnAustin's Capital Metro has named Deborah Wathen Finn (left) and Linda S. Watson (right) as finalists for the agency's next chief executive officer position. One will succeed Fred Gilliam, who retired last October. 
 
Wathen Finn serves as president of a limited liability company. She formerly served as senior vice president of an engineering firm and as vice president of another engineering firm. She has held executive positions at transit agencies in Buffalo, New Jersey and New York.
 
Watson has served as chief executive officer of the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority in Orlando, Fla., since 2004. Before that, she headed the Corpus Christi transit agency for eight years and served as assistant general manager at Fort Worth's transit authority beginning in the 1980s.
 
Emissions-sensing vans to record vehicle pollutants  
North Texas drivers are likely to see a number of emissions-sensing vans parked along freeway entrance ramps this ozone season. The vans record the amount of pollutants emitted from each vehicle as the vehicles accelerate in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant counties.
 
Owners of automobiles shown to emit more pollutants than most will receive a letter in the mail encouraging them to have their vehicles checked for emissions compliance. The letter also contains information about AirCheckTexas, a program offering eligible owners financial assistance for necessary repairs. 

 
The pilot program complements the Regional Smoking Vehicle Program, implemented in 2007, that encouraged witnesses to dial #SMOKE to report vehicles with smoking tailpipes.
 
Houston's MTA names new acting president, CEO 
Frank WilsonGeorge GreaniasFrank J. Wilson (left) has relinquished his role as president and CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). He signed a deal to terminate his employment for $465,000 plus extensive pension and insurance benefits.
 
The MTA board has authorized chairman Gilbert Garcia to negotiate a contract with former City Councilman and City Controller George Greanias (right) to take over as acting chief executive. Greanias will be charged with completing the light rail system Wilson was hired to oversee in 2004.
 
Although he has no transit-industry experience, officials feel a business background should help see Greanias through his new role.
 
 
Subscribe
 
Brazoria Co. takes steps to improve sewer system
 function
The Brazoria City Council has agreed to do whatever it takes to get its sewer system back on track, including a possible bond issue.
 
City leaders will send letters to almost 100 residences that showed to have leaks in their private lines according to a recent smoke test. Those residents will have 60 days to get their lines fixed or lose water access. Grants and low-interest loans will be available to the elderly or low-income families who need assistance getting their sewer lines repaired.
 
More than $1 million in costs will remain after residents fix their lines. The city is looking into possible bonds that would increase the tax rate to finish the sewer work.
 
Abilene ISD to update facility plan, upgrade electric system
Heath BurnsOfficials of the Abilene Independent School District recently announced plans to present board members with a comprehensive facility plan that will outline several options to upgrade district campuses with the most critical needs, said Superintendent Heath Burns (pictured). 
 
The district still has almost $15 million remaining from a $76.5 million bond election approved by voters in 2004 to pay for district-wide improvements, with $3.8 million earmarked for Fannin Elementary, $3.7 million for Bowie Elementary and $1.2 million for College Heights Elementary.
 
Trustees also agreed to spend $59,835 to upgrade the electrical system at Bowie Elementary to improve access to technology and increase reliability. Upgrading the electrical system at Bowie is necessary because the school also is receiving hanging video projectors and document cameras for almost every classroom. The new technology was paid for with federal stimulus funding, Burns noted.
 
Amarillo College awarded wind energy training grant
Amarillo College has received a $414,397 state grant, which will allow two mobile classrooms to spread wind-energy knowledge to students and workers in rural areas. 
 
The money, a Texas Comptroller Energy Sector Training Grant, will purchase two high-tech trailers that each house 10 student workstations. 
 
The mobile units should be ready for the Texas Panhandle's back roads by early fall, said Jack Stanley, chairman of AC's Sciences and Engineering Division.
 
Comal County exploring other options for justice center
Danny ScheelAfter the recent voters' rejection of a proposed $36 million bond proposal to build a new downtown county justice center, Comal County commissioners agreed they must look at other options to add security and additional space at the downtown facility.
 
One commissioner suggested taking immediate steps to improve security at existing courtrooms until a permanent solution can be found. She also recommended meeting with the fire marshal to explore how to secure some of the existing exits in the annex building and implement proper screening.  A former city council member who led opposition to the bond proposal urged commissioners to create a group to look at alternative solutions to a new facility that would not increase the burden on taxpayers.
 
County Judge Danny Scheel (pictured), however, said he expects it will take some time for commissioners to explore options and agree on the best option to upgrade the justice center.
 
Seguin agrees to proposed $23.5M bond for water wells
Seguin City Council members recently gave the go-ahead for the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corp (SSLGC) to issue $23.5 million in bonds to pay for four new water wells in Gonzales County. 
 
The recently acquired water well permits require the wells to be completed within 240 days of obtaining the permit, said City Manager Doug Faseler. Extensions are often granted for such large projects, he said. The project includes completing the water wells, water storage tanks and expanding electronic controls.
 
Schertz City Council members also must approve the sale of the bonds. The bond closing is scheduled for July 14.
 
New Braunfels eyeing Metropolitan Planning Organization
With a goal of avoiding being part of transportation plans for San Antonio or Austin, New Braunfels City Council members recently agreed to explore the possibility of joining with the City of Seguin and Comal and Guadalupe counties to create a Metropolitan Planning Organization. 
 
Federal law requires cities with a population of more than 50,000 to belong to a Metropolitan Planning Organization to receive state and federal funding for transportation projects, noted Mayor Pro-tem Kathleen Krueger. The population of New Braunfels is expected to exceed 50,000 when the U.S. Census is finalized in 2010, she said. The Seguin City Council adopted a similar resolution earlier this month, she noted. The San Antonio-Bexar County MPS already requested that both New Braunfels and Comal County join that group, Krueger said.
 
Several council members urged that they carefully study a decision to form an MPO so much smaller than the MPOs in San Antonio and Austin as those two groups could take precedent when decisions are made on large regional transportation projects.
 
Corpus Christi spending $3M to upgrade convention center
Margie RoseCorpus Christi City Council members recently approved $3 million to upgrade the American Bank Center and Selena Auditorium. 
 
The upgrades include improving the fire alarm system to meet current codes, replacing the lighting system, adding new lobby doors, new lighting to aisles, repairing the concrete in stairwells and replacing the railing system on some walls. About $800,000 will be used to replace tables and chairs, add a new dance floor and staging in addition to rigging and curtains for the Selena Auditorium.
 
The city will issue certificates of obligation to pay for the upgrades because the $150,000 in hotel sales tax for improvements to the convention center lacks the funds to pay for capital improvements, said Assistant City Manager Margie Rose (pictured). City staff will develop a new policy to set aside building reserves for future maintenance and equipment purchases, she said. The city has not upgraded the facility since its expansion in 2004, she noted.
 
Nueces County gains $7.9M loan for energy conservation
The State Energy Conservation Office recently awarded a $7.9 million, low-interest, federally funded loan to Nueces County to pay for energy conservation efforts.
 
County officials plan to spend $2.7 million to upgrade the air conditioning system at the courthouse and jail, $949,000 for lighting improvements, $1.7 million to increase water conservation efforts and $969,000 for solar panels, said Steve Waterman, the administrative director for the county. Increasing energy efficiency could save nearly $700,000 annually from the $1.6 million the county now spends to heat and cool the county courthouse and jail, Waterman said. The county will pay 2 percent interest on the loan over a 15-year period.
 
Carrion resigns as a CEO of Corpus Christi transit authority
Eduardo CarrionJorge Cruz-AedoEduardo Carrion (left), the chief executive officer of the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), recently resigned from the position he held for 16 months. Carrion had been employed at the RTA for nine years and his resignation is effective immediately.
 
Board members of the RTA also appointed Jorge Cruz-Aedo (right) as the interim CEO. Cruz-Aedo previously served as chief of administration for the transit agency.
 
RTA board members are uncertain if they will use the same nationwide search process used to select Carrion or will try a different method to find a new chief operating officer, said Crystal Lyons, who chairs the board.
 
USDA awards $200K in housing grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded $200,000 in Housing Preservation Grants to the Rolling Plains Management Corporation of Wichita Falls. The funds can be used to weatherize and repair existing structures, provide access for people with disabilities and install and upgrade plumbing. 
 
The USDA is currently accepting competitive grant applications to help public agencies and nonprofit organizations assist low-income rural residents repair their homes.
 
Austin Energy, AISD to build green learning centers
Austin Energy and Austin Independent School District are partnering to install solar learning centers at 21 area schools. Construction is set to begin in the fall.
 
The interactive facilities will feature solar generators that power the host school and teach children about energy conservation. Grades pre-kindergarten through 12 have developed a "green" (energy-efficient) curriculum to accompany the centers.
 
The U.S. Department of Energy has contributed $450,000 to the project, while Austin Energy has allotted $375,000 from its own funds. AISD has contributed $75,000 to the venture.
 
San Antonio assistant city manager stepping down
Penny Postoak FergusonSan Antonio Assistant City Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson (pictured) has announced plans to step down from her post to take on her new role as assistant county manager in Johnson County, Kan., beginning June 7.
 
Ferguson joined the City of San Antonio in 2006 as assistant city manager. Before that charge, she served as deputy city manager of Overland Park, Kan.
 
Ferguson holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Kansas.
 
Round Rock officials on search for new city manager
Round Rock city officials are on the search to replace David Kautz as assistant city manager and chief financial officer.
 
Kautz, who has retired after 34 years with the city government, saw Round Rock's population explode from 10,000 to more than 100,000 during his tenure.
 
City spokesman Will Hampton said officials hope to have a replacement named by the end of the summer.
 
Westwood ISD to begin $2.1M project to upgrade schools
Ed LymanTrustees for the Westwood Independent School District recently agreed to begin construction on $2.1 million in capital improvements and security upgrades at district facilities.
 
The majority of the money, $1.2 million, will be used to build a new, six-room addition to Westwood Primary School. The funding also will pay for a new roof, new locker rooms, more restrooms and new, energy-efficient windows at the junior high school, said Superintendent Ed Lyman (pictured). The new addition to the primary school should be completed in time for the 2011-2012 school year while the renovations to the junior high school should be complete by the end of 2010 or early 2011, he said.
 
District officials also approved $75,000 to pay for 48 new security cameras, additional fencing and sensors to improve security at the district's four schools, he said.
 
Nueces Co. to use $7.9M loan to improve energy efficiency
Nueces County commissioners recently agreed to accept a $7.9 million energy conservation loan to install a new $2.7 million air conditioning system and spend about $949,000 to upgrade lighting at the county courthouse and jail. 
 
The new energy-efficient air conditioning system and lighting should save the county about $700,000 annually from the $1.6 million a year the county currently spends for utilities for the courthouse and jail, county officials said.
 
Plans also call for the county to spend about $1.7 million for water conservation measures and $969,000 for solar panels. The county will pay off the loan authorized under the federal stimulus package at a 2 percent interest rate for 15 years. 
 
San Patricio wants state help on $21M highway bypass
San Patricio County commissioners recently authorized a consultant to seek pass-through funding from the state to help pay for a $21 million highway bypass around Ingleside. 
 
The state pass-through funding program, which has about $385 million available, was created to reimburse local governments willing to borrow money, assume financial risk and build road projects within their jurisdictions. County officials also said they planned to seek federal redevelopment grants and possibly issue bonds to pay for the bypass highway project, said Terry Simpson, county judge.
 
The proposed highway bypass is planned to run southeast of State Highway 361 and bypass the City of Ingleside before entering into Farm-to-Market Road 1069, Simpson said. The new highway bypass could increase economic development on former naval station property without increasing traffic in the downtown area, he said.
 
Ector Co. Hospital District approves $41.9M for new center
Directors of the Ector County Hospital District recently approved $41.9 million for a new Center for Women and Infants at Medical Center Hospital. Board members previously approved the sale of $54 million in bonds to pay for the project.
 
Plans call for the new 98,000-square-foot center to be built on top of the administrative building and cancer wing of the hospital. The new facility will have 12 labor and delivery rooms instead of the four currently in use. Hospital officials expect to begin construction on the center in June.
 
Willacy County nabs $7.4 million in federal grants and loans
Willacy County recipients recently received $7.4 million in federal funding to help pay for $4 million in improvements to the water and wastewater system in Lyford and to help the Willacy Co-op buy a cotton gin, warehouse and grain elevator.
 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development officials awarded $4 million through a Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant that will be used to pay for water systems damaged by Hurricane Dolly in 2008. The city plans to build a new raw water pump station, a new high service pump station, sludge lagoons, a water transfer pump station and an elevated storage tank.
 
The Business and Loan Cooperative program of USDA will provide $3.4 million to help the Willacy Co-op purchase the assets of a cotton gin, warehouse and grain elevator operator. This action will retain 45 jobs and expand operations into additional markets that were previously unavailable, county officials said.
 
Keane council tours building for possible city hall site 
Roy RobinsonThe Keene City Council recently toured a building owned by Southwestern Adventist University to determine if the facility could serve as a suitable location for a new city hall. The council voted to hire an inspector to report back on the structure's condition.
 
"We have to do something as we've outgrown the space," Mayor Roy Robinson (pictured) said, adding there is currently about 1,000 square feet of usable space housing 11 employees.

 
The council also approved a video dispatch console for the Keane Police Department.
 
Killeen to use state grant to upgrade library technology
Members of the Killeen City Council recently agreed to accept an $18,789 grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to upgrade library technology.
 
The state grant will be used to install a new keypad system to upgrade advertising and purchase online resources for public use at libraries and to replace video recorders linked to security cameras, said Deanna Frazee, director of library services.
 
Comal County commissioners vote to fund study
Comal County took a step toward a greener, cleaner fleet of vehicles when commissioners recently put $3,635 toward an alternative fuel feasibility study. 
 
The City of New Braunfels, Comal Independent School District and New Braunfels Utilities will also put money toward the study that will determine costs and benefits of an alternative fuel conversion. Consultants hired to conduct the study should be ready to present their findings in one to two months.
 
Round Rock council extends $4.6M land-purchase deadline 
Jim NuseThe Round Rock City Council has until Aug. 16 to sign a $4.6 million contract to buy 43 acres of land for a proposed site of a new indoor events center. The council originally approved the land purchase, but voted to extend the deadline to allow for a 60-day inspection period.
 
City Manager Jim Nuse (pictured) said a concrete slab between 130,000 and 170,000 square feet on which the center will sit has passed inspection. Additional time will be needed to inspect nearby roadways and the property's floodplain.
 
Nuse said the primary use of the facility will be "to continue with the Sports Capital of Texas theme and bring tournaments and sports activities into the community." The $18 million to $20 million project, if realized, should help bolster the local economy.
 
Texas Department of Agriculture awards $150K to Sudan
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has awarded the City of Sudan $150,000 for infrastructure improvements. The money will go toward new sidewalks and ramps for the city's downtown area.
 
The award, distributed through the TDA's Texas Capital Fund, is designed to bolster rural communities, which often have to rely on state and federal grants to pay for infrastructure improvements.

 
City Secretary Mechele Edwards said several blocks in downtown Sudan are in need of upgrades to make traveling easier for senior citizens and to improve the area's appearance.
 
Tarrant County approves $5M makeover for clock tower
Tarrant County commissioners recently agreed to spend $5 million to renovate the copper dome and cupola of the 110-foot-tall, clock tower of the Tarrant County Courthouse that has suffered damages from years of lightning strikes, windstorms and other weather incidents.
 
Commissioners first budgeted $300,000 for cosmetic repairs to the structure, but quickly found structural problems that resulted in a proposed $2 million facelift and now a $5 million renovation. The 285-foot-tall, pink granite courthouse with its clock tower overlooking the Trinity River is an architectural treasure for the city and county, said Susan Gammage of the Texas Historical Commission.
 
The restoration is necessary to waterproof the copper dome and cupola to plug the leaks that damaged the masonry, windows, plank flooring and steel framework of the tower, said an architect for the project. County officials expect to accept bids on the 18-month renovation project soon and begin construction in August.
 
Birdville ISD evaluates need for future bond package
The Birdville Independent School District has asked the 2010 bond study facility committee for more time to evaluate the need for a future bond package. The committee will not meet again for a number of months, allowing the district more time to make facility and technology recommendations.
 
Committee facilitator Jack Knowles said the committee has made significant progress "after weeks of studying data and hearing reports from district staff and the district's architect."
 
The committee will bring finalized proposal plans to the board of trustees for approval this fall. For more information, click here and click "2010 Bond Study Information."
 
Capital Area group eyeing $26.8 billion transportation plan
Jeff BartonOfficials of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization recently began reviewing a proposed $26.5 billion transportation plan covering roads, railroads, bicycle and pedestrian projects in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.
 
The proposed transportation plan contains almost $4 billion in projects compared to the 25-year plan approved in 2005, but proposes a higher percentage of funding for rail and other transportation spending and reduced funding for maintaining highways. The plan concentrates on a philosophy based on encouraging dense centers of development rather than encouraging unplanned, suburban growth, said Jeff Barton (pictured), a commissioner in Hays County who serves on the 19-member board.
 
The draft plan proposed $2 billion more for passenger rail, with $857 million set aside for a streetcar initiative for Austin, $467 million for a segment of a commuter line from Austin to San Antonio and $327 million toward a proposed Elgin-to-downtown Austin commuter rail on a railroad operated by Capital Metro. The plan also calls for $10.9 million for highway and road expansion, a 6.5 percent reduction from the 2030 plan. The plan also projects $5 billion in state, federal and toll revenue for roads, an almost 56 percent decrease from the $11.2 billion included in the 2030 plan. Board members are expected to vote on the plan at their May 24 meeting.
 
Nine Waco-area districts win community service grants
Officials of the Region 12 Education Service Center recently awarded a $99,000 community service grant to be shared by nine rural school districts in five Waco-area counties. 
 
School districts in Iredell and Meridian in Bosque County, Chilton and Rosebud-Lott in Falls County, Aquilla and Bynum in Hill County, Coolidge and Groesbeck in Limestone County and the Axtell Independent School District in McLennan County received the grants.
 
The grant, which was provided by a youth advisory board of an insurance company, will be used to build Teen Community Emergency Response Teams in rural communities with limited access to immediate police, fire or emergency medical resources. The one-year program will train students and community volunteers to serve together as first-responders at community events, school activities and emergency incidents. Each school district will select 20 students who must apply for the program. The school district also will receive a laptop computer, projector and digital camera along with a set of first aid manuals and safety vests, hard hats and safety kits.
 
Robert Fite
 FEMA awards $900,000 grant to Georgetown FD
The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded a $900,000 grant to the Georgetown Fire Department.
 
The grant will pay the salaries and benefits for two years for nine additional firefighters, said Fire Chief Robert Fite (pictured). The city agreed to pay the firefighter's salaries and benefits in 2012 and in 2013 city officials will decide whether to continue the employment of the nine firefighters if the city has funding available, Fite said. 
 
AACOG planning Cash Handling Seminar on May 24
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) will host a Cash Handling Seminar on Monday, May 24, from 1-5 p.m. in the AACOG Al J. Notzon III Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100, San Antonio. The four-hour seminar is designed to train government employees and officials in proper cash handling techniques.  Finance officers, treasury officials, city clerks and cash handlers are encouraged to attend.  Seminar topics include currency and check recognition, daily cash operations and security procedures/loss prevention.  For more information and a registration form visit www.gtot.net, or call 940-369-7843 to have a registration form faxed to you.  The seminar is sponsored by the Association of Public Treasurers and is presented by the Government Treasurers Organization of Texas and the University of North Texas Center for Public Management.
 
TxPPA to host Annual Momentum Conference in June
The Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) is hosting its Annual Momentum Conference at the Isla Grand Beach Resort on South Padre Island on Wednesday through Friday, June 23 -25. The conference lineup includes sessions for first-time buyers and seasoned purchasing professionals. Click here for program information including hotel, group activities and transportation details. 
 
CAPCOG Will Host Texas Notary Law and Procedures Seminar
On Wednesday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) will host a three-hour Texas Notary Law and Procedures Seminar for current, new and non-notary participants who would like to receive their Texas notary public commission. Dixie Lucey, director of education for State Notary Commission in Austin will teach the seminar at CAPCOG's Pecan Room, 6800 Burleson Rd, Austin. The cost of the seminar including the course manual is $150 per person. The state application and bond fee for non-notaries or those who would like to renew their commissions is $105.00 for a four-year term. This notary training is provided specifically for Texas Notaries. The class will cover: New legislation from the 81st Legislative sessions; current notary laws; proper record keeping; avoiding official misconduct; administering oaths and acknowledgments; legal procedures and processes of notarization; and liability protection practices for notary and employer. To register: contact dixielucey@prodigy.net  or call (512) 497-2253. 
 
Information session will address questions on electric vehicles 
Cities interested in information regarding electric vehicles as part of their fleets are invited to attend an information session on electric vehicles to find out how to prepare for their use. The Alamo Area Council of Governments and a San Antonio energy firm will host a free information session on Thursday, May 27, from 9-11 a.m. at the AACOG Al J. Notzon III Board Room, 8700 Tesoro Dr. in San Antonio. Persons involved in planning for their cities are welcome to attend. Attendees will learn about the cars, the market impact, charging systems, costs, electrical and code requirements, incentives, first responder safety issues and more. AACOG Clean Cities Coordinator Chris Ashcraft will be joined by other presenters who represent an energy company and a technology company. Attendees must register to attend. Contact Ashcraft at 210-362-5228 or cashcraft@aacog.net.
 
Last BOP session with TxDOT is announced
The last session of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences have been announced for 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. To register, click here.
 
CAPCOG to host newly elected city official workshop June 18th
 The Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) will host a Newly Elected City Officials Workshop on Friday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the CAPCOG Pecan Room at 6800 Burleson Road, Austin. The workshop is targeted for newly elected mayors and city council members or aldermen. The workshop will give an overview of the structure of city government, council procedures and actions, roles of elected and appointed staff, duties and responsibilities of Boards and Commissions, municipal annexation and boundary changes, open meetings, open records and ethics. Registration begins at 9 a.m.  The workshops have proven to be very valuable to appointed staff and to citizen board, commission, and committee members as well. There will be a $40 fee for the one-day workshop to cover the cost of meals and materials. To register call Linda Crouch at 512/916-6041 or David Partlow, Regional Services Coordinator, at 512/916-6045.
 
TSABAA plans golf tourney, annual conference in June
The Texas State Agency Business Administrators' Association will host its 41st Annual Summer Conference on Monday and Tuesday, June 7 and 8, at the United Heritage Conference at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Monday's keynote address will be by a representative of the University of Phoenix. Among the other topics during the two-day event are a Sunset Commission process overview and panels to address Legislative Appropriations Requests and state audits. There will also be an update on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Third Annual Golf Tournament is set for Sunday, June 6, at Shadow Glen Golf Course in Manor. The conference registration deadline is May 20.  For registration forms and vendor registration information, click here.
 
Subscribe to TGI
Note to Media
 
Technology firms see huge potential in education marketplace
 
Mary Scott NabersBy Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
 
Podcasts, e-books, webcasts, blogs... they are all making their way into education curriculum, at the K-12 level as well as into higher education environments. What used to be fads - Smart phones, iPods and computer notebooks - are now being used as standard teaching tools by innovative teachers and professors. The marketplace is growing!
 
Public schools, colleges and universities are being forced to pump larger amounts of their budgets each year into technology. Educators know all too well that the next generation of students must be tech-savvy or they will not be competitive in a global marketplace.
 
Last week, school bond elections were held throughout Texas.  Most included funding for new technology and/or technology upgrades. In one district, more than $50 million of the district's $535 million bond issue was dedicated for technology upgrades. Another district's $44 million bond issue included $10 million for the purchase of technology products and services.
 
The transition from chalkboards and overhead projectors to leading edge technology has been more challenging for teachers than for students. Most students today are growing up with technology and are often referred to as the "thumbs generation," Many teachers struggle to stay ahead of them.
 
 
Moore chosen new Crosby school superintendent
Keith MooreDr. Keith Moore (pictured) has been named the lone finalist for superintendent of the Crosby Independent School District. Moore, the current assistant superintendent of Corsicana ISD, will take Crosby ISD's top spot July 1. He replaces Mike Joseph, who served three years in the position.
 
Previously, Moore has worked as a high school principal, head of secondary curriculum, technology director and federal programs director. 
 

AT&T

 
Grapevine OKs $1.5M for stop-light synchronization
 
Grapevine City Council recently voted to spend more than $1.5 million on a new series of high-tech cameras that will help synchronize dozens of intersections.
 
The system, which will be installed in 51 intersections in the city over the next seven to eight months, stands to improve traffic and curb emissions caused by idling cars. It will primarily be paid for with grant funding.
 
Stockdale accepts Grove resignation as city manager
Stockdale City Council members recently accepted the resignation of City Manager Harry Grove, who had served as city manager since December 2008. Grove also was the executive director of the Stockdale Economic Development Corporation for the previous five years. He submitted his resignation as city manager to the mayor in mid-April.
 
 

Halff

 
Elderville-Lakeport VFD
to receive federal grant
The Elderville-Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department has secured a $310,650 federal grant to fund firefighters' needs during emergencies. The money, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, can go toward new equipment, training and support operations.
 
Voters narrowly preserve
Kimble Hospital project
Kimble Hospital District officials will continue with plans to build a new Junction-based hospital after voters rejected a proposal to dissolve the hospital district.
 
The community is almost evenly divided on the district, which voters saved by a narrow margin of 46 ballots. Nevertheless, the district will break ground on the project in two months, board president Charles Loeffler said.
 
 

ADP

 
Lancaster ISD announces
new superintendent 
The Lancaster Independent School District has named Dr. Michael McFarland as superintendent. His new charge begins May 24. McFarland has served as assistant superintendent for Achievement and Pupil Services in the Champaign Public Schools Unit 4 in Champaign, Ill., since 2007.
 
Interim Superintendent Dr. Dana Marables will stay through the end of June to oversee the transition.
 
Montgomery selects Smith as new city administrator
Montgomery City Council members recently selected Laura Smith as the new city administrator to replace Brant Gary, who resigned in March. Smith previously served as an assistant to the city administrator.
 
Council members selected Smith from a field of four candidates chosen by a committee comprised of two council members and the mayor. All members of the city council then interviewed Smith and another finalist and selected Smith because of her familiarity with city personnel, the mayor said.

 
 

Maximus

 
Griffin keynote addresses stress creating loyalty
Jill GriffinJill Griffin, a member of Strategic Partnerships Inc.'s Special Services division, specializes in loyalty strategies. Through her keynote addresses, she has helped firms throughout the country build loyal customers. In her presentations, Griffin stresses how to get the most return from customer relationships and outlines key factors that drive customer and staff loyalty through sales, service and marketing strategies.
 
Griffin is one of a number of keynote speakers in SPI's Special Services Division, which offers a wide array of services from executive coaching, communication and sales training to media/spokesperson training.
 
For a complete portfolio of experts and the services they offer, to inquire about specific services or to inquire about becoming a part of SPI's new Special Services division, contact Brooke Hollimon at bhollimon@spartnerships.com or 512-531-3948. For information on other individuals in the Special Services division and their areas of expertise, click here.
 
Socorro ISD wins $2.4 million grant for HVAC system
The Impact Aid School Construction Recovery Act Program recently awarded a $2.4 million grant to the Socorro Independent School District to replace the air conditioning, heating and ventilation system at all of the district's campuses. The grants are part of the stimulus package approved by Congress in 2009.
 
Voters in 2007 rejected a $397 bond proposal to replace swamp coolers the district currently uses to cool schools with an air conditioning system.

 
 

Strategic Edge

 
FEMA awards Sweeny FD
$470K to buy radios 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Sweeny Volunteer Fire Department a $470,000 grant to purchase 144 high-powered, hand-held radios for Emergency Services District No. 2. Department officials plan to purchase the radios shortly after obtaining cost estimates from vendors. 
 
Sweeny Fire Chief Tim Webb said the radios will route communication through a single channel, making response times faster. "This will allow us to get a step ahead," he said. Webb submitted an application for the FEMA grant in May 2009.
 
Comptroller grants Lamar more than $56K for nursing
The Texas Comptroller's Job Building Fund has awarded Lamar State College-Port Arthur $56,985 to purchase simulated medical dispensing systems equipment for the school's Licensed Vocational Nursing and Registered Nursing programs. 
 
The funds arrive as part of a $3.51 million package to help train students for fast-growing, high-demand jobs.
 
 

Government Marketplace

 
Gonzales ISD picks Strozier as new superintendent
Board members of the Gonzales Independent School District recently selected Kim Strozier as the new superintendent to replace Vic Salazar, who is retiring June 16.
 
Strozier currently serves as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. She previously was a principal at Willis ISD and a teacher at Conroe ISD and in Colorado. Strozier has a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and Ph.D. from Sam Houston State University.
 
 
Where are they now?
 
Where do folks go when they leave 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 private sector employees are now.
 
Howard PeakHoward W. Peak is a veteran of both the public and private sectors. He served as a city planner for the City of San Antonio from 1975 to 1984. After working in the private sector for nearly a dozen years, he was elected city councilman for the City of San Antonio, serving in that capacity from 1993 to 1997. He was elected mayor of San Antonio in 1997 and served until 2001. Peak currently is back in the private sector, serving as executive director of external affairs for a major communications company.
 
 

LeFleur

 
City of Beevile selects Balli
as new finance director
Deborah Balli has been named finance director of Beeville, a South Texas city with more than 12,000 residents. 
 
Balli attended Del Mar College and Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, and has also earned her certified public accountant license. She has served as comptroller for Corpus Christi and, most recently, worked 10 years for a government services firm. Balli has also helped run a Corpus Christi nonprofit that uses arts and culture to help at-risk youth.
 
 

HDI Solutions

 
Keen Fire Rescue group awarded federal grant
Keen Fire Rescue recently secured an $8,132 federal grant, which can go toward new equipment, training and support operations. 
 
The funds come through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 
 

Services

 
Kilgore ISD officials initiate facilities study through TASB
Jody ClementsKilgore school district leaders, mobilized by overcrowded and possibly unsafe conditions, recently asked the Texas Association of School Boards to conduct a study of district buildings.
 
Previously, the district had conducted its own facility study, which targeted 75-year-old Kilgore Heights Elementary and overcrowded Maude Laird Middle School as problem spots. To fund desired improvements, the district would likely have to have a bond election, Superintendent Jody Clements (pictured) said.
 

SPI on Twitter

 
Lake Travis superintendent announces restructuring 
Susan BohnTwo administrators at the Lake Travis Independent School District will take on new responsibilities following the resignation of Deputy Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost, who has been named the lone finalist for superintendent of Corsicana ISD.
 
Susan Bohn (top), who will continue in her current position as LTISD's general counsel, will also take on the deputy superintendent title. Bohn has a master's degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Texas School of Law. 
 
Becky BurnettBecky Burnett (bottom), director of special services, will also serve as assistant superintendent for student support services. Burnett holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix. Redirecting deputy superintendent duties instead of hiring a new administrator will lower district expenses, Superintendent Dr. Rocky Kirk said. 
 
 

Procurement Edge

 
Governor's appointments:
Gov. Rick Perry has made the following appointments: 
 
  • Joyce King of Plano, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee;
  • Larry Buehler of Angleton, Texas Medical Board District Review committees;
  • Kathy Flanagan of Houston, Texas Medical Board District Review committees;
  • Royce Hill of Carthage, Texas Medical Board District Review committees;
  • Jayaram B. Naidu of Odessa, Texas Medical Board District Review committees;
  • Nancy Seliger of Amarillo, Texas Medical Board District Review committees;
  • Leah Raye Mabry of San Antonio, Texas Medical Board District Review committees;
  • Russell Parker of Austin, Texas Medical Board District Review committees; and
  • Kimberly Shambley of Dallas, Texas Real Estate Research Advisory Committee.
 
Recent Reports
Texas Government Insider Archives
 
Volume 1-8 Archives -1/8/04 - 5/7/10
 
 
Myrick lone finalist for top job at Graford school district
Angela MyrickAngela Myrick (pictured) has been named the lone finalist for Graford Independent School District superintendent, a position that opened when Chance Welch resigned.
 
Myrick is now the district's executive director of instruction, federal programs director and Graford Elementary principal.
 
 
SPI seeking additional outside consultants 
SPI is adding additional outside consultants.  

Currently, there is a need for procurement consultants in the following areas:  
  • Public Safety
  • Health care
  • Education/ K-12
  • Local and State Government - Houston and El Paso 
 
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Ashley Nauert at anauert@spartnerships.com.
 
 
Kerens VFD wins $261,250 grant for equipment, training

The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded a $261,250 grant to the Kerens Volunteer Fire Department.
 
A portion of the grant will be used to buy a new 3,000-gallon tanker to replace the 25-year-old vehicle the department currently uses, said Fire Chief Kaell Mullen.
 
 

HID

 
Red Lick/Leary VFD to receive $11,800 grant
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded an $11,791 grant to the C-5 Red Lick/Leary Volunteer Fire Department. The grant, awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, will be used to buy safety and rescue equipment and for training and support operations.
 
 

Job Board

 
County surplus to help city 
pay for roadway projects 
The Cedar Park City Council recently ranked the widening of RM 1431 the top roadway priority after learning that Williamson County has a nearly $30 million surplus from the $228 million road bond in 2006.
 
The county will put money toward the project, which expands RM 1431 to a four-lane divided roadway with a median and shoulders, Commissioner Cynthia Long said. County funds will also go to improve Cottonwood Creek/CR 185, another Cedar Park priority.
 
 
Help us share this message, please...
To ensure delivery and proper formatting of the newsletter, be sure to add editor@spartnerships.com to your safe senders list. Otherwise, the newsletter may be flagged as spam and automatically routed to your junk e-mail folder.
 
 
Tulia ISD selects Post
as new superintendent
Steve PostTrustees for the Tulia Independent School District recently chose Steve Post (pictured) as the new superintendent.  Post, who currently is director of student services at Abilene ISD, will replace Superintendent Ken Miller, who is retiring. 
 
Post previously served as a superintendent for the Rosebud-Lott ISD, as a superintendent and principal at Wylie ISD, and as a school finance specialist for the Region 14 Education Service Center. He has a bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a master's degree from Sul Ross State University.  
 
McLean to be new associate superintendent for Abilene 
Trustees for the Abilene Independent School District recently selected Scott McLean as the associate superintendent for operations.
 
McLean, who previously was an associate superintendent for operations at Angleton ISD, will replace Charles Perkins, who is retiring after serving part-time as the associate superintendent for operations. McLean has a bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University. 
 
Austin Community College makes land buy in Leander
Austin Community College has taken a step toward development of another campus after purchasing 100 acres of land in Leander. Officials said the college's master plan calls for a campus in that area in the future. The land is at U.S. 183A and County Road 269, adjacent to the Capital Metro rail stop in Leander. 
 
Walker County saves money with new paperless system
Walker County commissioners expect to save a little more than $7,000 annually after a recent switch to county officials using laptop computers rather than using printed information packets at public meetings.
 
The county spent about $5,950 to purchase five laptop computers for the county judge and commissioners, noted an administrative assistant. Since acquiring the laptop computers in February, the county has spent only $300 on paper and has reduced the labor needed to prepare the information necessary for public meetings from two days to four hours, she 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.
 
Barton Oaks Plaza One, Suite #100
901 S. Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas 78746
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. | Barton Oaks Plaza One | 901 S. Mopac Expy, Suite #100 | Austin | TX | 78746