A TGI EXCLUSIVE

State contracting changes have businesses up in arms

Say change from TXMAS to term contracts may cost them business

Some small businesses in Texas are up in arms over proposed contracting changes announced recently in a pair of state procurement documents issued by the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). However, officials with the CPA say the change is a result of the agency trying to follow a legislative mandate.

The commotion was brought about by one sentence in an RFP (Request for Proposal) issued for office furniture. The sentence has angered numerous small firms and HUBs (historically underutilized businesses) in Texas.

The concerned businesses hold Texas Multiple Award Schedule (TXMAS) contracts and are fearful they will lose business with the state. The RFP notes that the CPA administers several contracts for furniture through the TXMAS program, adding, "It is the CPA's intent to replace these contracts with the contract resulting from this RFP." A subsequent RFP for office supplies includes the same contracting provision.

To TXMAS contractors, this indicates a move to "term contracts" - contracts that establish a source of supply for particular goods at a given price for a specific period of time. It also raises the possibility of single source contracts - where only one company provides the contractual services needed and other vendors are not able to sell to the governmental entity. Smaller vendors are worried that TXMAS contractors would most likely lose state business because they could not compete price-wise with large, nationwide vendors.

According to the CPA, it's all about getting the best price and the best value on purchases made by the state. Mike Jensen (pictured), deputy director for Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) at the Comptroller's Office, said the turmoil has been caused by "misinformation" and the fear that TXMAS contracts are "being dissolved or replaced."

PUC gives approval for more transmission lines

Result will be tripling of state's wind-generation capacity

The wind of change is blowing on the horizon for Texas...literally.

The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week gave preliminary approval for nearly $5 billion in new power transmission lines to help bring power generated by wind turbines in West Texas to consumers in other areas of the state.

The problem with wind generation has always been that the power is generated where the consumers who needed it weren't.

The PUC chose one of five proposals relative to transmission lines and Chairman Barry Smitherman (left) and Commissioner Paul Hudson (center) before the meeting filed memos in support of the proposal that was selected. Commissioner Julie Parsley (right) abstained from voting, pointing out that the result could be too much power for the grid to handle.

"We've been working on this for three years," said Hudson after the vote. He said the additional transmission lines will allow Texas to add more megawatts from Texas wind production than all the other 14 wind-producing states combined. The state will determine who builds the lines and when, but Hudson said the new grid could be operational within the next four or five years.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

Bryan Collier, deputy executive director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Career highlights and education: Graduated from Marshall High School, Marshall, Texas, 1983; B.S. degree in criminology and corrections from Sam Houston State University, 1986. Started with TDCJ in 1985 and has held various positions since that time to include Correctional Officer and Parole Officer as well as many mid and senior management positions. Served as Parole Division Director for five and one-half years (2002-2007) and while serving in that capacity was responsible for the operations of the State Parole Supervision System supervising over 77,000 offenders. Named TDCJ Deputy Executive Director in 2007 and in this role assists the executive director in the day-to-day leadership of the agency.

What I like best about my job is: Corrections is a challenging field that has an impact on everyone. It is very rewarding to work in an agency that is dedicated to public safety and has so many outstanding professionals at all levels focused on meeting our mission. In my position, I am able to work with all areas of the agency which helps to make it diverse and fulfilling.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: These jobs are on loan to us; while we occupy them we must make sure that we perform to the best of our ability and leave them with the knowledge that while we held them we made positive contributions to the agency.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: A positive attitude, hard work and dedication are the only basic skills needed to begin your career. The State of Texas is a great place to live and TDCJ is great place to work - one that can provide enough opportunity and diversity for you to enjoy a rewarding career in many areas without ever leaving the agency.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: fishing or hunting with my sons.

People would be surprised to know that I: like to cook, mastering biscuits from scratch like my grandmother used to make was one of my favorite cooking accomplishments.

One thing I wish more people knew about TDCJ: TDCJ represents all aspects of the adult corrections system at the state level; probation, prisons and parole are all parts of our system. Often, people think of TDCJ as the adult prison system; we are a lot more than that.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.

First Lady announces mansion restoration fund

Former Gov. Dolph Briscoe contributes $100,000 to fundraising

Standing in front of the fire- and smoke-blackened remains of the Texas Governor's Mansion, First Lady Anita Perry (pictured) this week announced the formation of the Texas Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund. The fund will provide some of the money that will be necessary to restore what fire officials called "near catastrophic" damages when the mansion was set on fire by an arsonist last month.

At a subsequent press conference later in the week, Perry accepted a $100,000 donation toward the restoration from former Gov. Dolph Briscoe. Briscoe was joined by former Gov. Mark White and other first family members, showing their support for the restoration project. Perry also read a letter of support from Laura Bush, the nation�s first lady who also lived in the mansion when President George W. Bush was governor of Texas.

Calling the mansion a symbol of the "pride and prestige Texas is known for throughout the world," Perry mused, "Though this treasure bears the scars of significant damage, I - like all Texans - am grateful that this genuine treasure is not lost."

Perry said she was touched by the outpouring of sympathy and support not only from Texans but from across the country. She said her office has been contacted by businesses, organizations "and proud Texans" asking how they could donate to the restoration efforts. The Texas Governor's Mansion Restoration Fund is seeking official status from the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, which would allow donations to be tax deductible retroactive to June 25. "All donations great or small will help us when we it's time to begin restoring," said Perry.

The first lady said she does not expect the fund to be the "sole financial avenue for rebuilding." However, she said she does expect it to "provide a substantial contribution to the restoration of this historic home and provide an opportunity for Texans and everyone who loves this state to play a part." She indicated she would also like to see the establishment of a public-private partnership with the Texas Legislature when it meets in January 2009 appropriating funds for the restoration.

"With everyone's help, we can rebuild this house," said Perry. Although an estimate for the restoration has not been determined yet, Perry said she is certain Texans will rise to the challenge.

Perry's communications director leaving government

Robert Black, director of communications for Gov. Rick Perry, this week announced he is leaving state government to form his own consulting business specializing in public affairs and political and strategic communications. Perry had high praise for Black, saying Black is "genuinely motivated by a deep love for Texas."

Black spent more than a dozen years in political and government communications. He began his public sector career as a legislative assistant to Tom Craddick before Craddick was elected Speaker of the Texas House. He also worked for two Texas state senators and served the U.S. Congress as an aide to then-Majority Leader Dick Armey and as a press aide to Ari Fleischer at the Committee on Ways and Means.

Black was director of public information for the Texas Department of Insurance and communications director for the Republican Party of Texas. In the political election arena, he was director of communications during Attorney General Greg Abbott's 2002 campaign and Perry's 2006 re-election campaign. He was Perry's deputy press secretary, then press secretary then communications director during the last five years.

Edwards named Austin assistant city manager

Sue Edwards (pictured) has been named Assistant City Manager for the City of Austin. She replaces Laura Huffman who left in May to become the State Director of The Nature Conservancy of Texas. City Manager Marc Ott made the announcement this week, saying Edwards has a "proven record of leading major initiatives" and has the ability to "balance economic and environmental concerns to ensure our continued high quality of life."

Edwards has served as Acting Assistant City Manager since May and will continue to oversee the Development/Environment Services group of departments which includes the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office, Neighborhood Planning and Zoning and Watershed Protection and Development Review. Prior to being named Acting Assistant City Manger, she served as director of Economic Growth and Redevelopment for more than seven years.

Edwards is a long-time Austin public servant, having worked for the city for nearly 25 years, including being Assistant City Manager from 1984-1985. She also is a former director of the Austin-Travis County Health Department and the City of Austin's Emergency Medical Services Department. She spent nine years working in the private sector representing financial institutions and small businesses and providing property tax consulting.

TWDB submits four-year plan to state leaders

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) - the agency responsible for collecting and disseminating the state's water-related data - delivered its fiscal year 2009 - 2013 Strategic Plan to state leaders recently. The plan outlines numerous proposals, ranging from increasing the scope and number of water-resource outreach programs to piloting the production of drinking water from untapped resources. Preparations for the plan began last summer with a series of TWDB customer surveys and stakeholder meetings.

TWDB Chairman James Herring (pictured) said the board's directive is to "ensure sustainable, affordable and quality water for Texans, our economy and our environment," while noting challenges specific to the state, including its "multitude of climates and landscapes."

The board's Strategic Plan is available online.

Combs, state, business officials travel to Spain

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs (pictured) is headed to Madrid, Spain, along with a group of government officials and business leaders on a trade and recruitment mission and to tout Texas as a prime business region. Combs hopes to convince Spanish companies to invest in Texas, and said she and state leaders are working to "increase Texas' share of the global economy."

Combs said Texas and Spain have strong economic ties, adding that Texas' exports to the country rose sharply - some $970 million in goods, a 51 percent increase - from 2006 to 2007. These exports include agricultural and coal products, chemicals, transportation equipment and machinery.

Touting Texas as an enviable business environment, Combs highlighted the state's strong work force, favorable tax system, world-class universities and geographic proximity to Mexico and South America. Combs said Texas is the top exporting state in the nation, with more than $168 billion in exports last year.

Texas sales tax receipts continue to be up

While the national economy may be winding down, Texas' sales-tax revenues are up for the fiscal year-to-date, according to Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. The state's sales-tax revenues so far are up 8.4 percent compared to fiscal year 2007.

Combs has disbursed tax allocations totaling $467.8 million so far, of which $311.9 million has gone to Texas cities (up 2.6 percent from last year) and $28.9 million has gone to Texas counties (a 5.5 percent increase from last year). Special purpose taxing districts have seen the largest gain in sales-tax revenue compared to last July, with a 19.5 percent increase totaling $17.5 million.

To view sales tax receipts by city, click here. To view sales tax receipts by county, click here.

Committee seeks infrastructure feedback from Texans

The 2030 Committee, comprised of 12 business and transportation experts, will hold public hearings in the coming months to address drivers' needs throughout the state. Formed by Texas Transportation Commission Chair Deirdre Delisi (left), the committee has been charged with evaluating infrastructure needs, while focusing attention on economic concerns and an expanding population. The committee will attempt to describe infrastructure investment needs for the next 20 years, but will not calculate funding options or offer financial support solutions.

The first hearing, one of five, will be held in Austin at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus on Thursday, July 24. The committee is set to deliver a report of its findings in December. But Delisi said defining the state's traffic problems was essential before electing to solve them. "(That way) we can properly align out limited resources," she said.

2030 Committee Chairman C. Michael Walton (right), holder of the Ernest H. Cockrell Centennial Chair in Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, said the vitality of any economy is linked to its traffic system. "To meet the growing competition from others, Texas must protect our prior investment in the transportation infrastructure," he said.

Committee Vice Chair David Marcus of El Paso said it is exciting to be part of such a proactive process, to contribute "any way I can toward securing the unencumbered movement of people and freight across Texas over the next two decades."

Other members of the 2030 Committee include: Ken Allen, San Antonio, H-E-B; Ruben Bonilla, Corpus Christi, Port of Corpus Christi Commission; Jon Cannon, Dallas, FedEx Kinko's; Drew Crutcher, Odessa, Landgraf, Crutcher & Associates Inc.; Judge Ed Emmett, Houston, Harris County Commissioners Court; Tom Johnson, Austin, Associated General Contractors of Texas; David M. Laney, Dallas, Law Office of David M. Laney, PC; Drayton McLane Jr., Temple, McLane Group; Roger Nober, Fort Worth, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation; and Gary Thomas, Dallas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

Dell Foundation awards grant to TEA for upgrades

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation recently said it will donate $760,000 to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to upgrade the state's outdated school information and performance databases.

The new system will allow the state to better track academic progress of individual students and the impact of teacher quality. The state already has set aside $4.8 million to improve the equipment infrastructure for the Public Education Information Management System, which was described in a 2002 legislative report as slow and outdated.

The goal of the grant is to develop a road map to determine what is absent from the system now in use and how the data could become more accessible to educators and the public. Faster feedback on what is working could help teachers while parents can use the information to compare schools within a district or one school district with another.

TxDOT to launch motorcycle-awareness campaign

As gas tops $4 per gallon nationwide, many Texans are trading their pickup trucks and SUVs for more economical vehicles, including gas-sipping motorcycles. In response, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching a motorcycle safety campaign to heighten awareness of the increasing number of motorcycles on roadways. In 2006, motorcyclists accounted for nearly 10 percent of all driving-related fatalities.

TxDOT's public education initiative will kick off July 14 in conjunction with National Ride to Work Day and will run for two weeks. The campaign will include television and radio spots and billboards reminding drivers to watch out for motorcyclists.

Carlos Lopez (pictured), TxDOT's traffic operations director, said the number of registered motorcycles is at an all-time high in the state. The department is urging caution for drivers to be on the lookout for the nearly 400,000 motorcycles on Texas roadways, "especially at intersections, where many crashes happen," Lopez said.

UT-Dallas names Oldow head of geosciences

The University of Texas at Dallas has named Dr. John Oldow (pictured) head of its Department of Geosciences. Oldow, a structural geology professor at the University of Idaho, where he has also served as head of geological sciences, will join the UT-Dallas faculty effective Sept. 1, succeeding Associate Professor John M. Ferguson.

Oldow has extensive educational credentials with a doctorate in geology from Northwestern University and teaching stints at Texas Christian University, Rice University and the University of British Columbia, among others.

New poll: Texans willing to support wind energy

A majority of Texas residents support investing in wind energy. Some 55 percent said they would be willing to pay $4 in addition to their monthly electric bill to fund wind farm power lines, according to a recent poll of 804 registered voters. Energy prices were the top legislative concern for 35 percent of respondents.

Texas generates enough wind energy to power about 1 million homes, more than any other state. The survey found a high level of awareness of the industry clustered mostly throughout West Texas and the Panhandle.

Though 42 percents of respondents said they would be unwilling to pay the monthly $4 charge, with 4 percent unsure, a wind power spokesman said the poll results indicate a "clear picture of strong support" for wind energy.

Slade's high-profile TSU case finally closing

Texas Southern University's (TSU) former president's misappropriation of funds in 2006 resulted in much fanfare and outrage in Houston - including two high-profile trials - but the case, declared a mistrial, is closing amid little display.

Patricia Slade (pictured), the former president who misspent more than $500,000 from university funds, has agreed to pay back $127,000. Additionally, Slade must perform 400 hours of community service and serve 10 years of probation. TSU's former Vice President Bruce Wilson has agreed to refund $12,000. Once Wilson's money has been paid back, charges against him will be dropped. Another of Slade's lieutenants, Quintin Wiggins, was sentenced to 10 years in May, but could be free within two months if his parole application is approved.

Meanwhile, TSU hired a new president and had a new board of regents appointed. The historically black, open-enrollment university's reorganization plan has been approved, freeing the board to spend $13 million in state funding.

More students are opting for online classes at UH

Enrollment in the University of Houston's online classes has spiked 40 percent this summer, compared to a year ago, while enrollment in hybrid classes, which combine in-class time with online instruction, has jumped 50 percent.

Marshall Schott, assistant vice president for instructional support and outreach at the university, attributes the growing numbers to two factors: convenience and high gas prices. "(With online classes) you don't have to deal with parking...with commuting, with high gas prices," he said.

But online classes, contrary to what some might think, aren't merely hour-long video lectures. Many classes combine a variety of tools and features, incorporating podcasts, online chat rooms, PowerPoint presentations, even animated versions of people known as avatars, into the curriculum.

Parker County eyeing grant to purchase hybrid vehicles

Parker County officials are looking at a $72,000 grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to purchase hybrid vehicles to cut down on fuel emissions and reduce fuel consumption.

Joel Kertok, public information officer and project coordinator for the county, said TCEQ requires that any vehicles replaced with funds from the grant must be removed from service and rendered inoperable.

County officials also must receive approval from TCEQ before purchasing the new municipal cars and trucks. Once approval is received, the county plans to purchase two vehicles at an anticipated cost of around $27,000 each. Then the county plans to buy two more hybrid vehicles, using grant funds, Kertok said.

Prairie View announces new associate vice president

Miron P. Billingsley (pictured) has been named Prairie View A&M's associate vice president for student affairs. Billingsley will head the Office of Student Affairs in his new position. The new office - a merge between the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Institutional Relations - will oversee career and outreach services, intramural and recreational sports, judicial services and testing services among other charges.

Billingsley's resume includes his most recent post as vice president of student affairs at Arkansas Baptist College, adjunct professor of communication at Texas Southern University, and public relations and marketing director at Langston University.

Huntsville to join with Walker Co. on emergency center

Huntsville City Council members recently agreed to participate with Walker County in applying for a Homeland Security Grant to help pay for an emergency operations center and to make a one-time contribution of up to $50,000 for in-kind services toward the project. Walker County commissioners approved the proposal to apply for the grant in early July.

The Homeland Security grant totals $1.2 million and requires a 25 percent match in cash or in-kind contribution. The county will pay any cash match required, said Walker County Judge Danny Pierce.

The center, to be located adjacent to the Walker County Sheriff's Office, will be designed to house personnel such as first responders and government entities to continue communication in the event of a disaster, said Jean Sanders, director of public safety. The current emergency operating center is located in the training room at the sheriff's office.

Texas A&M names Vanegas interim college dean

Jorge Vanegas (pictured), architecture professor and director of Texas A&M University's Center for Housing and Urban Development, has been named interim dean of the school's College of Architecture, effective Aug. 1. Vanegas will replace Tom Regan, who has held the post since 1998. A search for Regan's permanent replacement will resume in the fall. Texas A&M's Executive Vice President for Academics Jerry Strawser said Vanegas will not serve as a mere "placeholder," however.

Vanegas' resume includes a master of science and doctorate degrees in construction engineering and management from Stanford University. Professionally, Vanegas' work has appeared in some 120 publications and he has acquired nearly $4 million in funding for research projects. Vanegas earned the 2007 FIATECH STAR Award for Superior Technical Achievements and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers' Educator of the Year award in 2001, among others professional honors and awards.

Stephen F. Austin, NTCC combining efforts

Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant is partnering with Stephen F. Austin State University to ensure classes of students who complete courses in the Associates Arts in Teaching degree transfer to the four-year university's interdisciplinary studies degree plan without any loss of credit hours.

NTCC is one of 21 community colleges coordinating efforts with SFA in a federally funded program designed to allow teacher assistants completion of their bachelor's degree and teaching certification requirements via the Internet.

Angelina County eyeing possible video court system

In an attempt to reduce trips between the courthouse and jail, Angelina County Commissioners are exploring the idea of installing a new video arraignment system in both buildings.

Sheriff Kent Henson (pictured) said the system would provide a method for inmates, attorneys and judges to meet and discuss cases without having to spend money for gas and transportation. Candidates for the video system would be inmates held on less severe charges such as misdemeanors. A video system also could improve security, Henson added.

District Judge Barry Bryan said most of the fiber optic cables needed for the equipment already are in place and he was told a year ago that the cost of the hardware would be about $16,000.

Cherokee approves nearly $1M in capital improvements

Cherokee County Commissioners recently approved nearly $1 million to pay for four capital improvement projects. Commissioners agreed to spend $500,000 to renovate the old police headquarters in Jacksonville into an office building.

The other projects include building a new evidence room at the Cherokee County Jail, converting a justice of the peace office in Alto into a courtroom and placing a new $69,063 roof on the tax office in Jacksonville.

While several commissioners expressed concern about the high cost of the renovations to older buildings, County Judge Chris Davis argued that doing the work now is better before the cost of materials and labor increases even more. The work will begin soon, with the Alto project taking about 17 to 19 weeks to complete and the Jacksonville and Rusk projects taking up to four months to complete.

Brownsville adding two assistants for city manager

The Brownsville City Council recently granted a request by City Manager Charlie Cabler (pictured) to add two new positions, a deputy city manager and a second assistant city manager.

Cabler told council members that the city is in dire need of the two additional administrative positions. Finance Director Pete Gonzalez serves as interim assistant city manager, filling the vacancy left by Carlos Ayala's resignation earlier this year.

The ordinance will allow Cabler to determine the duties and responsibilities for each new position and to make the appointments. City Council, however, will determine the wages for the new deputy city manager and the second assistant city manager.

Dallas leading the state in green technology

Dallas is leading energy conservation efforts with the state's first landfill to hasten methane production. The McCommas landfill captures methane and converts it to natural gas that will be used to fuel up to 16,000 homes. The system has the potential to generate up to $50,000 a month for the city.

Ron Smith, assistant director of the city's sanitation department, likened the venture to a "huge science project" and said the landfill will likely be the largest of its kind in the country.

The process of speeding methane production through pipes that saturate waste with water and a liquid known as leachate has caught the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency, which plans to tout the Dallas project at a conference in September.

Frisco to sell $25 million in bonds for roads, safety

Frisco City Council members recently approved the sale of $25 million in bonds to pay for three projects.

Assistant City Manager Nell Lange (pictured) said the majority of the bond funds, $16 million, will pay for road improvements. The bonds also will fund $8 million for design, installation and equipment for a public safety communications system for police, fire, emergency medical and other city services and $1 million for the design phase of a community cultural arts and science center.

Taylor inks pact with Williamson for road construction

The Taylor City Council recently approved an interlocal agreement with Williamson County to share in the cost for improving Business Highway 79 rather than wait for $7 million in state funding.

This action would take Second and Fourth streets out of the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which has delayed funding the improvements for 10 years, said Jim Dunaway, an assistant city manager. Under the agreement, the city will provide from $2 million to $2.5 million to pay for relocation of utilities while the county will pay for upgrading drainage and new pavement.

Williamson County has committed $14.2 million to the project and if it comes in under the budget, the city may have additional funds to improve the street, Dunaway said. But if the project comes in over the $14.2 million, the city will have to pay to complete the road construction. Eliminating TxDOT from the project means that no buildings along the two streets will have to be demolished and environmental reviews will not be required, Dunaway said. It will also require the city to pay maintenance costs of about $35,000 annually.

Corps of Cadets gets grant relating to officer training

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recently awarded a $500,000 grant to the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets to strengthen the abilities of future military officers in language and cultural competency.

Randy Kluver (pictured), director of the Institute for Pacific Asia at Texas A&M, said the grant will be used to help reinforce courses in critical languages such as Chinese and Arabian. It also will provide scholarships for cadets to study abroad, participate in on-campus summer language immersion programs, interact with active military officers and participate in other programs to improve cross-cultural competence in an effort to improve national security.

Offered through the National Security Education program, the 2008 Reserve Officer Training Corps Language and Culture Project grant is for two years and is renewable for a third year, which would bring the total to $750,000. The Corps of Cadets, which has 1,800 members, received one of eight similar grants awarded by DOD in 2008.

Nederland panel revises bond for academic needs

The bond committee for the Nederland Independent School District recently flipped the priority of projects on a proposed bond election by placing the need for a new middle school over a new athletic complex.

Committee members said they feared voters would reject a new proposal if it allocated too much funding to athletics. The committee supported construction of a new C.W. Wilson Middle School being included into phase one of the proposed bond election and pushed a proposed athletic complex into phase two. Rather than spending $4 million to renovate the middle school, the committee voted to recommend spending $34 million to build a new school in phase one.

The citizen panel also increased the projected cost of the phase one proposal from $118 million to $125 million, and recommended including three new elementary schools, renovation of Nederland High School, a stadium press box, an alternative education school and air conditioning work at a middle school.

Ingleside receives $800K grant for redevelopment

The Ingleside Local Redevelopment Authority will receive more than $800,000 to continue the redevelopment of its naval station. The funds will be used to hire an analyst and research firm, and acquire a geographic mapping system. The effort is part of a plan to reuse 155 surplus acres known as the Electromagnetic Roll Facility.

Specifically, the authority will be looking at the feasibility of a proposed corridor connecting to Highway 361 and the main artery road of the base, which is set to close in 2010 in accordance with 2005 base closure and realignment (BRAC).

The grant, part of almost $1.3 million received to date, will extend the funding period until November 2009, said Rosie Collin, the authority's project manager. She said the authority plans to address "a comprehensive redevelopment strategy" for the surplus property.

Randall County embarks on carpool program

Randall County, following the lead of several interested employees, will be implementing a carpool program. Commissioner Bob Karrh (pictured) advocated the idea, saying it was a "win-win" option for employees looking to save money as fuel costs continue to rise. Karrh has participated in carpools before.

More than 400 Randall County employees commute to their jobs from far-flung areas, including Happy, where 18 employees reside. Commissioner Gene Parker broached the county's human resources director, who organized the effort. A note outlining the carpooling program was attached to employee pay stubs, but it will be up to individuals to coordinate schedules and costs.

Nolan County to reap $315M from local wind industry

Nolan County is set to garner $315 million from its soaring wind industry this year, according to a report issued Thursday at a wind-energy trade fair. The industry has created more than 1,100 jobs and increased taxpayer property values by almost $2 billion, according to the report. The report will serve as a blueprint for other counties on the verge of implementing wind farms, such as some in the Panhandle.

The Trent and Blackwell school districts have already built new schools with the tax revenues afforded by the wind industry in the last decade. Last year, Nolan County school districts received more than $12 million through wind project taxes, according to the report.

Nolan County has a capacity of nearly 2,500 megawatts of wind energy and is looking to pass 3,000 megawatts within in the next year.

Brouillette new UT-Dallas chief development officer

Mary Brouillette (pictured) has been named chief development officer at The University of Texas at Dallas' School of Arts & Humanities. Brouillette brings 30 years of development experience with her after serving as vice president of development for a prominent Dallas institution. There she managed annual funds, capital campaigns and endowments and exceeded fundraising goals.

Dennis Kratz, dean of the School of Arts & Humanities, said Brouilette's "valuable blend of expertise, experience, intelligence and charm" suits UT-Dallas' world-class vision. Her fundraising experience and the valuable connections in the Dallas Metroplex will significantly contribute to the university's development, he said.

UTEP construction to boost job growth, local economy

A construction surge at The University of Texas at El Paso is set to garner $164.8 million in business volume for the local economy over the course of the next four years. Construction at the university, long a major economic contributor to the Paso del Norte region, will provide several hundred jobs, peaking at 770 in 2010, with an average annual salary compensation of $37,700. The university contributes $343 million to residential income and generates $375 million in business volume.

Slated for construction are new health, science and engineering facilities; a new bookstore; a basketball facility and an expansion of the swimming and fitness center. Some smaller projects are also in the works.

Port Neches, Nederland could share city manager

The cities of Port Neches and Nederland are moving forward with discussions involving the employment of one city manager to serve both areas. The effort has the potential to financially benefit taxpayers as gas prices soar and the economy teeters, and boost cooperation between the communities.

Both cities are committed to weighing cost-cutting opportunities, as their work history demonstrates. Past joint ventures include: combined 9-1-1 dispatching, joint-bid health insurance for employees, shared personnel and equipment for street maintenance, interconnected water distribution systems and mutual-aid response fire departments.

Officials note that Port Neches and Nederland do not indicate any plans to merge into a single entity, should one city manager serve both cities in the future.

Killeen weighing savings, safety in trying to cut fuel costs

Killeen city officials are weighing safety against savings in their efforts to cut the soaring cost of fuel for the city's 818 vehicles. Costs are rising so fast that the city's fleet supervisor has had to refigure fuel cost projections four times in the past month, said City Manager Connie Green (pictured).

Last year the city's fleet used 561,874 gallons of fuel at a cost of $1.4 million and Green estimated that fuel costs for the rest of this year will jump another 19.2 percent, or $213,681. Fuel costs projected for 2008-09 are expected to be about 37 percent higher than the average price for the current fiscal year, adding an additional $400,000 that will be needed to fuel city-owned vehicles.

Options for saving fuel included eliminating all but emergency out-of-state travel and restricting authorization for take-home vehicles to employees living within the city's five-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction effective this month. Records indicate that 144 of the city's vehicles are used daily to commute to work and home, with 103 of those being police vehicles. Police Chief Dennis Baldwin agreed that the policy may save money, but could adversely impact response time, particularly call-outs, if officers have to drive from their homes to the police station to get their police vehicle.

Williamson cuts funding for Taylor Park

Williamson County has voted to cut funds originally earmarked for Taylor's East Williamson County Regional Park by approximately $3.5 million to acquire 865 acres of land near Liberty Hill for another park. Voters in a bond election approved $22 million for county park development.

The decision indicates the county's commitment to long-term growth. Although Pct. 4 Commissioner Ron Morrison said he does not like the "idea of buying an 800-acre tract - I have never liked it," he said parks experts contend it is in the county's interest to secure land for future development before land prices spike.

Morrison said his top priority is to utilize $14.2 million for road and drainage improvements on Second Street in Taylor. After that, he said he will shift his attention to the new park.

Commuters increase; parking space at premium

Park-and-ride lots across North Texas are filling up early and rapidly as commuters vie for spaces. A population once married to automobiles is making the shift to public transportation, as the brimming lots surrounding Dallas' DART Red Line and Tarrant County's Trinity Railway Express attest.

Transit patronage across North Texas and the nation has spiked in the wake of rising gas prices. Park-and-ride lots in Hurst, Garland and Richland Hills, where landscape is being paved over to accommodate new lots, are either at full capacity or nearing it.

Travelers, meanwhile, are devising creative solutions to parking woes by parking in retailer lots, grassy areas and back streets. Some are biking to stations.

Beeville approves certificate sale for $2 million

The replacement of a manual bar screen at the Moore Street Wastewater Treatment Plant is at the forefront of a $2 million certificate sale the Beeville City Council approved recently. The city will issue certificates to pay for water, drainage and sewer improvements. Some $175,000 of the sale, to be matched by funds from the Community Development Block Grant, will be used to replace the screen, which removes debris from wastewater entering the plant. Other funds from the resolution will be used to restore a thickener at the same facility, improve west-side water systems and renovate water storage tanks and a drainage ditch.

City Manager Ford Patton urged members of the council to act soon in resolving the sewer screen issue - before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality deemed it a violation. Patton said he thought it would be "a mistake to put this thing off any further."

The certificate sale will result in a slight increase in utility and tax rates for Beeville residents. However, Patton warned, delaying the issue could result in a more substantial price burden.

Bell County agrees to issue $66.1 million in bonds

Bell County Commissioners recently voted to issue $66.1 million in bonds to help pay for an addition to the Bell County Justice Complex and to restructure debt.

Commissioners authorized the issuance of $36.6 million to be used for a $26.95 million addition to the justice complex for county courts-at-law that handle misdemeanor cases in the county. Commissioners also authorized refinancing a seven-year, $29.5 million bond used for jail construction to an 18-year period.

Commissioners also agreed to ask for bids for an approximately 30,000-square-foot multi-purpose building near the Justice Complex. The county has set aside $4.1 million from the 2006 limited tax notes for the project. The building, estimated to cost about $4.1 million in 2006 when the county set aside the funding, will serve as a storage area for documents and other items.

Deer Park outlines proposal for video equipment

Deer Park's information technology services and parks and recreation departments have filed a joint proposal to have the city fund money for video production equipment. The venture, which would cost from $34,000 to $51,000, would allow the city to record theater programs on video and make the shift from photograph- to video-based programs on municipal channel DPTV.

The effort could also pave the way for broadcasts of city council meetings and video streaming on the city's redesigned Web site, according to Assistant City Manager Gary M. Jackson.

The council has not yet approved the proposal, one of many slated for next year.

State grant to fund Lubbock inmate mental health pilot

Lubbock County will use a $400,000 state grant to open a Private Mental Health Defenders office to address the mental health of inmates in Lubbock County facilities.

With goals of saving money and increasing public safety, the state grant will put experts in the jail to help identify inmates with mental health issue, said Commissioner Bill McCay (pictured). The court will have the option to appoint specially trained attorneys to defend those identified with mental health problems. The program is expected to begin operating in October.

New water meters to be installed in Commerce

City officials in Commerce will have new, state-of-the-art water meters installed by January 2009, according to City Manager Marc Clayton. The new meters will send radio signals to a centralized location to be read, ensuring accuracy. The new system will also save the city fuel costs by eliminating the need for traditional, drive-by meter reading.

The deal was struck after a preliminary three-month audit wherein the city replaced 100 meters with the new radio-read devices. Clayton said this measure was taken to ensure the new system would pay for itself and added there's no cost to the city "at this stage."

The energy conservation firm installing the meters also outlined money- and energy-saving suggestions in another audit. By replacing thermostats, lighting and other equipment, the city stands to save around $12,000 annually.

Hallsville ISD approves sale of $10 million in bonds

Trustees for the Hallsville Independent School district recently authorized the sale of $10 million in bonds to pay for preliminary work on a new high school and elementary school as well as renovations to an intermediate school.

Proceeds from the sale of the bonds, which is expected to take place in September, will pay architect fees, construction management fees, land surveys and initial dirt work for the three campuses, said Tim Brittain, the business manager. The $10 million is part of a $96 million bond proposal approved in 2007. The district expects to issue the total $96 million in bonds in two to three phases.

New Initiative for Strategic Partnerships, Inc. ...

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

For the past 13 years, we at Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), have grown our business to meet the needs of SPI clients. We started with a handful of procurement consultants, a few governmental affairs professionals and a couple of outstanding researchers. In recent years, however, SPI has added nearly 30 additional consultants throughout the state to assist clients in all geographic regions and in all sectors of government. We've expanded the research team considerably and added budget analysts. We now have a cadre of subject matter experts, many with national credentials. And, we're serving clients in other states as well as in Texas. We've added lots more talent.

And now, we're growing again!

Because the people we deal with on a daily basis have asked for it, we are launching a new division that will be called SPI's "Special Services Division." It will provide numerous types of unique and hard-to-come-by services. And, all services will be "vetted" by SPI before being offered.

Services will include but not be limited to the following:

• grant writing;
• meeting facilitation;
• media relations training;
• strategy development for all types of objectives;
• procurement proposal development;
• targeted government marketing;
• event planning and facilitation;
• crisis communication assistance;
• keynote speakers;
• executive coaching; and
• federal procurement assistance.

Galveston OKs $19.5 million for new fire station, projects

The Galveston City Council recently approved issuing $19.5 million in certificates of obligation to pay for a new fire station and water and sewer projects.

City Manager Steve LeBlanc (pictured) said an agreement with Galveston County to build the fire station on county property could save city taxpayers about $1 million. The certificates of obligation also include $8 million in water department projects and $8 million in sewer projects as well as $3.5 million for the new fire station.

College Station opts for seven-year bond program

The College Station City Council recently approved a seven-year borrowing option as opposed to a five-year option on the $84 million bond proposal that will go before voters in November.

If approved by voters, city officials plan to use the bonds for a new fire station, road and park improvements and library expansion.

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.

John Montford (pictured) began his public service career as a district attorney in Lubbock. He was later elected to the Texas Senate, serving from 1983 to 1997 before being appointed chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, where he served from 1996 to 2001. In September 2001, Montford moved to the private sector after being named Senior Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs for SBC Communications, Inc. In November 2005, Montford was named Senior Vice President - Western Region Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for AT&T Services, Inc., a global provider of telecommunications products and services, a position he still holds.

Cathy Bonner has long been a Texas political insider. She served as executive director of the Texas Department of Commerce under the late Gov. Ann Richards and became a close Richards ally. She is founder and former president of the Women's Museum: An Institute to the Future. While president and CEO of her own marketing and consulting firm, she was the flag-bearer for a referendum that passed in Texas providing $3 billion for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Earlier this month she was named president and CEO of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, a position in Washington, D.C., that she will fill in August.

Southeast Regional Airport to use grant for runways

Southeast Texas Regional Airport officials plan to use a $550,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the first 1,000 feet of two of its runways and to buy a new fire-fighting vehicle.

The first 1,000 feet of both runways are at the end of their life, said Hal Ross, airport manager. The new firefighting vehicle will replace a 10-year-old vehicle, he said. To qualify for the grant, the airport must provide a 5 percent match.

El Paso to institute $14 million energy plan

El Paso City Council members recently approved a $14 million energy conservation plan. The plans calls for the city to replace light fixtures with motion sensors, install solar energy panels to heat indoor pools and purchase more energy-efficient heating and cooling units.

While city officials said the plan will pay for itself over the next 10 years through energy savings, the city is borrowing money from the state and private sources to fund the improvements.

SPI to roll out new 'Special Services' division

Strategic Partnerships, Inc., has launched a new Special Services Division, which will include some of the state's premier and most experienced providers of services. SPI, working in conjunction with affiliates throughout the United States, will now offer services that include strategic planning, meeting facilitation, grant writing, keynote speakers, event planning, executive searches, economic development services, strategy development, mediation, customized training, executive coaching and more. Some of the "luminaries" working with SPI will be featured in future issues of the Texas Government Insider... This week we feature Jim Bearden.

Jim Bearden is a dynamic full-time speaker and strategic planner who for 20 years has inspired individuals to improve the choices they make while helping them see that personal accountability can help lead to success. He holds the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speaker Association. Bearden specializes in keynote presentations, leadership development training seminars, sales training programs and strategic planning programs. His aggressive follow-up after each presentation helps attendees adapt and implement the concepts described in the meetings. Bearden has conducted training and delivered presentations for corporate audiences, trade and professional associations and government agencies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In a previous life, he was a top sales producer and a vice president of strategic development, both of which lend themselves to ensuring an experienced speaker who has been in the trenches.

For a complete portfolio of services offered or to inquire about specific services, contact J. Lyn Carl at 512-531-3936 or jcarl@spartnerships.com.

Wichita County cuts costs with appraisal software

Wichita County appraisers are looking to ease taxpayer burden this year by cutting their inflating fuel budget. Appraisers are implementing new software that will enable them to inspect properties without leaving the office.

The technology will allow appraisers access to precise measurements and detailed photographs of more than 60,000 homes in the area. Wichita County Chief Appraiser Eddie Trigg said the software will also allow the appraisers to re-inspect properties without jeopardizing the quality of the original appraisals.

Decatur ISD sells bonds for new schools and upgrades

Decatur ISD recently sold $22.6 million in bonds to pay for technology upgrades, a new elementary school and other improvements to district facilities.

Superintendent Gary Gindt (pictured) said taxpayers will pay almost half a million dollars less than originally estimated because the district was able to get an interest rate below 5 percent.

SAISD tables free meals
for all its students

San Antonio Independent School District trustees have unanimously voted to end its universal lunch program, which has provided free meals for all students since 1996. Beginning this fall, families who can afford it will have to pay for their children's lunches. However, nearly 50,000 students eligible for reduced-price or free meals will receive them at a cut rate or free still at a cost of about $500,000 annually to the district.

The district's general fund, the one used to pay teacher salaries, will be tapped to cover costs incurred by the universal lunch program - a projected $4.1 million deficit. For families who can afford to pay for their student's lunches, it will cost approximately $500 a year to buy two daily meals for one student.

Conroe seeks to build fire station in state forest

Conroe officials are negotiating with the Texas Forest Service to build a new fire station on vacant land adjacent to the park headquarters on FM 1488 and build a nature center to sweeten the deal. The new station would replace a facility at Harper's Landing, which was sold for $1.3 million to The Woodlands to avoid annexation of the Harper's Landing subdivision, said Guy Andrews, director of community development. To make room for the project, the city would demolish several storage buildings on the site, he said. The city also agreed to fight any fires in the 1,733-acre forest.

City officials also recently approved $10,000 to hire an architect to begin preliminary planning of the facility. No agreement has been reached with the Texas Forest Service on the city's proposal, he said.

Navarro ISD names new deputy superintendent

The Navarro Independent School District board has named Luke Morales (pictured) new deputy superintendent. Morales, who serves as Navarro Junior High principal, was singled out for his experience and enthusiasm, Board President David Reiley said. Morales will stay on as Navarro ISD's junior high principal, a capacity he has served in for eight years. He will receive a stipend for additional duties performed as deputy superintendent.

Superintendent Dee Carter said Morales will step in for her when she is unavailable, noting his dedication and willingness to handle situations "in an immediate way." Other job duties as deputy superintendent will include orienting first-year teachers, coordinating staff services, holding disciplinary hearings and supervising the school district's transportation department.

Blackwell CISD to use wind energy to power schools

The Blackwell Consolidated Independent School district recently installed a wind turbine on school grounds as a new source of energy for its classrooms. Once operational, the turbine is expected to provide at least half of the energy for the school, which currently pays around $8,000 monthly for electricity, said Blackwell Mayor Ronald Harris. Installation of the turbine, which cost the district $210,000, should be completed soon, he said. Once a new $11.5 million school complex is completed, the wind turbine will be used to supply energy for the new facilities, which include an improved computer learning lab, an auditorium and enhanced educational programs such as physics and trigonometry, Harris said. Other school districts already utilizing wind energy include Dawson, Shallowater, Morton and Crosbyton.

Recent Reports

• Co-pays for Nonemergent Use of Hospital Emergency Rooms: Cost Effectiveness and Feasibility Analysis, HHSC
• House Bill 3575 Legislative Oversight Committee Eligibility System Update
• An Audit Report on State Mental Retardation Facilities, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and the Department of Family and Protective Services
• 'Eye on Government'
• SPI's May 2008 Municipal Bond Elections Report
• SPI's Defense Appropriations Bill Earmarks Report
• SPI's November 2007 Bond Election Results Report

Event Links

• Texas GIS Forum 2008
• 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference
• Texas State University Small Business Development Center training schedule
• TWC Texas Business Conferences
• LBJ School Professional Development Calendar
• Upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government events

Texas Government Insider Archives

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

Gladewater ISD exploring options for superintendent

Gladewater Independent School District is looking to hire a new superintendent either directly or through a selection process. The school district is soliciting bids from search firms and has posted the opening on its Web site. Superintendent Mike Morrison has submitted his resignation to retire at the end of the year.

School board President Garth Cockerell said the school is "open to all (hiring) possibilities," including promoting someone within in the district. The board will decide whether to award a contract to a search firm or recruit independently during the next school board meeting, slated for July 21.

Cockerell said that hiring a search firm would result in a wider pool of applicants, but said the board will have to perform a cost analysis to determine if that would be a wise use of taxpayer money. Cockerell said the board is seeking input from the community on that matter and wants to make certain the candidate is aware of the challenges Gladewater ISD faces, including outmoded facilities.

LeTourneau University seeks bonds for renovations

LeTourneau University wants to issue $10 million in tax-exempt bonds, the maximum allowed under the Internal Revenue Code, to fund renovations to a dining hall and a newly acquired building at the East Texas Regional Airport.

University President Dale Lunsford (pictured) said the new, 55,000-square-foot building will house the university's School of Aeronautical Science after an estimated $6 million renovation. The reconstruction will include classrooms, offices and labs for nearly 300 students and faculty. The remainder of the bond would be used to convert an assembly building on the university's main campus into a dining hall. Longview's Assistant City Manager Chuck Ewings said the city will not incur any debt from the project. A public hearing is scheduled for July 21.

Governor makes appointments

Governor Rick Perry has announced the following appointments:

• Sandra D. Bridges of Rockwall, State Board for Educator Certification
• Stefani D. Carter of Plano, State Board for Educator Certification
• Kathleen Hartnett White of Rosanky, Lower Colorado River Authority Board of Directors
• A. R."Rusty" Senac of Beach City, Coastal Water Authority board of directors
• Ray Stoesser of Dayton, Coastal Water Authority board of directors

Port Arthur approves study on multi-sports complex

Port Arthur City Council members recently approved a $50,000 study to determine whether to move ahead with plans to build a multi-sport athletic complex.

Equipped with energy saving features, the indoor facility would host basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming and football and cost an estimated $25 million to $50 million. Supporters want the facility to be located next to the new high school currently under construction.

Southlake terminates free trolley service in city

Members of the Southlake City Council recently decided against bringing back a rental trolley in September to continue a trial program. The current economic climate and operating costs do not support renewing the free trolley service despite an increase in riders during the last weeks of the trial program, said Mayor Andy Wambsganss (pictured).

The city began the free service in January with a trolley on loan from the city of Arlington. It operated on weekends shuttling shoppers between two major shopping areas. The trolley was returned to Arlington for the summer, but Southlake had the option of getting the trolley back in September.

Brownsville mayor will reintroduce cell phone ban

Brownsville Mayor Pat M. Ahumada recently said he will propose another ban on driving while talking on a cell phone despite opposition from city commissioners on his first attempt to seek a ban. The mayor said he plans to gather information from local agencies, insurance companies and the State of California, which recently approved a statewide ban on motorists holding cell phones while driving, before re-introducing the ordinance in August.

While some cities have banned the use of hand-held cell phones in school zones, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Public Safety says she is unaware of any other Texas cities which ban the use of hand-held cell phones within the city limits.

Lake Jackson sees benefits from CNG-powered fleet

Lake Jackson officials, in an initial effort to reduce the city's carbon footprint, is reaping additional cost benefits from its fleet of compressed natural gas-powered garbage trucks, pickups and compact cars. Public Works Director Craig Nisbett said the savings amount to about $130,000 annually. To compress the gas for its fleet of vehicles, the city had to purchase a fueling station and pay for expansion costs to the tune of about $450,000. For their attempts to reduce ozone emissions, however, the city received several thousand dollars in incentive grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies.

City Manager Bill Yenne contends the venture was a wise investment. "It's been very worthwhile," he said. While most Texas residents are paying around $4 for a gallon of gasoline, Lake Jackson's fleet of city vehicles spend a comparatively paltry $1.29 per gallon of CNG.

San Felipe Del Rio CSD names new superintendent

In a unanimous vote, the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated School District Board of Trustees has named Tommy Hall to its superintendent position until a permanent placement can be found. Board President Raymond Meza said he and his constituents felt "Hall would bring the characteristics the district needs at this time."

Hall, who holds a master's degree from Texas A&M University, served 15 years as superintendent of Brookesmith Independent School District and has an additional 24 years in public education. Two other highly qualified candidates were interviewed for the position. Former superintendent Roberto "Bobby" Fernandez announced retirement plans earlier this year. Fernandez was voted to serve as a consultant to Hall.

Pampa appoints Pitner
as new city manager

The Pampa City Commission recently approved the appointment of Trevlyn Pitner (pictured) as the new city manager to replace former City Manager John Horst, who retired recently. Pitner previously served as police chief in Pampa. He began his career in municipal government in 1985 as a law enforcement officer with the Snyder Police Department. He attended Western Texas College and later received his bachelor's degree from Mountain State University in Beckley, West Virginia.

Sanchez retires from transportation authority

Richardo Sanchez recently retired as general manager of the Regional Transportation Authority after 22 years of service with the organization, where he held numerous positions until becoming general manager four years ago.

The RTA, the Coastal Bend's public transportation system, operates 85 buses, 35 big vans and seven trolleys. It has a $24.5 million annual budget and about 300 employees. The RTA board has decided to replace the general manager's position with a president and is currently seeking a new president. Eduardo Carrion, the director of planning and development, was appointed to serve as interim manager until a new president is selected.

Galveston approves certificates for projects

Galveston City Council recently approved $19.5 million in certificates of obligation for a new fire station and water and sewer projects. Council member Elizabeth Beeton dissented, claiming voters should have a say in the approval in the unlikely event taxes may be raised to cover costs. The water and sewer debt will be covered by residents' utility fees. The fire station will be funded by general fund revenues and backed by tax revenue.

The fire station, paid for by the city, will be built on county property, saving taxpayers about $1 million, according to City Manager Steve LeBlanc. The city will reimburse the county for utility costs. The council will vote again to finalize the certificate sale, which designates $8 million in wastewater projects, $8 million in water department projects and $3.5 million to construct the new fire station.

Chambers County could seek public transit system

The Houston-Galveston Area Council traveled to rural Chambers County recently to discuss - of all unlikely subjects - a transit bus system. The proposed effort, an enhancement of the system that currently serves the county's elderly and disabled, would bus passengers through the county and westward into Houston and Baytown and other surrounding areas. Two public meetings scheduled for August will address this remedy to ballooning gas prices. Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia (pictured) said he thinks the venture "is very timely with the price of fuel."

Noting the success of Baytown's transit systems, county officials are looking to implement a design that would operate "on call," opposed to having fixed routes. Some representatives would like to see route schedules coordinated with work shifts at some of the county's biggest employers. Passengers will be assured that federal grants and subsidies could cover the approximately $800,000 annual operating costs, leaving them with a $1 - $3 fare.

Water Valley ISD selects Hannon as superintendent

Trustees for the Water Valley Independent School district recently selected Jimmy Hannon to replace Richard Bain, who resigned to become superintendent at Silsbee ISD.

Hannon, who is currently superintendent of the McLean ISD, will assume the new position the first week in March.

TGI ad space available

If you're not advertising in TGI, you're missing out on an opportunity for some very targeted messaging. TGI reaches more than 31,000 readers each week. Interested in details, call Patti Maugham at 512-531-3900 or click here.

Jobs at SPI

SPI seeking consultants in Houston area

SPI is seeking individuals with well-established credentials, expertise and strong connections and relationships in Houston city and Harris County governments who are interested in assisting its consulting teams. Candidates should have both subject matter expertise in local government as well as longstanding relationships with executive-level decision-makers in the Houston area.

To apply for these part-time consulting positions, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Houston consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address.

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

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

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

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

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Texas GIS Forum 2008 slated for Oct. 27-31

The Texas Natural Resources Information System, a division of the Texas Water Development Board, is hosting the Texas GIS Forum 2008 on Oct. 27-31 at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. The forum is billed as the "largest Geospatial Technology forum in Texas." Sponsorships are available and the forum will also feature exhibitors. To register, click here. For information for sponsors and exhibitors, click here. Registration for the forum is available to individuals from government agencies (federal, state, local), universities, industry representatives, sponsors and exhibitors. The group is also seeking presentation proposals, with an Aug. 15 deadline. Some of the topics sought in the proposals include innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.