TxDOT proposal could net reduction of 600 job positions

Agency studying consolidation into four Regional Support Centers

A reduction of some 600 job positions could result from the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) proposal to consolidate the support functions for the agency's current 25 districts into four Regional Support Centers (RSCs). Facing a possible multi-million-dollar loss of federal funding as the federal Highway Trust Fund nears a revenue crisis, TxDOT is looking for ways to streamline its operations and improve efficiency. TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz (pictured) said the consolidation could save the agency as much as $35 million.

The TxDOT official said agency employee counts throughout the state already are at the anticipated level needed to complete the first phase of restructuring. He said a reduction in hiring, attrition and retirements are expected to minimize the need to reduce the number of TxDOT employees.

The consolidations would also mean changes in job locations and functional assignments for some TxDOT employees in districts and divisions. But the agency notes it will use "virtual office" technology to allow some employees to continue to work from current office locations even though their job functions are aligned with a regional office in another city.

Sales tax holiday in Texas runs through Sunday

State officials expect Texans to use weekend to stretch dollars

While several states canceled sales tax holidays to halt revenue loss during hard economic times, the Texas Comptroller's Office expects Texas shoppers to be out in force this weekend to take advantage of the savings offered by avoiding the sales tax and special prices offered by some retailers.

State officials predict that Texas shoppers will save about $54 million by shopping for clothing and other exempted items during the state's 10th annual sales tax holiday that begins today and ends Sunday, said Allen Spelce, a spokesman for the Texas Comptroller's Office. That will translate into approximately a $12 million loss of revenue to local taxing entities and a $42 million revenue loss in sales tax revenue to the state, he said.

"Many family budgets are stretched to the limit," said Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. "This year, the sales tax holiday is sure to be much-needed and much-appreciated by families shopping for school clothes and fall wardrobes."

Anderson, Nelson named PUC commissioners

Kenneth W. Anderson Jr. of Dallas and Donna L. Nelson of Austin have been named to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) by Gov. Rick Perry. Anderson will replace Julie Parsley beginning Sept. 2 and Nelson will replace Paul Hudson on Aug. 18. Both Parsley and Hudson recently announced they would be vacating their positions on the commission.

Anderson has been a private practice attorney for more than 20 years, specializing in corporate finance law and regulatory and administrative legal issues. He is a former appointments secretary to Gov. Perry and was chief deputy director of governmental appointments for former Gov. Bill Clements. He also has served as a member of the Securities Law and Corporation Law committees, was a past member of the board of the North Central Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation, the Texas Securities Board and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Anderson holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from Southern Methodist University.

Nelson most recently served as a special assistant and advisor on energy, telecommunications and cable budget and policy issues in the Governor's Office. She also assisted the Governor's Competitiveness Council with the preparation of the Texas 2008 State Energy Plan. She served previously as the director of the PUC telecommunications section and legal advisor to the PUC chairman. She is a former assistant attorney general of Texas, where she specialized in antitrust lawsuits. Nelson holds a bachelor's degree from Black Hills State College and a law degree from Texas Tech University.

Women in Texas Government honorees named

Four women in Texas state government, none elected or appointed, will be honored for their contributions to helping shape Texas as recipients of the annual Outstanding Women in Texas Government awards. The awards will be presented at the annual luncheon on Sept. 10 at the Frank Erwin Events Center on The University of Texas campus in Austin. The event is hosted by the State Agency Council to the Governor's Commission for Women.

The award recipients are honored for their contributions to the state through their talents and skills. This year's honorees include: (from left)

• Outstanding Professional Development: Susan Johnson, PhD. Johnson is the Associate Commissioner for the Health and Human Services Commission Office of the Ombudsman and led that department before becoming associate commissioner. She has worked at the Texas Department of Human Services, the Texas Department of Transportation, Office of the Governor and the Texas Department of Community Affairs.
• Outstanding Leadership: Carla Sue Everett. Everett is Public Information Officer for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). She began her state service as an intern at Texas State Technical Institute in 1977 and has held positions at the Texas Department of Health, the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
• Outstanding Management: Reagan Miller. Miller serves as Deputy Director of the Workforce Development Division at the Texas Workforce Commission. She oversees the Workforce and Unemployment Insurance Policy branch, which reviews and analyzes federal and state laws and regulations and directs the development of state plans for federally funded programs.
• Outstanding Community Involvement: Connie L. Hofmann. Hofmann is an employee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife, where she serves as Team Leader for the Employment, Retention and Recruitment Branch of Human Resources. She began her state service in 1994 with the Texas Department of Transportation. She received her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in May 1999.

Dr. Elsa Murano, president of Texas A&M University, will be keynote speaker for the event. Tickets are available for $25. For questions, please contact Avis O'Reilly at 512/463-2712.

Prison unit named for former TDCJ chair Crain

The former chair of the governing board of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was honored this week when the board voted to rename the Gatesville prison for women after her. The Gatesville unit will be named after Christina Melton Crain (pictured), who served five years as chairman of the board.

The Gatesville Unit's new name is effective immediately. The unit houses some 1,500 women inmates and is a former youth facility.

Texas' sales tax revenues reported up

Texas' sales tax revenue is up some 10.4 percent from last year's. So far this year, the state has collected $1.8 billion in sales tax revenue.

State Comptroller Susan Combs sent $583.4 million in August sales tax allocations to local governments and $393.1 million to Texas cities. Those figures represent a 6.3 percent increase and an 8 percent increase from last year, respectively. Additionally, $21.3 million went to 135 special-purpose taxing districts and $133.5 million went to 10 Austin transit systems. Those figures increased 21.5 percent and 9.9 percent, respectively.

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

State to install pay phones for use by prison inmates

Texas this week became the final state in the country to offer a pay phone system for prisoners in the Texas Department of Corrections facilities. The Texas Board of Criminal Justice approved a seven-year contract for installation of the phones.

Inmates are expected to have to pay 26 cents per minute for in-state calls. Board Chair Oliver Bell (pictured) said the system will be "the finest phone system" in the country. Inmates will be allowed up to 120 minutes worth of calls per month, with a maximum of 15 minutes per call.

State officials say the state could earn up to $30 million each year off the calls.

State judge rejects TSTA bid to block nonprofit funding

A state judge has rejected a Texas State Teachers Association's bid to block state funds from going to dropout recovery programs. TSTA contended that Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott lacked authority to award the grants that will open the way for $6 million in funds to be awarded to private schools. The group said allocating funds to the nonprofits would be tantamount to the creation of a private school voucher program.

State District Judge Stephen Yelenosky said the commissioner's move was legal and that TSTA failed to show members would suffer "immediate and irreparable harm" because of the action.

TSTA President Rita Haecker said that while the association is disappointed with the judge's decision, the trial has given them an opportunity to "fully air the constitutional and statutory issues involved in the attempt to implement a stealth voucher plan under the guise of dropout recovery."

Austin's Phillip Jenkins named to U.S. Access Board

Phillip D. Jenkins (pictured) of Austin has been named to the federal U.S. Access Board as a public member. The agency advocates accessibility for persons with disabilities as part of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act.

Jenkins is a senior software engineer for a major computer corporation, where he has worked for 27 years. For more than a decade, he has been at the helm of the company's division charged with enhancing accessibility technology, products and services. He has helped shape corporate policy and been involved with the advisory committees that drafted federal access standards for electronic and information technologies as part of the Rehabilitation Act.

Jenkins' four-year term on the board will begin in December, followed by a sworn authorization in January.

Governor's Office distributes $1.7M in juvenile grants

More than $1.7 million in grants to juvenile offender accountability programs through the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of Gov. Rick Perry's office. The Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) awards the grants in an effort to curb offenses by promoting and advancing juvenile productivity. CJD awards more than $113 million in state and federal funds each year.

JABG funds are geared toward rehabilitation and reform incentives such as restitution, community service and victim-offender meditation. The funds are also applied toward law enforcement and court personnel training, substance abuse treatment and juvenile drug court case management.

Allocations for this year's JABG funds include: $12,865, Bell County Crime Coalition; $105,000, Bexar County Juvenile Drug Court; $81,066, Early Intervention, Bexar County; $16,989, Juvenile Surveillance Program, Cameron County; $10,874, Municipal Juvenile Court, City of Corpus Christi; $18,311, Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program, City of El Paso; and $131,401, Juvenile Accountability Court Program, City of Houston; $172,763, Dallas County Juvenile Drug Court; $25,548, Juvenile Impact Program, Denton County; and $127,500, El Paso County Juvenile Drug Court Program.

Also $36,466, Probation Supervision Tools and Interventions, El Paso County; $19,089, Prosecution of Juvenile Offenders, Galveston County; $287,542, Harris County Juvenile Crime Enforcement Plan - Juvenile Probation; $10,000, Juvenile Justice Detention and Intervention Services, Jim Hogg County; $25,701, Multi-Jurisdictional Truancy Mediation Program, Lubbock County; $17,432, Violent Offender Intensive Supervision Program, McLennan County; $168,313, Justice Court Alternative Sentencing Program, Midland County; $19,744, Probation Rules Enforcement Program, Nueces County; and $92,050, Gang Resource System, Office of the Attorney General.

Also $16,996, Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, Smith County; $141,187, Tarrant County Coordinated Enforcement Plan for Reducing Juvenile Offenses; $117,500, Drug Court and In-Home Family Services Expansion, Travis County; $80,889, Juvenile Assessment Center, Travis County; $16,680, Juvenile Prosecution Project, Webb County; and $24,035, Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Williamson County.

TWC to administer grant to assist hurricane recovery

A National Emergency Grant totaling $7,350,171 from the U.S. Department of Labor will create 475 temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts along the Texas coast in the wake of Hurricane Dolly.

The grant, awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, will be used to create new cleanup, demolition, renovation and reconstruction jobs in Gulf Coast counties. Funds will also be used to aid those left unemployed by the storm and humanitarian assistance for disaster victims.

Initially, $2.45 million will be released with the rest of the funds disbursed as needed.

President appoints Murano to federal board

Texas A&M University President Elsa Murano (pictured) has been named for appointment by President George W. Bush to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD). The seven-member board advises the director of the U.S. Agency for International Development on agricultural development priorities and issues. Members of the board are top representatives from academia and various sectors of the agriculture industry.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to work with USAID to help ensure that people in developing countries worldwide have access to an adequate and stable supply of food and water - the basic necessities of life," said Murano. "Texas A&M has a long legacy of service that is recognized worldwide, and as a land-grant institution, we have much knowledge, research and expertise that can be shared to assist other countries with agricultural development initiatives."

Murano's term on the board will expire in 2012. She previously served as Under Secretary of Agriculture in an earlier appointment by the president and served as a member of the Texas A&M animal science faculty and director of the Center for Food Safety. In 2005, she was named dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and vice chancellor for agriculture for life sciences for The Texas A&M University System, the positions she held when selected to serve as president of the university.

TWC commissioners get agency assignments

Andres Alcantar, recently appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will serve as Commissioner Representing the Public, it was announced this week.

TWC Chairman Tom Pauken will continue to lead the agency as Commissioner Representing Employers and Commissioner Ronald Congleton will remain as Commissioner Representing Labor.

Tarrant seeking to lead in green governing

Commissioners in Tarrant County are preparing to color next year's budget green. Although the economic downturn could still hinder plans, commissioners are willing to spend on expenditures such as recyclable office supplies and energy-saving equipment.

Commissioner Marti VanRavenswaay (pictured) said she is not alone in her advocacy for implementing environment friendly measures. "It's not just me on the court saying we need to be doing this. We're all interested," she said, adding she wanted to plow ahead with 100 percent commitment.

Though green construction ventures are generally more costly than standard ones, most commissioners agree the investments would pay for themselves. Arlington's Southeast Subcourthouse is set to receive a special designation from a federal green council for its energy efficiency. So far Tarrant County has enacted a number of green measures, including:

• a quarter of office supplies made from recycled materials;
• 100 percent recycled toilet paper;
• automated lights, heating and air conditioning; and
• one precinct is using fuel made from a biodiesel blend fuel.

San Angelo ISD looking at cut in improvement projects

In recent talks on the proposed $93.8 million 2008-2009 budget, San Angelo Independent School District trustees proposed reducing spending on capital improvement projects to costing less than $1 million compared to $3 million spent on capital improvement projects during the last two years.

The proposed $93.8 million budget is down from the district's $94.5 million in 2007-2008, said Jeff Bright, the assistant superintendent. He blamed the need to reduce spending on lower interest rates and the reduction in state funds because the district's funding is capped at the same level per student that it received in 2005-2006. San Angelo, which receives about $4,600 per student from the state, has one of the lowest target revenues in the state, Bright said. The district has about 14,200 students enrolled.

About 83.8 percent of the new budget goes toward salaries, stipends and other pay, which the district must watch closely, Bright said. Trustees also added about $60,000 to the district's athletic travel budget to pay for the higher cost of fuel. The district budgeted $179,000 for fuel last year, compared to $239,000 for the new fiscal year.

San Antonio still in running for $500 million Bio Lab

Supporters of San Antonio's bid for a nearly $500 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agricultural research lab remain hopeful the city will be chosen on its merits, despite a report that one finalist for the coveted project in Mississippi appears to be in final round because of political considerations. A DHS report concluded the Flora, Miss., site is too far from existing bio-defense research programs and lacks access to workers familiar with foot-and-mouth virus and other highly contagious diseases that would be addressed at the lab.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (pictured) said he is disturbed about the report of potential political considerations and worries about the politics of the decision. The proposed laboratory will study and develop vaccines for agricultural diseases that could disrupt the nation's food supply and possibly pass from animals to humans. The five cities that are finalists for the lab are:

• Flora, Miss., with a score of 81;
• Athens, Ga., with a score of 90;
• Manhattan, Kan., with a score of 91;
• San Antonio, Tx., with a score of 91; and
• Butner, N.C., with a score of 94.

DHS Undersecretary Jay Cohen listed the strengths of San Antonio's former Brooks Air Force Base site as an attractive site located near research programs, with a skilled work force and community acceptance. Brook's weaknesses included an inadequate buffer to nearby residential areas and proximity to a wetland. The strengths of the Southwest Foundation site in San Antonio were proximity to research programs, a skilled work force and community acceptance, and its weaknesses were the necessity to remove an existing primate house, a creek intersecting the site and costly water requirements. Texas A&M University in College Station, which scored 86, was eliminated as a finalist with comments that A&M researchers studying infectious diseases failed to report exposures to dangerous germs. Amy Kudwa of DHS said no decision on the site has been made as DHS officials must still evaluate data collected from recent public hearings. DHS officials also will evaluate incentives offered by the sites in making the final decision by the end of the year.

UTEP lands border security, immigration center

The University of Texas at El Paso and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have announced the opening of the National Center for Border Security and Immigration. The center will combine expertise and research capabilities from universities across the nation to focus on immigration challenges and border security solutions. It was announced at the university's 5th annual Border Security Conference that the center will receive $6 million over six years to fund its initiative.

UTEP President Diana Natalicio (pictured) said she is pleased the university's unique perspectives on border security and immigration have been recognized. "We look forward to contributing our expertise to these critical national priorities," she said.

The center's research will focus on assessing border security threats and vulnerabilities, improving surveillance and analyzing immigration trends, among other areas.

San Antonio region benefits from $2.1M DHS grant

Communication between first responders in the San Antonio region will soon become easier with the recent acceptance of $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant program. The PSIC grant program is a one-time grant opportunity designed to assist public safety agencies in enhancing regional interoperable communications capabilities. A total of $968 million in funds has been awarded through this program to agencies across the county.

The City of San Antonio, which submitted a joint application with Bexar County, will use the funds to leverage the 800MHz system currently used by Bexar County, the city and 26 other agencies by enhancing regional operability and interoperability through Project 25 (P25), utilizing IP technology to connect radio systems, adapting to other regional UHF/VHF systems and adding an overlay to regional 700MHz infrastructure. City staff is also exploring the possibility of procuring a 700/900MHz interoperability trailer and expanding interoperability along the 137 corridor between San Antonio and Corpus Christi to support hurricane evacuations.

The grant agreement requires an in-kind match of $533,375, which represents 20 percent of the total project cost.

Texas Campus Contact Board welcomes executives

The Texas Campus Contact Board has named Jim Conditt (left) new assistant director and Deone Wilhite (right) its new director of Operations and Programs.

Conditt previously served as a special projects coordinator for The University of Texas Medical Branch - Office of Community Outreach's Area Health Education Center. He also directed HIV and other disease-prevention efforts as director of an East Texas health organization.

Conditt holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Wilhite previously served as director of an educational program at Big Brothers and Big Sisters. His efforts there increased scholarships for students.

Wilhite holds a master's degree from the Clark Atlanta University graduate School of Business and a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a founding member and vice president of the National Black MBA Association.

Texas graduates improve composite ACT scores

Texas public and private school graduates have increased their composite ACT test scores from 20.5 to 20.7, a record for the state. Although that figure continues to trail the lowered national average score of 21.1, the number of students taking the college admissions test also rose to a record 79,050 this year, a 3 percent increase.

About 29 percent of the state's senior classes took the exam this year, a 2,500-student increase over 2007. Nationally, 1.42 million high school graduates tested.

Commissioner of Education Robert Scott said these figures seem to indicate the state's educational reforms are making a difference. "These scores demonstrate the importance of taking rigorous, advanced coursework, and I'm proud of the students who take on that challenge," he said.

Tarleton names new director of environmental center

Tarleton State University has named Dan Hunter (pictured) director of the Texas Institute of Applied Environmental Research. Hunter, the department's previous assistant director since 2006, has taken over founding Executive Director Ron Jones' role in leading the multidisciplinary research center.

The center, founded in 1991, provides a setting for environmental policy studies and research focusing on science-based solutions for issues affecting both the government and the private sector.

Prior to his charge as director, Hunter served as an adjunct professor in Tarleton's College of Agriculture and Human Sciences in addition to roles as a legislative assistant and government relations representative.

A&M Health Science Center receives funds for research

In a unique joint venture, the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health will team up with the Georgia Institute of Technology to establish the Center for Health Organization Transformation (CHOT). The initiative has been funded in part by a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Dr. Larry Graham, professor and head of health policy and management at A&M 's health science center, will head CHOT along with co-director Dr. Eva Lee from Georgia Tech.

In an aim to transform both rural and urban health care, the center will combine the efforts of both schools to provide a setting for research related to information technology, chronic disease management and evidence-based management approaches, among other areas.

El Paso med school funding top priority for Texas Tech

Obtaining funding for the medical school in El Paso will be a top priority again this year for Texas Tech University when the legislature convenes in January, Chancellor Kent Hance (pictured) said recently.

The budget for all of Texas Tech's health institutions is set to grow by about $24 million next year to $610 million. This year, Texas Tech will ask legislators for an additional $17.6 million primarily to hire teachers for third- and fourth-year medical students so the school can reach its four-year status, Hance said.

The university also plans to ask for about $85.5 million to build a third facility to be dedicated to research. A substantial portion of funding will be used to recruit and hire scientists to study border-related health issues at the school's five research centers.

ACC, Texas Campus Compact to share in grant funds

The Texas Governor's Office has awarded the Texas Campus Compact and Austin Community College with a Wagner-Peyser Grant totaling $102,040 for the development of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Community Impact Program. Wagner-Peyser Grants fund workforce training projects.

The joint venture will impact some 7,500 students throughout the greater Austin area. The educational model is designed to increase retention rates of students enrolled in higher education institutions.

Studies show that more civically engaged students, especially minority and first-generation students, are more likely to graduate from college.

TAMU appoints Kingsville's dean of College of Education

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has named Dr. Marilyn Bartlett (pictured) dean of the College of Education at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Bartlett was named interim dean of the college in July and will continue to serve as a professor of educational leadership.

Among Bartlett's short-term goals is drawing alumni back to the college. "Our alumni play prominent roles in districts throughout the state. I intend to reach out to them," she said, adding she intends to meet all current students to "encourage them to show pride in the college and in the profession of education."

McLennan County approves contract to build jails

McLennan County Commissioners this week approved a contract with a private company to operate the downtown county jail and to allow that company to finance, build and operate a new 871-bed county jail. The new privately operated jail will be located next to the county's existing facility on Highway 6.

The county sent requests to 14 companies asking for proposals for operating the downtown jail and building a new facility, but only received one response. At an earlier meeting, commissioners had stated that a privately built jail would help them avoid a bond election and a tax increase. The private company also operates the Limestone County Detention Center and the Falls County Jail and Detention Center in Marlin.

Commissioners last week agreed to continue to operate the existing jail on Highway 6 as a county-run facility after opponents of privately operated jails expressed concern that current jail staff would lose income and benefits.

Cameron approves pact for border fence, levee project

Cameron County officials recently approved a memorandum of understanding between the county and the International Boundary and Water Commission that they hope will bring them closer to receiving federal approval for an alternative border fence and levee project.

County Administrator Pete Sepulveda Jr. (pictured) said the agreement is necessary because he believes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would continue to stall on a decision on the county's proposed border fence and levee project as an alternate to a border fence until the agreement was signed. County officials have been waiting for more than a month to see if DHS would approve the alternate plan.

Prior to approving the MOU, commissioners removed the two paragraphs from the agreement, including a statement that the county has funding for the agreement and that the county understands that DHS is not obligated to make any reimbursements to the county. The MOU will not be valid unless DHS agrees to the alternative plan, Sepulveda said.

Leander ISD to build $34.5 million football stadium

The discovery of lead paint recently prompted trustees for the Leander Independent School District to dismantle its current football stadium and build a new stadium estimated to cost about $34 million rather than paint the old stadium. Trustees, however, are not expected to decide until January on whether the regional stadium will have 10,000 seats or fewer.

It will cost the district $600,000 less to build a new structure at the site than repaint and save the old one, and less than the amount previously approved for stadium construction and repairs, said Jimmy Disler, the director of capital improvements. His estimates are based on a 10,000-seat stadium. Voters in 2007 approved $33.9 million to build a regional stadium and renovate the old stadium.

The district has 30 days to dismantle the old stadium structure before starting work on a new one, Disler said. Work must begin immediately after this upcoming football season ends to be completed in time for the next season. Because some companies that demolish stadiums sell the material for recycling and subtract what they get from the overall expense to the district, he estimated the remaining cost of demolition at $140,000. He said he would seek a separate bid to see how much companies charge without keeping the materials.

Fort Worth budget proposal cuts 100 jobs

To halt a budget shortfall of up to $24 million, the Fort Worth city budget proposed recently would include more than 100 job cuts. To scale back costs, library hours would also be reduced and healthcare premiums for city employees would increase. The proposed budget does not include any property tax increases.

The city's 6,000-plus workforce accounts for 42 percent of the city's budget and an even higher percentage of operational costs.

In response to higher energy costs and a property tax freeze for senior citizens, which is estimated to cost the city about $9.4 million, 106 employees have been notified of their layoff status. Some library operational hours would scale back from seven days to five days per week, and those remaining open all week would decrease the number of hours open each day.

If the budget is approved, mergers would affect at least a dozen departments, including one that would combine the Housing and Economic Development departments. It's a move that concerns councilmember Kathleen Hicks (pictured). "When you start putting these (departments) all under one umbrella, you lose focus," she said.

Texas City ISD approves $29M for two school projects

Trustees for the Texas City Independent School District recently approved guaranteed maximum prices for construction of an elementary and an intermediate school that were $1.5 million, or 5 percent more, than what they originally planned because of spiraling construction costs.

Trustees approved $13.26 million for an elementary school, which will bring its total cost to nearly $16.25 million, including architect fees. The estimate had been $15.5 million. They also approved $15.92 million for an intermediate school, brining the total to $19.1 million compared to the original budget of $18.2 million. Before some adjustments were made to plans, the costs for the schools had come in $4 million over budget, school officials said.

The elementary school will have 12 kindergarten and first-grade classrooms and 21 second- through fourth-grade classrooms, with room for 600 students. The intermediate school will have 24 classrooms and 12 science labs and a capacity of 900 students. Construction on both schools is expected to take about a year.

Officials call for Parkland Hospital bond issue

Plans to construct and develop a new Parkland Memorial Hospital are one step closer to realization. Dallas County commissioners have approved a Nov. 4 bond election for the measure.

If approved, about 60 percent, $747 million, in tax and revenue bonds will be used for funding. The rest of the funding will come from Parkland's own revenue and charity contributions.

The new hospital will house 862 beds, some 28 percent more than the current facility, and stands to be the largest hospital built in the nation in years.

Dallas may face hiring freeze, other budget cuts

More than three-fourths of Dallas County's dire $34 million budget shortfall has been offset by revenue and proposed cuts, according to Dallas County Budget Director Ryan Brown. Brown expects $1.5 million to $2 million in additional cuts over the next several weeks.

Some of the more creative budgeting in recent weeks includes a proposal to charge some inmates a daily $25 room-and-board fee in addition to a $10 booking fee. Hiring freezes have also played a big role in combating costs, though most of those posts are expected to be filled eventually.

Meanwhile, Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins has come up with enough additional revenue and frozen job positions to avoid more cuts to his department. The revenue includes charging the federal government for handling mortgage fraud cases in addition to charging defense attorneys for copies of DWI tapes.

Davis new interim provost at Baylor University

Elizabeth Davis (pictured) has been named interim provost at Baylor University. She has previously served as vice provost for financial and academic administration, a position she has held since 2004. As interim provost, she will be the university's chief academic officer, serving 11 schools and colleges at the university and more than two dozen centers and institutes.

Davis holds a bachelor's degree, cum laude, from Baylor and holds a Ph.D. from Duke University. She joined the Baylor teaching staff in 1992. She is also a professor of accounting in the Hamkamer School of Business and has served the business school as associate dean for undergraduate business programs.

As vice provost for financial and academic administration for the past four years, Davis has served as a liaison between the provost's office and Baylor's academic units, primarily in the areas of financial matters and enrollment management issues. She also has been responsible for coordinating faculty development opportunities offered by the provost.

Klein ISD gives go-ahead to build three new schools

Trustees for Klein Independent School District recently gave thumbs up to begin construction on a new intermediate school and large additions to two high schools. The district recently sold $158 million in bonds that were part of the $646.9 million bond package voters approved in May.

The new intermediate school, to be located on Spring-Cypress Road, is expected to cost $33 million. The two additions at Klein Oak and Klein Collins high schools are being approached as one project with a $24 million budget for the project.

A classroom addition will be built on each campus to increase capacity at each school to 3,500 students. The additions will house classrooms, science labs, a technology center and staff offices. The Klein Collins addition will also include teacher workrooms. The Klein Oak addition will have a new teaching theater and another art room. The district also will renovate the food service area, add to the dining area and replace seating and lighting in the auditorium. These projects are slated to be finished in 2010.

Tyler ISD calls for $124.9M November bond election

Trustees for the Tyler Independent School District recently called for a $124.9 million bond election on Nov. 4 to replace six campuses. This election is the second phase of a facilities plan adopted in 2004, said Superintendent Randy Reid (pictured).

If voters approve the bonds, five elementary schools - Clarkston, Griffin, Jones, Orr and Woods - as well as a school for special needs students, will be built to replace existing facilities. The proposed bond issue will cover construction hard cost with overhead and technology infrastructure and initial outfitting, inflation, professional fees, furniture fixtures and equipment, site utilities/road cost, demolition cost, asbestos abatement cost, transportation cost, land acquisition, bond development fees and construction contingency, Reid said.

While Phase Two of the plan called for upgrading all elementary schools in the district, trustees decided voters might balk at passing such a large bond issue and reduced improvements to six elementary schools. Elementary schools not included on the list for Phase 2 will be reevaluated and addressed when the district comes back to consider its next bond program, he said.

Gladewater ISD receives grant for school laptops

Gladewater Independent School District is expanding its educational scope with the purchase of laptop computers for all high school students and core curriculum teachers. The effort was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the Technology Immersion Strand of the Vision 2020 Grant Program, which is administered by the Texas Education Agency.

The computers will come equipped with an assessment tool, wireless Internet access and professional development software for teachers.

The district is one of 17 schools to be awarded the grant.

Hidalgo County begins pilot four-day workweek

Hidalgo County officials recently began a pilot program that allows employees to work four 10-hour days with days off rotated to keep public offices open five days a week.

The shorter workweek will help employees save gas money and the county cut some fuel costs, said Hidalgo County Clerk Arturo Guajardo (pictured), who prompted the county's consideration of the new program after a survey of his 67 employees indicated 100 percent support. Guajardo predicted the county may save fuel costs by sending heavy equipment to job sites four days per week rather than five and increase efficiency by reducing travel time to and from projects.

Hidalgo County officials are awaiting return of surveys from other departments before deciding if other county departments will go to a four-day workweek. Hidalgo joined El Paso County in trying out a four-day workweek. Lubbock County officials also are studying the idea to curb fuel costs. The state of Utah, Birmingham, Ala., and several cities in Arizona and Florida also responded to increased energy costs by instituting four-day workweeks.

Allen City Council approves event center bid

The Allen City Council recently approved a $38.5 million bid from a contractor for the construction of the Allen Event Center. The center, set to open in 2009, will cost more than $52 million.

The council eschewed the traditional open-bid process to choose a company given a maximum price allowance (including labor and manager fees) to subcontract the work. This arrangement will allow the benefit of a design/construction overlap, according to City Engineer Director John Baumgartner.

Baumgartner also updated the council on two proposed fire stations for Allen - an energy-efficient model expected to be completed in 2010 and another still in conceptual stages.

Midland citizen group recommends jail expansion

The Citizen Confidence Council recently recommended that Midland County Commissioners ask voters to approve bonds to expand the county jail complex. Midland County Judge Mike Bradford (pictured) appointed the five-member council to review a consultant's study that addressed overcrowding at the jail and options for expansion.

The council supported the consulting firm's recommendations to create a work release program for inmates and build a new jail complex designed for minimum, medium and maximum supervision and personnel staffing within the Sheriff's Office.

Midland County exceeded its maximum capacity of 306 beds in 2004, forcing county officials to outsource housing of inmates. The county hired the consulting firm in 2007 to address the problem. Since then the county has reduced inmate population by establishing an inmate work program, sharing information sooner to reduce time prosecuting cases and making other procedural changes to save almost $1 million by outsourcing housing of fewer prisoners. Despite the progress, the council concluded a more permanent solution is needed. Bradford said he expects commissioners to make a decision on whether to call for a bond election to pay for the expansion after receiving construction cost estimates.

Alice City Council continues city manager search

The Alice City Council has interviewed a number of candidates out of a pool of 36 applicants in its search for a new city manager.

Among those interviewed include: Stephen Dewayne Barnes, who holds a master's degree from the University of North Texas and currently serves as assistant to the city manager of Fort Worth; Oscar J. Medina, who earned his master's degree at Trinity University and works as Laredo's Solid Waste Services director; Raymond De Los Santos Jr., who has served in the United States Air Force, holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) and works for a Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab; Ricardo Torres, Kingsville Chief of Police who holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a Master Peace Officer Certificate; and Suzette Bellows, an office manager at a law firm who earned her master's degree from TAMUCC.

The council may continue to hold interviews.

Seguin ISD to retrofit a third of its school bus fleet

Measures to retrofit Seguin Independent School District buses will allow everyone to breathe a little easier this fall, figuratively and literally. Some 22 buses are being sent to San Antonio to be outfitted with cutting-edge technology that will make the buses safer and more environmentally sound.

Thanks to a grant totaling more than $36,000 from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, one-third of the school's fleet will be equipped with diesel oxidation catalysts, advanced diesel catalytic converters (to reduce carbon emissions) and closed crankcase filtration systems. Additionally, the buses will be fueled with a low-sulfur diesel, further reducing emissions.

Buses that lack the new emission-curbing technology will continue to be phased out of commission, according to Director of Student Transportation James Pizana.

Corpus Christi group pays for poll on school bond

A committee organized to support a school bond proposal recently conducted a poll to gauge the public's interest in a bond election that officials of the Corpus Christi Independent School District may call for November. District officials have explored four bond options, ranging from $70 million to $166 million, but have announced it can issue $143 million in bonds without a tax rate increase.

The committee, Keep Investing in our District's Schools (KIDS), is conducting the poll to test the attitude of voters. John Longoria (pictured), a school board member and also a member of KIDS, said that the committee also is testing messages it will use to convince voters to support the bond proposal.

Board members most likely will decide on whether to hold a bond election in November at their meeting on Aug. 26, Longoria said. The district is exploring the possibility of consolidating some existing schools and building a new elementary with bond proceeds if the bonds are approved.

Port Neches City Council advancing toward new city hall

Port Neches council members have spurred plans for a new city hall into action. Talks began last year, and leaders recently authorized a Request for Qualifications for architectural and design services. A firm determination of cost has not been settled yet.

The new building, likely to be located in the vacant land adjacent to the current city hall, will house a number of staffs, including house administration, planning and zoning, utility billing and public works administration, among others.

City leaders are searching for architectural firms with more than 10 years experience in municipal design. Interviews are set to begin Sept. 26, and the council will vote on the contract Oct. 16.

Animal shelter design reviewed by Harker Heights

Harker Heights city officials recently reviewed design plans for a new 6,500-square-foot animal shelter estimated to cost $1.3 million.

City Manager Steve Carpenter (pictured) praised the design as visually appealing and functional, but raised concern that the cost is too high. The city had budgeted $1.2 million for the project and city council would have to approve more funding if the current design is approved, Carpenter told the Harker Heights Animal Advisory Committee, and police and shelter officials.

The proposed design calls for glass exterior walls that use natural light and allow the public to see the lobby, 24 dog kennels instead of nine and separate rooms for domestic and feral cats, with each room able to house 30 cats as opposed to the space for 20 cats at the old shelter. Carpenter said he wants to receive a construction estimate and more information on how energy efficient the building will be before he requests more funding. The new facility could be open as early as fall 2009, he said.

Need help increasing sales from government contracts?

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

State and local governments are on track to spend more than $1 trillion in 2008...about 13% of the nation's gross domestic product. Much of that money goes to private sector contractors who provide products and services.

However, companies pursuing business in the public sector encounter a marketplace very unlike the commercial sector. Firms new to government contracting often need assistance.

At every sector of government, processes, procedures and expectations are different. Procurement is handled differently, cooperative contracting options are rarely the same, and deciding whom to contact can be a baffling experience.

Strategic Partnerships Inc.'s corporate training team will be back in Austin Sept. 16 to present its "Selling to Government" workshop, a training program for public sector sales executives.

New Braunfels approves $14.3M for improvements

New Braunfels City Council members recently approved issuing $14.3 million in certificates of obligation to pay for widening Walnut Avenue, improving drainage, building a new fire training facility and public works area.

Mayor Bruce Boyer (pictured) said he is encouraged the city is proceeding with much needed projects such as the $7.8 million needed to purchase 26 properties along Walnut avenue to add lanes, a raised median and sidewalks. The city also will buy land to serve as the new home of a fire training facility and public works areas. City officials set aside $2.1 million to buy the land and $1.2 million to pay design fees. The city will spend about $1 million each to upgrade two streets and improve drainage on another street.

San Antonio weighs cell phone ban in some districts

San Antonio City Council is set to discuss a ban that would prohibit talking on cell phones in certain school zones. Originally Councilman Justin Rodriguez (pictured) wanted the ban to cover all school zones but has instead developed a pilot program covering zones with the highest incident rates.

West University Place, near Houston, recently instituted a similar measure.

Comptroller addresses
farm energy costs

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs recently launched a new program to help farmers and ranchers cut back on energy consumptions.

Administered by the State Energy Conservation Office in partnership with EnSave Inc., the Texas Agricultural Technical Assistant Program is a free program to teach farmers and ranchers cost-effective energy choices, help in finding funding and incentive sources and provide energy assessment reports on agricultural buildings and facilities. Food producers also can obtain information on loan and grant programs that promote efficiency or purchase renewable energy systems.

Hard-to-come-by research data

Need to know more about contracting vehicles or certain types of large contracts about to expire? Interested in competitor intelligence or obtaining contact information for all governmental entities within a region? How about a list of upcoming opportunities matching a specific criteria in other states?

SPI's research teams offer all this...and more. Call for details. Reagan Weil 512-531-3900 or rweil@spartnerships.com.

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.

Billy Hamilton was a fixture in the State Comptroller's Office from the early 1980s until he left state government in 2006. He served the Comptroller's Office as associate deputy comptroller for fiscal management and chief revenue estimator from 1982-1986. From 1991-1998, Hamilton was deputy comptroller and in 1999 was named chief deputy comptroller. He spearheaded the first Texas Performance Review in 1991. In 2007, he was named Adjunct Professor of Public Affairs at The University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

Kenneth Ashworth has long been involved in higher education in Texas. He is a former Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as well as a former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for The University of Texas System. He has written numerous books and received numerous awards for his contributions in the field of education. Ashworth currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Public Affairs at The University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

DETCOG awarded more than $62K for new patrol vehicles

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments has been awarded $62,500 in a grant distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD) as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. The funds will be used to purchase three patrol vehicles for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

In an effort to curb crime, the CJD distributes $113 million in state and federal grants throughout the state each year to support criminal justice.

John Peter Smith Hospital upgrades recommended

The planning committee of the Tarrant County Hospital District recently proposed spending almost $8 million to renovate, upgrade technology and improve record keeping at John Peter Smith Hospital.

The purchases and contracts already are included in the hospital's capital budget, hospital administrators said. The recommendations include nearly $2.9 million to purchase a new MRI machine, $2.5 million for renovations to the professional building, $756,524 for software to manage medical charts in intensive care units, $547,040 for X-ray equipment and renovations to the radiology and fluoroscopic room, $519,005 for electrocardiogram technology support improvements and $260,000 for two analyzers to test blood and other fluids.

SPI launches 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 Ron Kessler.

Ron Kessler (pictured) specializes in executive leadership development and coaching, economic development consulting, leadership legislative and public policy consulting and commercialization of technology in higher education. He has extensive experience in finding creative solutions to problems of businesses, government agencies, civic organizations and charitable nonprofits. He is a highly-sought-after keynote speaker, conducts workshops on change, creativity and entrepreneurship and facilitates retreats and other meetings. Kessler is adept at constructing long-term solutions that create and enhance the value of people and organizations. His three decades of work in economic development and entrepreneurial development include advising and counseling executives, universities and faculty on the role universities play in economic development today. He assists universities in developing strategies to transfer their in-house-developed innovations and discoveries to the private sector for further development and commercialization. A former partner in law firms in Dallas and Austin, Kessler holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and an L.L.B. from Southern Methodist University.

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.

Hallsville ISD to buy $2.6M in land for new schools

Trustees for the Hallsville Independent School District recently began the process of buying 119 acres of land for $2.6 million to build a new high school and elementary campuses. The district has proposed to pay about $935,000 to three property owners for 27 acres of property for the new elementary campus and to pay almost $1.6 million to four property owners for 92 acres for the high school campus.

Voters in 2007 approved $96 million in bonds to pay for the new schools. Superintendent Gregg Wright said the district anticipates closing on the high school campus land contracts in mid-August, but that contracts for the land for the elementary school campus will not be closed until the end of August.

TSTC honors Leal as president emeritus

Gilbert Leal (pictured) has been named president emeritus by the Texas State Technical College Board of Regents for his years of service and commitment to the college.

The school's Learning Resource Center has also been renamed in his honor. The Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center serves as a computer-access hub for students and houses the board of regents' conference room.

During his tenure at the Rio Grande Valley campus, Leal has increased enrollment and helped spur growth in facilities.

Move ahead of the competition!

In governmental marketplaces, it's important to find and qualify opportunities as soon as possible. SPI researchers analyze budgets, planning documents, appropriations requests and more on a daily basis in order to find upcoming opportunities. As a result, SPI is untouchable when it comes to pointing clients to upcoming opportunities. For details on how to contract with SPI for research only contact Reagan Weil at rweil@spartnerships.com or call 512-531-3900 and ask for Reagan.

Davis retires from Institute of Texan Cultures

John L. Davis (pictured) will retire today, Friday, from his position with the Institute of Texan Cultures at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Davis joined the museum team in 1967 as a researcher. Since that time he has served as lecturer, teaching associate, director of research, associate executive director of research and interim executive director.

In 1988, Davis became the head of the research department and in 2005 served as interim executive director, the position he has held for the last four years.

In 1985, Davis designed the memorable ITC show, "Reach for the Sky: Aviation in Texas." Also in the 80s, Davis was the designer, writer and curator for "San Antonio," the sister city exhibit, as San Antonio built a relationship with Kumamoto, Japan. One of Davis' last projects, "HemisFair 1968: San Antonio's Introduction to the World," is a 40-year retrospective exhibit on the event that shaped modern San Antonio and brought about the museum that would teach thousands the importance and treasure of cultural diversity.

El Paso medical school budget approved

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso has been approved its $116 million budget by the university system's board of regents. The total is about $10 million less than last year's projected budget.

Funds from the budget will go toward recruiting scientists to research border-related healthcare issues at the university's five research centers.

Wylie ISD's football stadium construction continues

Phase two of construction will take most of the 2008-09 school year to complete on Wylie Independent School District's new Bulldog Stadium. Although the unit is ready to house 5,000 spectators for this year's football season, when finished it will have new ticket booths, concession stands and restrooms, among other features, including a 55-foot-high archway and elevator.

Supervised by a new construction delivery system as decided by the school board, the $2.8 million venture will also feature newly striped parking lots. The re-striping will allow more accommodation for some 700 spaces, according to Superintendent Nick Pruitt.

Corpus Christi selects Escobar for interim post

The Corpus Christi City Council recently approved the selection of Angel Escobar (pictured) as the interim city manager to replace City Manager Skip Noe when his resignation becomes effective Sept. 1.

Escobar, an engineer who has worked for the city for 20 years, most recently served as an interim assistant manager where he supervised eight city departments. As interim city manager, he will oversee all city departments until a new city manager is hired. Escobar said he did not apply for the position.

Mayor Henry Garrett said no local candidates have applied for the job, but that the search firm hired by the city has located eight good candidates. He expects a new city manager to be selected by mid-October.

Victoria city officials could take over visitor bureau

Unhappy with recent results, Victoria city officials recently warned Victoria Chamber of Commerce officials that the city may take over operation of the Victoria Convention and Visitors Bureau. The city now pays the chamber $202,000 annually to promote the city and attract conventions, tourists and other events.

Jim Wyatt, a city council member, said he had worked with the bureau on several occasions to bring ethnic events to the city and was unhappy with the results. Randy Vivian (pictured), the president and CEO of the chamber of commerce, argued that moving the bureau would diminish the chamber of commerce. Chamber officials will make improving the operation of the visitor bureau a priority, he said. The council will re-examine the issue at a future meeting.

Texas City school board names sole finalist

Bob Brundrett stands as sole finalist in the Texas City school district's search for a superintendent to replace Richard Ettredge. School board members have interviewed six people out of some 36 applicants.

Brundrett's resume includes 29 years serving in education, beginning as band director for Santa Fe schools. He served as Spring Independent School District's director for secondary improvement and has sought-after experience with facility planning, construction and renovation. He holds both a master's degree and a doctorate from the University of Houston.

A Dickinson native, Brundrett is looking forward to returning to his home turf. "When you get older, you start wanting to come home," he said.

Arlington gets grant for experimental bus program

The Arlington City Council recently approved a new express commuter bus service to begin on Sept. 2 between two Arlington park-and-ride lots and the downtown transportation center. One year of the service will be paid for with a $75,000 grant from the Sue Pope Fund. It will use buses provided by Downwinders at Risk, a clean air advocacy group.

The commuter service will feature three morning trips from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and three evening trips from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to each of the two park-and-ride lots in Arlington. The city will provide no funding, but commuters will be required to pay either by purchasing an $80 monthly pass, a $5 day pass or a $2.50 one-way trip. Arlington is the largest city among the nation's 100 large cities that provide no public transit. Voters in Arlington rejected transit proposals in 1980, 1985 and 2002.

W. University approves $13.8M park bonds vote

The West University City Council recently approved a Nov. 4 election on whether the city should issue $13.8 million in parks bonds to renovate two recreation centers.

If approved by voters, the $13.8 million in bonds will pay for a new building at the West U Recreation Center, a new bathhouse and recreation building at Colonial Park, and new swimming pools at both the Recreation Center and Colonial Park.

Recent Reports

• An Audit Report on the Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program at the Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• An Audit Report on Pharmacy Benefit Manager Contracts at Selected State Agencies and Higher Education Institutions
• '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

• SPI "Selling to Government" training workshop
• 5th annual Tee IT Up Texas golf tournament
• CONSEC 2008
• Executive Women in Texas Government 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference
• 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 - 8/8/08

Catoe to serve as new city manager in Madisonville

The Madisonville City Council recently named Paul Catoe as the new city manager. Catoe, who has held city manager positions in Colorado City, Hamilton, Eastland, Dimmitt and Lucas, will assume his duties in late August.

Catoe will replace former city manager Tom Ginter, who left the position in February 2007. Since then, several interim city managers have filled the post while council searched for a permanent replacement.

Chapa notes retirement
as McAllen superintendent

The superintendent for McAllen Independent School District, Yolanda Chapa (pictured) recently submitted her resignation effective on Dec. 31. After completing nearly 98 percent of a 2005 bond construction program, Chapa said she believed she had fulfilled her promise to the community and could retire. A district employee for 23 years, Chapa served as a teacher, principal, administrator, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent in addition to six years as superintendent.

Governor's apppointments

Governor Rick Perry has made the following appointments:

• David Baucom of Sulphur Springs, Texas Medical Board, District Two Review Committee
• Carlos Gallardo of Frisco, Texas Medical Board, District Two Review Committee
• Hari Reddy of Fairview, Texas Medical Board, District Two Review Committee
• Melissa Tonn of Dallas, Texas Medical Board, District Two Review Committee
• Noe Fernandez of McAllen, Texas Medical Board, District Four Review Committee
• Chevy Lee of McAllen, Texas Medical Board, District Four Review Committee
• Richard Newman of San Antonio, Texas Medical Board, District Four Review Committee
• Russell Parker of Austin, Texas Medical Board, District Four Review Committee
• Peter Munson of Pottsboro, Commission on Uniform State Laws
• Rodney Satterwhite of Midland, Commission on Uniform State Laws
• Karen Roberts Washington of Dallas, Commission on Uniform State Laws

Jones AT&T Stadium
to undergo expansion

Texas Tech's Jones AT&T Stadium will undergo a $25 million expansion, following approval recently by the Texas Tech Board of Regents Facilities Committee. A fundraising effort is under way to raise approximately $6 million toward the project, and a successful campaign will lead to the start of construction. Some $19 million has already been raised.

The design of the new building will mirror the Spanish Renaissance style of the stadium's west side. With the addition of more than 500 club seats and more than 20 new suites, capacity at Jones AT&T Stadium should grow by about 1,000 seats. Current capacity is 52,700. The new building is expected to open for the 2010 season.

Selling to governmental marketplaces in Texas?

This will keep you connected

Mary Scott Nabers' columns run regularly in the Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas Business Journals and each column features contracting opportunities in all segments of government - state, city, county, K-12 public schools, higher education and healthcare.

If you miss the articles in the journals, go to the SPI Web site, where they're posted each week.

Williams leaving Diboll
for position in Buda

Kenneth Williams (pictured) will leave his post as Diboll city manager to serve in the same post at Buda, just outside Austin. Williams, who served 18 years with the City of Lufkin before coming to Diboll in 2006, said he is sad to leave his current position but is looking forward to his new charge as Buda city manager.

"It's an area that's growing really fast, and they have some unique challenges that I think will be ideal for my skills," Williams said.

Weber picked to serve
as TAMU vice president

Lt. Gen. Joseph E. Weber (pictured) has been tabbed by Texas A&M University President Elsa Murano to serve as the university's next vice president for student affairs. Weber is a TAMU graduate and a veteran of more than 30 years in the United States Marine Corps. He will retire from the Marines in October after serving as U.S. Marine Corps Forces Commander. His appointment must be approved by the TAMU Board of Regents before he can take office.

Weber would replace Dean Bresciani, who resigned last month. In addition to his military experience, Weber also holds a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Brownsville picks Gonzalez as deputy city manager

Pete Gonzalez will serve as Brownsville's new deputy city manager while continuing to serve as the city's chief financial officer. He will assume his new duties immediately. In June, City Manager Charlie Cabler said he needed help managing Brownsville's growing population needs. In response, the Brownsville City Commission approved new deputy city manager and assistant manager positions. Cabler has not yet made an appointment for the assistant city manager position.

Gonzalez has served as the city's CFO since 1978. Earlier this year, he replaced Assistant City Manager Carlos Ayala, serving as the position's interim.

Spillar selected as Austin Transportation Director

City Manager Marc Ott has appointed Robert Spillar (pictured) Austin Transportation Director.

Spillar, a professional engineer with 20 years experience in public and private sectors, will evaluate traffic congestion solutions and downtown parking needs, including the development of a parking system that takes mass transit goals into account while promoting alternative fuel usage.

Spillar, whose charge as director begins Sept. 2, is a former traffic management director for Seattle and vice president of a leading planning, engineering and construction management organization.

Gaines County approves new $13.5 million jail

Gaines County Commissioners recently approved a proposal for a $13.5 million jail. The new 96-bed facility will be built northeast of Seminole. Commissioners are expected to decide soon whether to schedule a bond election in November or to issue certificates of obligation to pay for the new jail.

Damon ISD selects Rhodes as new superintendent

Trustees for the Damon Independent School District recently selected Donald Rhodes as the district's new superintendent. Rhodes will replace Jim Haley, who accepted a position as assistant superintendent at Sweeney ISD.

Rhodes has worked in public education for 22 years, most recently as a superintendent and principal at Chester ISD. He also will serve as principal of the elementary school in Damon. The district has experienced a drop in enrollment from 140 students to 118 in the last two years.

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 thousands of readers each week. Interested in details, call Patti Maugham at 512-531-3900 or click here.

Hardberger backs campaign to support area's students

San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger (pictured) will join forces with San Antonio Independent School District and community volunteers to form "Reach Out to Drop Outs," a door-to-door effort designed to encourage students to return to class. Hardberger said 40 percent of Bexar County residents do not have a high school diploma. In response, a coalition of volunteers will visit the homes of students who have dropped out or are at risk of doing so.

Hardberger, stressing the importance of a well-educated work force, said the city's efforts to educate its children is "really hard to top." He said the outreach initiative, which kicks off in September, is not just a one-time event but the beginning of a continuing effort.

Georgetown sets $87M roads, parks bond vote

The Georgetown City Council recently authorized placing an $87 million bond proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot to pay for improvements to roads and parks. The ballot will contain two propositions.

Proposition 1 is for $46 million that includes the FM 971 project, $6 million for construction of an arterial between Maple Street and Southwestern Boulevard, $2.5 million to study the routing of Texas 29, $7.4 million for widening FM 1460 between Quail Valley Drive and Inner Loop and $3.9 million for widening Berry Creek Drive between Airport Road and Texas 195. Proposition 2 asks for $35.5 million, including $10 million to create Garey Park; $10 million for San Gabriel Park renovations that include an amphitheater and festival area; $5 million for new hike-and-bike trails; and $4 million to buy land to preserve open space.

Congress approves $9M
for lake, park repairs

The U.S. Congress recently approved $5 million to pay for repairs at Lake Belton and $4 million to repair park facilities at Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir. A total of 21 parks on the two lakes sustained about $9 million in damages during floods in 2007.

The parks were submerged under as much as 34 feet of water during the spring and summer of 2007 and wave action destroyed many structures at the parks. The grants will pay to replace trees that were killed and update gate attendant buildings, restrooms and picnic structures, said Belton Mayor Jim Covington. He estimated a $10 million to $12 million economic impact on the surrounding area when the lakes are at full capacity as visitors stop to purchase gas, food and other supplies. The parks have been open for day use only since the flooding occurred.

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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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SPI hosts 'Selling to Government' training workshop

Strategic Partnerships, Inc., announces its Austin "Selling to Government" workshop, which provides training for public sector sales executives. The event will be Sept. 16 at the Renaissance Hotel. The training is the same that SPI's corporate training team has delivered to Fortune 100 companies across the country, but features an expanded curriculum as well as an opportunity for one-on-one interaction with seasoned public sector decision-makers including former elected officials, CFOs, city managers, mayors and government executives. Facilitators will provide numerous best practices for increasing revenues in the government marketplace and will offer real-time assistance regarding current public sector sales obstacles participants may be facing. For more details, click here, or contact Patti Maugham at (512) 531-3900 or pmaugham@spartnerships.com. For a registration form, click here.

6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference set

The 6th Biennial Legislative Communications Conference is slated for Oct. 7 at The Commons of the the J.J. Pickle Research Center. The conference will feature several panels of government officials, legislators, policy wonks and others who will provide information relative to the upcoming 81st session of the Texas Legislature. The event is hosted by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and is a "must attend" event for anyone with an interest in the legislature and the workings of state government. To view the draft agenda for the event, click here. To register, click here.

TML's annual conference, exhibition slated Oct. 28-31

"Texas Cities - Innovation Meets Progress" is the mantra for the upcoming Texas Municipal League 96th Annual Conference and Exhibition. The event is set for Oct. 28-31 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The event kicks off with registration on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday will feature the TML Board of Directors meeting, the Exhibit Hall grand opening and the opening General Session and presentation of awards. Tours of the San Antonio River Improvements Project and the San Antonio Emergency Operations Center highlight the Thursday agenda, along with a luncheon keynote speaker by "Freedom Writer" Manuel Scott. Friday features a Women in Government breakfast, a downtown San Antonio tour via Segway and a delegate luncheon with keynote speaker "attitude kicker" Sam Glenn. Concurrent sessions will be held throughout the conference addressing issues such as energy conservation, workforce development, leadership, media relations, several legislative topics and more. For more information and registration forms, click here. There is a discount for early registration and a discount for online registration.

Tee IT Up Texas golf tourney set for Oct. 24

The Fifth Annual Tee IT Up Texas! Texas government IT customer appreciation golf tournament is set for Friday, Oct. 24, at the Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin. Check-in and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. A shotgun start will begin at 1 p.m. and the awards ceremony is slated for 6 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble with awards to the first and second place teams and individual contest winners for longest drive and closest pin. Door prizes also are available. IT vendors doing business with Texas public sector IT customers are encouraged to register a four-member team consisting of at least two government players. Registration is limited to the first 30 paid teams. Registration deadline is Oct. 10. For more information, click here. To register, click here.

Executive Women in Texas Government set conference

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

CONSEC 2008 event set in Austin Sept. 22-25

CONSEC 2008 is slated for Monday through Thursday, Sept. 22-25, at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin. This year's event centers around "Risk Management and Business Continuance: Achieving Success." The first day of the event will feature a "fireside chat" with Professor Howard A. Schmidt, President and CEO of R&H Security Consulting LLC and former White House Cyber Security Advisor. Day two is a one-day forum for executives and senior management while day three features speakers on emergency crisis communication, planning for pandemic and life lessons in information security. The final day will feature a variety of workshops. To view the brochure with the event agenda, click here. To register, click here.

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 expecting presentations on issues such as innovative uses for GIS, alternative GIS environments, budget GIS projects, Web-based GIS advancements, GIS or remote sensing for emergency response, etc.