County & District Clerks Association Executive Board Meeting

Lower Level | Sabine Room

Vendor Training: "De-Mystifying the County Market"

Lobby Level | Brazos Room

Overview: Establishing business relationships and selling products and services to counties is a complex endeavor. this educational session for vendors and others wanting to do business with Texas counties will cover the basics on county purchasing law, shed light on the decision-making process and discuss opportunities available to organizations to enhance promotion.

Speakers: The Honorable Marc Hamlin, President, Texas Association of Counties and Brazos County District Clerk

Mr. Steve Fisher, Director, Buy Board

Mr. Jim Lewis, Editor, County Magazine, Texas Association of Counties

Ms. Becky Frost, Business Manager, County Progress Magazine

Registration Desk Open

Lower Level

County & District Clerks Association Full Board Meeting

Lower Level | Sabine Room

Registration Desk Open

Lower Level | Foyer Area

Information Desk Open

Lobby Level

Trade Show/Exhibit Hall Open

Lower Level/Rio Grande Exhibit Hall

Special Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Workshop

Lobby Level | Brazos Room

A special pre-conference workshop on geographic information systems (GIS)

Overview: Specialized training shows specific applications of GIS for counties of all sizes. Applications include homeland security; identification of critical infrastructure and emergency response management, road maintenance tracking, environment management including sanitary landfills, impacts of new developments and other changes to landscape.

Sponsored by: National Association of Counties (NACo) and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)

Speaker:Mr. Rich Leadbetter, Industry Sales manager, ESRI, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.

TAC Health & Employee Benefits Pool Program

Lower Level | San Marcos Room

Legislative Process: 101

Lower Level | San Antonio Room

Overview: This is not your normal "how a bill becomes law" session. Instead, you will hear a nationally recognized speaker on legislative communications that will provide you with new skills for communicating your concerns and those of your constituents. This highly interactive presentation has been one of our most popular presentations at past conference. If you have a message you need your legislators to hear loud and clear, attend this session. In addition, there will be brief overview of issues likely to arise during the session that may affect your ability to do your job.

Speakers:Mr. Joe Gagen, Principal, Joe Gagen & Associates, Austin

Mr. Ender Reed, Legislative Liaison, Texas Association of Counties, Austin

Fiscal Notes and Appropriations Process

Lower Level | Pecos Room

Overview: No fiscal implications to local government. Have you ever wondered how this statement was derived? The objective of this session is to explain the fiscal note process as well as how county officials can become an integral part of the equation. This session will also review the appropriations process and how the state budget is developed.

Speakers: Ms. Debbie Bartles, Budget Analyst, Legislative Budget Board, Austin

Mr. Paul Emerson, State Financial Analyst, Texas Association of Counties, Austin

Legislative Leadership

Lower Level | Trinity Room

Overview: Get educated on everything about Appraisal & Revenue Caps in one brief lesson. Following your short course on caps, get a vivid picture of five action items designed to elucidate the uninformed and educate county officials on the loss of discretionary services should caps be imposed on county government. Finally, leave this session with the most informative & important documents to be found anywhere in the conference. Must be present to get a copy of the White Papers entitled :Capping County Currency - Fiscal Fallout."

Speakers: Mr. Tim Brown, Senior Analyst, County Information Projects, Texas Association of Counties, Austin

Ms. Julie Marks, County Financial Analyst, Texas Association of Counties, Austin

Special General Session with Kay Bailey Hutchison

Brazos/Lobby Level

Presiding: The Honorable Marc Hamlin, President of the Texas Association of Counties and Brazos County District Clerk

OPENING GENERAL SESSION

Lobby Level | Ballroom A & B

Presiding: The Honorable Marc Hamlin, President of the Texas Association of Counties and Brazos County District Clerk

National Anthem: Deann Wilson, Art Director, Texas Association of Counties

Color Guard provided by the Office of the Honorable Bruce Elfant, Travis County Constable

Presentation of the 2006 City-County Cooperation Awards: Co-Sponsored by the Texas Association of Counties, the Municipal League and the Texas Association of Regional Councils

Outlook on the 80th Legislative Session

Overview: The 80th Session of the Texas Legislature could have a critical impact on county government. In this opening session, key legislators will share their insight on key issues for both state and local government.

KEYNOTE SESSION

Texas Politics: Today & Tomorrow

Overview: Texas has seen dramatic political change in the last 20 years, but what about the next 20? What will be the impact of our growth, changing economy and minority population be? What trends and issues will local office-holders need to respond to in the future political environment? Two noted political analysts will share their insights during this session.

Speakers:

Mr. Harvey Kronberg, Writer, Editor, Political Commentator, Quorum Report

Dr. Richard Murray, Director, University of Houston Center for Public Policy and Professor of Political Science

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Activism - Building Relations with your Legislators

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Overview:Getting your message to your legislators requires effective communication. Effective communication is the result of establishing sound relationships. A couple of experienced Capitol hands will relate their experiences in getting to know and communicate with your legislators.

Speakers: Mr. Bobby Gierisch, Director, Texas State Policy Programs, Rural Policy Research Institute(RUPRI) and Former Director of Research and Policy Analysis for House Speaker Pete Laney

Mr. Larry McGinnis, Legislative Consultant & Consultant, Hughes & Luce, LLP

City/County Cooperation: Model Programs for Effective Collaboration

Lower Level | Sabine Room

Overview: Taxpayers expect local leaders to develop the most effective use of their tax dollars. In many cases, this calls for joint planning and service delivery between cities and counties. This session will highlight model programs and examine legal and operations best practices for collaborative efforts.

Speakers: Mr. Bruce Beaty, Commissioner, Rockwall County

Mr. Fred Cox, Judge, Hamilton County

The Honorable Dave Kithil, Burnet County Judge

The Honorable James Oakley, Burnet County Commissioner, Precinct 4

Law Enforcement Liability Issues

Lower Level | San Antonio Room

Overview: This program will include information on bail bonds, employee litigation, jail issues, new 5th circuit decisions and their efforts on law enforcement operations.

Speaker: Mr. Robert Davis, Attorney at Law, Flowers & Davis, PLLC

Long Range Planning for IT Disaster Recovery

Lobby Level | Wedgwood Room

Overview: This is a presentation on enhancing long-term plans for disaster recovery. Specifically the methodology involved in analyzing the weaknesses and strengths in your county's disaster plan. Topics include, IT data recovery, document recovery, and contingency planning.

Speaker: Mr. Dave Keene, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Texas Association of Counties

Opening Reception: Casino Night and Dance

Lobby Level | Ballroom A & B

Entertainment: John Arthur Martinez, named "Entertainer of the Year" at the Texas Music Awards

Registration Desk Open

Lower Level | Foyer Area

Information Desk Open

Lobby Level

NACo Memeber Breakfast

Lobby Level/ Wedgewood

County officails from NACo member counties and others interested in NACo membership are invited to join NACo President Colleen Landkamer and County Services Representative Kaye Braaten for breakfast and discussion on current NACo programs and activities.

Trade Show/Exhibit Show Hall Open

Lower Level | Rio Grande Exhibit Hall

Meetings Sponsored by the County Official Organizations of Texas

Join others from your office in special meeting sponsored by TAC affiliate organizations. Discussion will include anticipated legislative issues for the 80th Legislative Session.

County & District Clerks

Lower Level | Trinity Room

Coordinated by the County & District Clerks Association of Texas

Presiding: Hon. Joyce Streater, County Clerk, Comal County

Hon. Gail Turley, County & District Clerk, Goliad County

Hon. Sherry Woodfin, District Clerk, Tom Green County

County Judges & Commissioners

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Coordinated by the County Judges & Commissioners Association of Texas

Presiding: Hon. Gilbert Pargmann, Commissioner, DeWitt County

Mr. Jim Allison, General Counsel, County Judges & Commissioners Association of Texas

County Treasurers

Lower Level | Sabine Room

Coordinated by the County Treasurers Association of Texas

Presiding: Hon. Alan Dierschke, Treasurer, Glasscock County

County Auditors

Lower Level | San Marcos Room

Coordinated by the Texas Association of County Auditors

Presiding: Mr. Mark Yates, Auditor, Cameron County

County Sheriffs & County Attorneys

Lower Level | San Antonio Room

Coordinated by the Sheriffs Association of Texas

Presiding: Hon. Chris Kirk, Sheriff, Brazos County

County Tax Assessor-Collectors

Lobby Level | Bosque Room

Coordinated by the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas

Presiding: Hon. Candy Arth, Tax Assessor-Collector, Washington County and President of the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas

Hon. Sherman Krause, Tax Assessor-Collector, Comal County

County Justice of the Peace & Constables

Lobby Level | Concho Room

Coordinated by the Justice of the Peace & the Constables Association of Texas

Presiding: Hon. David Cobos, Justice of the Peace, Midland County

Hon. Ron Hickman, Constable, Harris County

Morning Break

Lower Level | Exhibit Hall

SPONSORED BY: PERDUE, BRANDON, FIELDER, COLLINS & MOTT

MINI GENERAL SESSIONS

HAVA & Current Election Issues

Interactive-Seating may be limited

Lobby Level | Wedgwood Room

Overview: Join a panal of esperts for this interactive discussionon the expanded roles counties are playing in the elections of other political subdivisions.  The challenges of mandatory joint elections, voting equipment rental, and related issues will all be considered.  Come prepared to comment, contribute and pose your questions.

Speakers: Mr. Randy Sims, Judge, Brazos County

Ms. Joy Streater, County Clerk, Comal County

The Honorable Karen McQueen, Brazos County Clerk

Ms. Melinda Nickless, Assistant Director of Elections, Elections Division, Secretary of State.

Tax Caps: Staying on Message

Interactive-Seating may be limited

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Overview: Since there's a natural inclination for people to dislike taxes, the politicians and talk radio hosts who push for tax caps have simple, easy sound bites - "lower taxes, less government" or other such simplistic slogans. BUt for county officials trying to explain the issue to their constituents and legislators, there is no easy bumper sticker-type catch-phrase, since taxes, appraisals and services are complicated jargon. Hence, staying on message - particularly about county services that would be lost with stricter caps - is even more important. Find out from a distinguished panel how you can better enlighten others about the pressing issues of appraisal and revenue caps as the 80th Legislature nears.

Speakers: Ms. Betsy Price, Tax Assessor-Collector, Tarrant County

Ms. Susan Spataro, Auditor, Travis County

Mr. Glen Whitley, Commissioner, Tarrant County

Catastrophe & Pandemic Response

Lower Level | Trinity Room

Overview: A panel discussion of the current state of preparedness for catastrophic and pandemic events. The panel will also talk about lessons learned from recent catastrophic events and proposed solutions to meet future challenges.

Speakers:

Mr. Ron Hickman, Constable, Harris County

Mr. Steve McCraw, Director, Governor's Office of Homeland Security

Dr. Eduardo J. Sanchez M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner, Texas Department of Health Services

Mr. Zachary Thompson, Director of Health & Human Services, Dallas County

Spouse Luncheon and Fashion Show

Lobby Level/Nueces

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

The Good, Bad and Reality of SB 1863

Lower Level | Trinity Room

Overview: Senate Bill 1863 Training has been at most of our educational seminars in how to be in compliance and explaining the law. The goal of this session is to share the "Good, Bad and Reality" of this bill.

Speakers: Mr. David Cobbs, Justice of the Peace, Midland County

Mr. Ron Hickman, Constable, Harris County

Mr. John Wilmouth, CSCD Director, Tom Green County

Mental Health: Redesigning Crisis Services

Lower Level | San Antonio Room

Overview: Persons in need of psychiatric care should be professionally screened and initially managed in a timely and efficient manner that will facilitate the administration of the most appropriate and effective care. Crisis Services are designed to achieve the foregoing. Attend this session and hear about the Department of State Health Services proposed improvements in crisis services response including the promotional of an evidence-based model for effective crisis resolution services resulting in a corresponding decrease in the number of mental commitments and subjects incarcerated in our county jails.

Speakers: Dr. Steven Shon, Medical Director, Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, DSHS

Mr. Joe Vesowate, Assistant Commissioner, Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, DSHS

Trends in Transportation

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Overview: The need to maintain existing transportation infrastructure and to meet the demands of an expanding population while state transportation funding remains static presents a significant challenge to the state in the coming decades. Panelists in this session will discuss some of the current and proposed alternatives to more traditional transportation funding and transportation design and administration, such as toll roads and the Trans-Texas Corridor

Speakers:

Mr. Michael Helligenstein, Executive Director, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA)

Mr. Steven Polunsky, Committee Director, Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security

New Options for County Purchasing

Lobby Level | Wedgwood Room

Overview: Every county officials knows the importance of safeguarding the county budget. This session will examine laws governing county purchasing practices and explore options for working cooperatively to save tax dollars. Among the topics will be the Public Employees Benefits Association (PEBA).

Moderator/Speaker: Cyd Grimes, Travis County Purchasing Agent

Speakers: Ms. Jennifer Hoff Hall, Operations Manager, Texas Association of Counties Health & Employee Benefits Program

Mr. Steve Fisher, Director, BuyBoard

Technology and Information Security

Lower Level | Sabine Room

Overview: This session covers the basic setup required for some data and network security in any organization with information about how to recover when things go really wrong.

Speaker: Mr. Dave Plzak, Chief Security Officer, Tarrant County

Break

Indigent Health Care

Lower Level | Wedgwood Room

Overview: During the 79th Regular Session (2005), SB 44 (Sen. Jane Nelson, Flower Mound) passed, restoring the IHCAC which had been abolished by HB 2292 in the 78th Legislature (2003). This eleven member committee has been charged with conducting a feasibility study and developing recommendations regarding the implementation of a pilot program for the regionalization of county indigent health care services and hospital district services. The committee was also charged with reviewing and proposing recommendations for updating the Indigent Health Care Treatment Act and other areas in need of updating. Panal members will discuss the charges assigned to the committee.

Speakers: Mr. Stan Egger, Commissioner, Taylor County

Mr. Donald Spies, Chair, Indigent Health Care

Border Issues

Part One: Federal & State Policy

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Overview: This session will be an overview of Federal and State Border Issues and possible legislative solutions to these issues. Issues discussed will include health care, economic development, immigration, housing and education.

Speakers: Mr. Gilbert Hinojosa, Judge, Cameron County

Professor Dennis Soden, University of El Paso

Local Government Management Reviews

Lower Level | San Antonio Room

Overview: Reviews evaluate a local government's organization and management and offer ideas to: contain costs; increase revenues; strengthen internal controls; reduce overhead; streamline operations; improve the delivery of services; and highlight best programs and/or practices that can be replicated.

Speaker: Mr. Frank Alvarez, Local Government Analyst, Texas State Comptroller Office

Inmate Overcrowding and the Local Government Forecast

Lower Level | Trinity Room

Overview: This will be a discussion of the relationship between the county jails and state prison system regarding overcrowding and the impact of the crisis on counties now and in the future. Hear facts and gain perspective on the current status and what impact counties may expect to their criminal justice and law enforcement budgets.

Speakers: Mr. Jim Allison, General Counsel, Allison, Bass & Associates

Dr. Tony Fabelo, Senior Associate, Texas Office of the JFA Institute, Washington, DC

Inoperability & Coordination of Emergency Communication

Lower Level | Sabine Room

Overview: A presentation on options and advances in interoperability technology, as well as a discussion on the current status of interoperability, and the future of emergency communications in the State of Texas.

Speakers: Mr. Greg Campbel, Vice President of Technology, Codespear, Inc.

M. Irish Hancock, Emergency MAnagement Administrator, City of Arlington and former Emergency Preparedness Manager, Texas Association of Regional Councils.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Border Issues

Part Two: Law Enforcement

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Overview: This session will be a discussion of Border Security from the perspective of law enforcement. Including,but not limited to the coordination of Federal and State resources. As well as discussing solutions and implications of the movement toward making the border more secure.

Speakers: Mr. Sigifredo Gonzalez, Jr., Sheriff, Zapata County & President of the Border Sheriff's Association of Texas

GASB-45

Lower Level | Sabine Room

Overview: It's not just another accounting and reporting change, the Government Acc outing Standards Board Statement 45 will have a dramatic effect on reporting formats and accounting costs for many counties. The cost of funding post-employment benefits can be staggering. Do you know how the GASB 45 retiree medical disclosure requirements will affect your county? Learn about GASB 45 issues from a county official, an external audit partner and a professional actuarial consultant.

Speakers: Mr. Rick Davenport, Principal, Human Capital, Deloitte Consulting, LLP

Mr. George Scott, Partner, Deloitte & Touche, LLP

Ms. Susan Spataro, Auditor, Travis County

Appraisal Issues

Lower Level | Trinity Room

Overview: Many of our State leaders have no recollection of the state of property tax appraisals prior to the Peveto Bill in 1979.  The presenters will address past and current issues of appraisal of property for ad valorem taxation purposes and how they can impact local governing bodies.  Anticipated proposals for the 80th Legislature will be explained in terms of their short and long trem impact on this important revenue source.

Speakers: Mr. Jesse Hoke, Executive Director, Texas Association of Assessing Officer

Ms. Carla Pope-Osbourne, Appeals Director, Texas Association of Assessing Officer

Asset Allocation Workshop  

Lower Level | San Antonio   

Overview: It is never too early to plan for retirement. This session will highlight any changes in the TCDRS system and discuss the deferred compensation retirement plan.    

Speakers: Ms. Kim Doyal, Communications Manager, Texas County & District Retirements System

Ms. Kim Wilder, retirement Consultant, Nationwide      

Evaluating the Impact of Direct Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases: Closing the Paper Trap

Lobby Level | Wedgwood Room

Overview: This session will review the results of the work done by OAC, The study shows how the effective use of technology can improve outcomes, improve efficiencies, and be cost-effective. Technology is important as an enabler but not surprisingly what makes it al work are the people that drive these systems.  

Speakers: Mr. Jim Bethke, Office of Court Administration

Ms. Dottie Carmichael, Pd .D. Research Scientist, Public Policy Research Institute (TAMU)

NACo Presription Drug Program

Lobby Level/Brazos

Counties across the country have been able to offer a no-cost presription drug discount program to uninsured residents through the National Association of Counties.  This informal information session will offer a discussion on how the program can be implemented in your county.

Moderator: Kaye Braaten, County Services Representative, National Association of Counties

Speakers: Colleen Landkamer, President, National Association of Counties

Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation

2006 Best Practices Awards Ceremonies & Reception

Lobby Level | Wedgwood Room

Information Desk Open

Lobby Level

Morning Coffee

Lobby level/ Ballroom

Congressional Report: The National Association of Counties (NACo) Perspective

Lobby Level | Wedgwood Room

Overview: Whether it's HAVA or funding cuts or environment regulations, we've all seen the impact of Congressional action in the last few years. But what's on the horizon and how are county officials working in Washington to represent county concerns. In this session, the President of the NACo is joined by Texas members of NACo steering committees to discuss how officials can work with their county associations and Congree to advocate their concerns.

Speakers: Mr. Jim Hamlin, District Clerk, Dallas County

Ms. Colleen Landkamer, Commissioner, Blue Earth County, Minnesota & President of the National Association of Counties

Mr. Grady Prestage, Commissioner, Fort Bend County

Mr. Glen Whitley, Commissioner, Tarrant County

Quick, Easy Recipes for Losing Your Credibility or
Your Job

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Overview: You've been elected or appointed to office. Congratulations! Does that mean you're out of the heat in the kitchen? Hardly. Being a county elected or appointed official in Texas means you live your professional life in a pressure cooker, sometimes with the uncomfortable glow of camera lights to emphasize your every decision and mistake. Some mistakes are like overcooking; minor, natural and easily forgiven by the voters and powers-that-be of your county. But others can cause you great embarrassment, or even cost you your job. Learn about the types of conduct (and misconduct) that can result in removal from office under Texas law, the process by which removal works and some of the other ethics-related trouble that the law can cause for you as an elected or appointed official.

Speaker: Mr. Scott Brumley, County Attorney, Potter County, Amarillo

CLOSING GENERAL SESSION

Energy: Crisis or Opportunity

Lobby Level | Ballroom B

Overview: The energy crisis, what got us here, how bad will it get and how to get out of it, is on everyone's mind. This session will deal with it all including a specific look at every Texas county and alternatives for providing your citizens with the fuel and energy we will all need in the future.

Panelists: Mr. Travis Brown, Renewable Energy & Economic Development Specialist, ORCA

Mr. Russell Smith, Executive Director, Renewal Energy Industries Association.