The Annual Conference of the Far West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association brings together county judges and commissioners from the region to review and discuss critical issues facing their counties. This year's conference will present the latest updates on legislative actions, safety, human resource topics and more.
Educational Co-Sponsor
Special thanks to the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, for serving as the education program co-sponsor for this conference.
Association Officer
If you are interested in becoming an executive officer of the Far West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association, please contact President Ruben Ortega, Brewster County Commissioner, at (432) 837-2412.
Door Prizes
Each county is asked to bring at least one door prize, which will be collected at the registration desk.
Registration Fees (Included are tickets to all events)
| County officials and staff for Member counties |
$100 |
| County officials and staff for Non-Member counties |
$125 |
The registration fee includes spouse attendance for all events. Registration forms must be received by September 4. After September 4, please register onsite at the conference registration desk.
Please contact Rachel Kucera for more information or conference registration information.
The host hotels are the Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa and the Big Bend Resort & Adventures. Request the "Far West Texas County Judges and Commissioners" room block when reserving your sleeping room. The deadline to reserve rooms at the special rate is August 10, so make your reservations early. All reservations received after this date will be accepted on a space-available basis only and at the prevailing hotel rates.
Reservations must be guaranteed by a major credit card and the first night’s full deposit. Reservations not cancelled prior to the expected arrival date will be assessed the room rate and tax for one night.
Host Hotels
Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa
100 Main St.
Lajitas, TX 79852
(432) 424-5000 / (877) 525-4827
Room rate: $135 a day
Big Bend Resort & Adventures
1 Main St.
Terlingua, TX 79852
(432) 371-2218
Room rate: $89.95 a day
If special accommodations are needed, please contact Michele Ewerz at (800) 456-5974.
| Tuesday, Sept. 10 |
| 6:30-9 p.m. |
Pre-Conference Reception |
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 |
| Noon |
Pre-Conference Lunch |
| 12:45 p.m. |
Welcome and Introductions |
| 6:30-10 p.m. |
Attendees Appreciation Dinner |
| Thursday, Sept. 12 |
| 7:30 a.m. |
Burrito Breakfast |
| 11:35 p.m. |
Grab-and-Go Lunch |
| 1:15 p.m. |
Golf Tournament |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Horseshoe Tournament |
| 7 p.m. |
Dinner and Dance |
*Agenda is subject to change
| Tuesday, Sept. 10 |
| 6:30-9 p.m. |
Pre-Conference Reception |
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 |
| 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Registration |
| Noon |
Pre-Conference Lunch |
| 12:45 p.m. |
Welcome and Introductions |
| Commissioners Education Sessions |
| 1-1:50 p.m. |
Rights of Way |
| 1:50-2:20 p.m. |
Break |
| 2:20-3:10 p.m. |
The Effects of Stress on Your Physical Health |
| 3:10-3:40 p.m. |
Break |
| 3:40-4:30 p.m. |
Role of Emergency Service Districts in Rural Counties |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Adjourn |
| Judicial Training For County Judges |
| 1-2 p.m. |
Judicial Session |
| 2-3 p.m. |
Judicial Session |
| 3-3:15 p.m. |
Break |
| 3:15-4:15 p.m. |
Judicial Session |
| 4:15-5:15 p.m. |
Judicial Session |
| 5:15 p.m. |
Adjourn |
| 6:30-10 p.m. |
Attendee Appreciation Dinner |
| Thursday, Sept. 12 |
| 7:30 a.m. |
Burrito Breakfast |
| General Session |
| 8-8:50 a.m. |
Local Response to Disasters |
| 8:50-9:40 a.m. |
Mental Health in First Aid |
| 9:40-9:55 a.m. |
Break |
| 9:55-10:45 a.m. |
Overview of Solar Farms |
| 10:45-11:35 a.m. |
Borden Issues |
| 11:35 a.m. |
Grab-and-Go Lunch |
| Leisure Activities |
| 1:15 p.m. |
Golf Tournament |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Horseshoe Tournament |
| 7 p.m. |
Dinner and Dance |
| Friday, Sept. 13 |
| 8 a.m. |
Association Business Meeting |
| Closing General Session |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. |
The Essence of Public Speaking |
| 9:20-9:50 a.m. |
Break |
| 9:50-10:40 a.m. |
Area Legislators: Moderated Discussion |
| 10:40-11:30 a.m. |
Legislative Update |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Adjourn |
*Agenda is subject to changeAn application is pending approval for nine hours of continuing education for county commissioners. The judicial education session on Wednesday afternoon is approved for four hours of continuing education for county judges.
Conference cancellations and all refund requests must be received in writing (fax or email acceptable) by August 28. No refunds will be given after August 28.
Please email cancellations to Rachel Kucera or fax to (512) 477-1324.