99th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference

October 11 - 14, 2021

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
3001 Kalahari Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665

Registration is closed. You may register onsite.

For more information, contact Michele Ewerz or Rachel Kucera at (800) 456-5974.

Education That Is Informative

This CJCAT conference will provide valuable information on important topics to assist with your daily operations as an elected official. Plus it’s a great opportunity to get to know fellow judges and commissioners.

Tuesday’s educational afternoon will provide judges specific information on current judicial topics, while the commissioners’ education track will focus on county roads, bonds and certificates of obligation, redistricting and public information acts.

Presentations on Wednesday and Thursday will center on timely issues such as county cybersecurity, justice systems, commissions and committees, elections, regulations and legal issues, and grant seeking pertaining to the American Rescue Plan Act.

Several fun activities will allow plenty of opportunities to network with officials from across the state, including the President’s Party and the Exhibitor Appreciation Night. Have a great time at the Williamson County Host Court Night on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday will feature the popular tournament afternoon with domino and golf competitions. And don’t forget the spouse activities scheduled for Tuesday.

Educational Co-Sponsor

Co-sponsored by the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Continuing Education

17 hours of continuing education credit for county commissioners has been approved. This includes four hours of credit offered Wednesday afternoon in the Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum session. The County Judges Education Advisory Committee has approved four hours of judicial education credit for Tuesday afternoon’s Judicial Education Session. County judges may also obtain up to 16 hours of credit (nonjudicial) toward the Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum by attending designated sessions.

Advanced Curriculum

Learn more about your county offices on Wednesday afternoon by taking advantage of four advanced curriculum courses. County officials will have the opportunity to obtain credits to complete the advanced curriculum and receive certificates during Wednesday’s luncheon banquet.

Registration Fees

(Includes tickets to all events including spouse programs)
Member (county is a member of CJCAT): Early Registration: $275 / After Sept. 17: $300
Non-county government/corporate: Early Registration: $550 / After Sept. 17: $600
Additional luncheon tickets (nonspouse): $60 each          

Scheduled Activities

Several fun activities give you an opportunity to network with officials from across the state, including the President’s Party and Exhibitor Appreciation night. Have a great time at Host Court Night, hosted by Williamson County. Wednesday is also the popular tournament afternoon, and don’t forget the spouse activities scheduled for Tuesday.

Vendor Information

For information on vendor registration, please go to the County Progress website or contact Sarah Lazarowitz.

Sponsor Information

For information on sponsorships, please contact Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller or call (361) 582-5871.

Association Officers
Hon. Ben Zeller, President
Victoria County Judge

Hon. Rick Bailey, First Vice President
Johnson County Commissioner

Hon. Kim Halfmann, Second Vice President
Glasscock County Judge

Hon. Chuck Statler, Past President
Taylor County Commissioner

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Contributors

Our sincerest thanks to these businesses and their representatives. Without the participation and support of these folks, the special events presented at this conference would not have been possible.

Please remember to bring a door prize.

Hotel Accommodations

The host hotel is the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. You must register for the conference before reserving your sleeping room. If you need to cancel your room or to be added to the waiting list, please contact Rachel Kucera at rachelk@county.org or (800) 456-5974. We kindly request that you not post your reservation on the listserv because this action hinders waitlist management. Cancellation policy for individual reservations: 72 hours, or more, prior to arrival to receive full refund less $25.00 processing fee. Less than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival forfeits entire deposit.

Host Hotel
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions (HOTEL FULL)
3001 Kalahari Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665
Room rate: $189 per night, plus tax.

Hotels in the Area:
LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Round Rock East
3900 E Palm Valley Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665
(737) 300-6008

Cutoff date:

The cutoff date for accepting reservations into this room block is Sept. 17. All reservations must be accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. Reservation cancellations must be made 72 hours before arrival to receive full refund less $25.00 process fee. Less than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival forfeits entire deposits.

If special accommodations are needed, please contact Michele Ewerz at (800) 456-5974.

Please email Rachel Kucera or send a fax to (512) 477-1324 to cancel your conference registration or hotel reservation. This will help move fellow attendees off the waitlist. We kindly request that you do not post your reservation on the listserv because this action hinders waitlist management.

Monday, Oct. 11
4:30-6 p.m. President’s Party and Exhibitor Appreciation Night
Sponsored by: Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Tuesday, Oct. 12
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Spouse Lunch and Painting with a Twist
11:35 a.m.-1 p.m. Past Presidents’ Luncheon (by invitation only)  
Sponsored by Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP         
6-10 p.m. Host Court Night
Coordinated and Sponsored by: Williamson County Commissioners Court
Wednesday, Oct. 13
11 a.m. Luncheon Banquet and Installation of Officers
Past President’s Scholarship Presentation
Sponsored by: GrantWorks
Sponsored by: Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
1-5 p.m. Bobby Smith Memorial Golf Tournament
Sponsored by: McCreary Veselka Allen & Bragg, P.C.
Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP
1-5 p.m. Domino Tournament
Coordinated by: Hon. J.D. Johnson, Tarrant County Commissioner
Sponsored by: LaSalle Corrections         
Thursday, Oct. 14
7-7:45 a.m. Prayer Breakfast
Speaker: Mr. Keith Ferguson, Lead Pastor, City View Bible
Sponsored by: Wright Asphalt Products Company           

*Agenda subject to change

Monday, Oct. 11
1-5:30 p.m. Registration and Information Desk
1-6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open/Dedicated Time With Exhibitors
1-4:30 p.m. Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by: Bruckner Truck Sales
2-5 p.m. Standing Committee Meetings:
Resolutions
Nominations
Site Selection
4:30-6 p.m. President’s Party and Exhibitor Appreciation Night
Sponsored by: Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Evening Free Night
Tuesday, Oct. 12
7:30-8 a.m. Welcome Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by: Batterson Truck Equipment
Texas Political Subdivisions
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
Opening General Session
8-8:20 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
8:20-9:10 a.m.  Keynote Address
Keynote Speaker: Hon. Dade Phelan, 76th Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives
9:10-9:55 a.m.     Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Professional Associations
9:55-10:45 a.m. 3.013 Working With the Legislature
Moderator: Mr. Jim Allison, General Counsel, CJCAT
Speakers: Area Legislators
10:45-11:35 a.m. 3.003 Lawmaking
Moderator: Mr. Jim Allison, General Counsel, CJCAT
Speakers: Area Legislators     
11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Spouse Lunch and Painting with a Twist
11:35 a.m.-1 p.m. Past Presidents’ Luncheon (by invitation only)
Sponsored by Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP         
Judicial Education
1-2 p.m. Eviction Appeals from Justice Court: A Primer
Speaker: Ms. Thea Whalen, Executive Director, Texas Justice Court Training Center
2-3 p.m. Heirships and Administrations: When and How?
Speaker: Hon. Mary Cunningham, Judicial Program Manager, TAC
3-3:15 p.m. Refreshment Break
Sponsored by: NextEra Energy Resources
3:15-4:15 p.m. Recusals, Trading Benches and Transferring Cases
Speaker: Hon. Stephanie Moreno, Judicial Program Manager, TAC
4:15-5:15 p.m.   Ethics: Discretion and Implicit Bias Concerns for Judges
Speaker: Hon. Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison, TAC
Commissioners Education  
1-1:50 p.m. 4.001 Bonds and Certificates of Obligation
Speaker: Mr. Gregory Miller, Attorney, Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP
1:50-2:40 p.m.   4.024 Redistricting
Speaker: Mr. Bob Bass, Partner, Allison, Bass & Magee LLP
2:40-3:10 p.m.   Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by: GrantWorks, Inc.
3:10-4 p.m. 3.016 County Roads Panel
Speakers: Hon. Tim Addison, Yoakum County Commissioner
Hon. Rick Bailey, Johnson County Commissioner
Hon. Greg Seidenberger, Guadalupe County Commissioner
4-4:50 p.m. 3.017 Public Information Act
Speaker: Mr. Eric Magee, Partner, Allison, Bass & Magee LLP
6-9 p.m. Host Court Night
Coordinated and Sponsored by: Williamson County Commissioners Court
Wednesday, Oct. 13
7:30-8 a.m. Tournament Day Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by: NextEra Energy Resources
7:30-10:30 a.m.  Exhibit Hall Open
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk
General Session
8-8:50 a.m. 4.022 Cybersecurity
Speaker: Mr. Scott Riddick, Secret Service Agent, Department of Homeland Security
8:50-9:40 a.m.  
3.005 Justice System: Bail Reform
Speaker: Hon. Rick Hill, Brazos County Justice of the Peace
9:40-10:30 a.m.   Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by: Hart InterCivic
Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP
10:30-11 a.m. Association Business Meeting
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Luncheon Banquet and Installation of Officers
Program:
Past President's Scholarship Presentation
Sponsored by: GrantWorks

Presentation of Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum Certifcates
Presiding: Mr. Jim Allison, General Counsel, County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Installation of Officers
Presiding: Dr. Peter McGuill, Director, V.G. Young Institute of County Government, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Sponsored by:Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
1-5 p.m. Domino Tournament
Coordinated by: Hon. J.D. Johnson, Tarrant County Commissioner
Sponsored by: LaSalle Corrections
1-5 p.m. Bobby Smith Memorial Golf Tournament
Sponsored by: McCreary Veselka Allen & Bragg, P.C.
Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP
Advanced Curriculum Education
1-1:50 p.m. 2.017 County Court at Law Judge
Speaker: Hon. Laura Barker, Williamson County Court at Law Judge
1:50-2:40 p.m.
2.010 Justice of the Peace
Speaker: Hon. Rick Hill, Brazos County Justice of the Peace
2:40-2:55 p.m. Refreshment Break
Sponsored by: Bruckner Truck Sales
Naskila Gaming
2:55-3:45 p.m. 2.005 County Treasurer
Speaker: Hon. Britney Richey, Hays County Treasurer
3:45-4:35 p.m. 2.006 County Tax Assessor-Collector
Speaker: Hon. Randy Riggs, McClennan County Tax Assessor-Collector
Evening Free Night
Thursday, Oct. 14
7-7:45 a.m.
Inspirational Prayer Breakfast
Speaker: Mr. Keith Ferguson, Lead Pastor, City View Bible
Sponsored by: Wright Asphalt Products Company
7:30-8 a.m. Morning Coffee
Sponsored by: Correctional Solutions Group, LLC
7:30-11:30 a.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
Closing General Session
8-8:50 a.m. 3.002 Commissions and Committees: Jail Standards
Speakers: Hon.William K. Stoudt, Gregg County Judge
Mr. Brandon Wood, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Jail Standards
8:50-9:40 a.m. 4.019 Elections
Speaker: Mr. Keith Ingram, Director of Elections, Secretary of State
9:40-10:10 a.m. Refreshment Break
10:10-11 a.m. 3.004 Regulations and Legal Issues: Time Keeping & Personnel Policies
Speaker: Ms. Michele Arseneau, Senior HR Consultant, TAC
Ms. Lorie Floyd, HR Consultant, TAC
11-11:50 a.m. 4.023 Grantseeking: American Rescue Plan Act
Speakers: Hon. B. Glen Whitley, Tarrant County Judge
Hon. Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison

*Agenda subject to change

Continuing Education

17 hours of continuing education credit for county commissioners has been approved. This includes four hours of credit offered Wednesday afternoon in the Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum session. The County Judges Education Advisory Committee has approved four hours of judicial education credit for Tuesday afternoon’s Judicial Education Session. County judges may also obtain up to 16 hours of credit (nonjudicial) toward the Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum by attending designated sessions.

Advanced Curriculum

Learn more about your county offices on Wednesday afternoon by taking advantage of four advanced curriculum courses. County officials will have the opportunity to obtain credits to complete the advanced curriculum and receive certificates during Wednesday’s luncheon banquet.

Conference registration forms must be received by Oct. 5. If registering after Oct. 5, please register onsite at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. We will process payments and provide name badges and conference materials.

Registration cancellations must be in writing (fax acceptable) at least 72 hours before the conference to receive a refund, minus a $10 processing fee. For more information, please contact the TAC Education and Events Services department at (800) 456-5974 or email Rachel Kucera.

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