This seminar is required by Local Government Code, Sec. 83.003. Newly appointed/elected county treasurer is required to stay through the duration of seminar.
Sec. 83.003. CONTINUING EDUCATION. (a) A county treasurer must successfully complete an introductory course of instruction in the performance of the duties of county treasurer:
(1) within one year after the date on which the person is first elected if elected to a full term; or
(2) at the earliest available date after appointment or election, as applicable, if appointed by the commissioners court or elected to an unexpired term of county treasurer.
(b) After completion of the first year in office, a county treasurer must successfully complete in each 12-month period at least 20 hours of continuing education in the performance of the duties of county treasurer.
Overview
Join recently elected or appointed treasurers from around the state at the 2021 New Treasurers' Seminar in Abilene, Dec. 5-8. The one-of-a-kind conference offers new treasurers the opportunity to learn vital information about their duties and responsibilities so they can best serve the residents of their county.
The 2½-day conference was sponsored by the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The instruction was planned, in large part, by experienced county treasurers, who also served as presenters at many of the sessions and were available to talk informally with attendees. Sessions focused on the core duties of the county treasurer, on such responsibilities as depository contracts and public fund investments, and on human resource issues.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this conference, you can expect to:
- Better understand the duties of the county treasurer and the role you play in county government.
- Be familiar with the online County Treasurers’ Resource Guide.
- Know the proper record-keeping for the Fair Labors Standards Act (FLSA).
- Identify the laws of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and workers’ compensation.
- Have an in-depth understanding of depository contracts.
Registration Fees
| Conference Registration Fees |
Early Fee |
After Nov. 5 |
| County Official or Employee |
$175 |
$200 |
Payment
Make checks payable to Texas Association of Counties
Mail to:
Texas Association of Counties
C/O Education Dept.
P.O. Box 2711
San Antonio, TX 78299
Special Services
To ensure that our conference is ADA-accessible, please contact Deanna Auert or Nino Miranda at (800) 456-5974 if you need assistance.
Hotel Accommodations
MCM Elegante Suites
4250 Ridgemont Dr.
Abilene, TX 79606
(325) 698-1234
The host hotel is the MCM Elegante Suites. Call (325) 698-1234 for room reservations. Ask for the "County Treasurers' Association" room block to receive the conference rate.
The conference rate is $96 per night, single/double, plus taxes. Hotel reservations must be secured by Nov. 5. After Nov. 5, all rooms are subject to availability and a price increase.
The room rate includes a full cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly manager's reception.
Check-in: 3 p.m.
Checkout: Noon
| Monday, Dec. 6 |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk (Foyer) |
GENERAL SESSION – Cancun Room
MODERATOR: Hon. Alan Dierschke, Glasscock County Treasurer and Chair of the New Treasurers' Orientation Committee |
| 10-10:30 a.m. |
Understanding the County Treasurers' Association of Texas
Learn about CTAT, its history and what the association offers you. Discuss the roles of the executive officers and the responsibilities of each region.
Hon. Jennifer Henderson, President, County Treasurers' Association of Texas; Schleicher County Treasurer
|
| 10:30 am.-noon |
Federal and State Employment Laws
This class goes over the most important federal and state employment laws that supervisors need to be aware of when dealing with employees. This session describes each law and discusses the retaliation and discrimination aspects of each. The ADAAA (Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act) will be discussed with respect to new requirements for supervisors to engage in the interactive process and offer additional leave beyond that required under the FMLA. Knowing the laws helps supervisors interact with employees in ways that reduce their liability.
Ms. Lorie Floyd, HR Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
|
| Noon-1:30 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. |
Payroll Basics
This session will focus on a high level overview of FLSA timekeeping, recordkeeping basics, payroll deductions and acquiring commissioners court approval.
Hon. Cindy Yeatts Brown, Denton County Treasurer
|
| 2:30-3:15 p.m. |
Reports
When it comes to administering payroll, numerous reports and forms need to be completed. We will focus on those which could result in fines and/or penalties if not completed or filed on time.
Hon. Jennifer Henderson, President, County Treasurers' Association of Texas; Schleicher County Treasurer
Hon. Cheryl Chambers, Ellis County Treasurer
|
| 3:15-3:35 p.m. |
Break |
| 3:35-5 p.m. |
Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Bank Reconciliations
Making financials flow in a county government environment.
Hon. Katherine Hudson, Wise County Treasurer
Hon. Ida Tyler, Hale County Treasurer
|
| 5-5:15 p.m. |
Informal Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Discussion
Gain valuable insights from your colleagues during this interactive session. Attendees will be invited to discuss the topics presented during the day. |
| Tuesday, Dec. 7 |
| 8 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk (Foyer) |
GENERAL SESSION – Cancun Room
MODERATOR: Hon. Alan Dierschke, Glasscock County Treasurer and Chair of the New Treasurers' Orientation Committee |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. |
State Court Fees and Intro to Webfiling Your State Returns
This session will review the most common errors that occur in assessing or reporting state court costs and fees. The presenters will show how to access and sign in to the comptroller's Webfile tax filing program, as well as how to enter your state returns and choose from the payment options. A hands-on walk-through of the process will help answer many of your questions.
Hon. Lesa Crosswhite, Taylor County Treasurer
Ms. Becky Freeman, Taylor County Assistant Treasurer
|
| 9:30-11 a.m. |
Depository Contracts and Collateralization and Safekeeping Services
This presentation will address the facts that govern and potentially affect the establishment of bank depository relationships; the solicitation process and contractual requirements; and the relationships for primary bank depository services and financial institution deposits. Learn how to improve the process and outcome. This session is also designed to review collateralization rules and regulations. We will also outline collateral documentation requirements and consider collateral management issues and highlight investment security transaction settlement procedures.
Hon. Mitzi Baker, Midland County Treasurer
|
| 11-11:10 a.m. |
Break |
| 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. |
Financial Reports Required by Statute
This session will explore the financial reports due to the commissioners court. Who is responsible? What is required? Whew, I'm not the only one!
Hon. Dianna Spieker, Tom Green County Treasurer
|
| 12:10-1:30 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. |
Financial Reports Required by Statute (continued)
This session continues to explore the financial reports due to the commissioners court.
Hon. Dianna Spieker, Tom Green County Treasurer
|
| 2:30-3:15 p.m. |
Resources for Treasurers
This session will discuss high‐level review of the statutes that touch the county
treasurer's office. We will review tools that will assist you in finding answers for statutes (laws), attorney general opinions and provide a "statute cheat sheet." Also, get to know the CTAT Resource Guide, which provides county treasurers a convenient outline of the constitutional duties, responsibilities and liabilities of this elective office.
Hon. Gayla Hawkins, President-Elect, County Treasurers' Association of Texas; Grayson County Treasurer
|
| 3:15-4 p.m. |
Informal Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Discussion
Gain insights from your colleagues during this interactive session. Discuss the topics presented during the day. |
| Wednesday, Dec. 8 |
| 8 a.m.-noon |
Registration and Information Desk (Foyer) |
GENERAL SESSION – Cancun Room
MODERATOR: Hon. Alan Dierschke, Glasscock County Treasurer and Chair of the New Treasurers' Orientation Committee |
| 8:30-9 a.m. |
Public Funds Investment Act: Compliance and Reporting
Hear an analysis of the county investment practices that are dictated by the law governing investment of public funds in Texas. Attendees will sharpen their knowledge of the reporting requirements of the Public Funds Investment Act and will review effective report elements.
Hon. Alan Dierschke, Glasscock County Treasurer and Chair of the New Treasurers' Orientation Committee
Hon. Tracy Soldan, Kerr County Treasurer
|
| 9-10:30 a.m. |
Introduction to the Texas Association of Counties and Its Many Services
Hear a brief overview of the history and structure of TAC. Discuss the various services offered at TAC and how to find your consultant.
Ms. Rhita Koches, County Relations Officer, Texas Association of Counties
|
| 10:30-11 a.m. |
Texas Association of Counties Legislative Services
The Texas Legislature needs to hear your voice. As a county official, your knowledge of the grassroots level of government makes your perspective invaluable for legislators. Learn tips for working with your local legislators and advocating on behalf of your county.
Ms. Aurora Flores, Legislative Consultant - Treasurers' Association & Core Legislative Group Coordinator, Texas Association of Counties
|
| 11-11:30 a.m. |
Informal Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Discussion
Gain insights from your colleagues during this interactive session. Discuss the topics presented during the day. |
*Agenda subject to change
Continuing Education
This conference is an introductory course on the performance of the duties of county treasurer, and successful completion is required by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 83.003.
Cancellation Policy
All registration refund requests must be received in writing before Nov. 5 to qualify for a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee. No refund requests will be honored after Nov. 5. Please send an email to Nino Miranda or fax notice of your cancellation to (512) 477-1324.