Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas 87th Annual Conference

Omni Corpus Christi Hotel (FULL)
900 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Omni Hotel Rate
Single/Double: $149/night

Holiday Inn (FULL)
707 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 787401
(361) 882-1700

Holiday Inn Rate
Single/Double: $159/night

Emerald Beach Hotel
1102 S Shoreline Blvd
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 883-5731
The Group Code is TAC21
or book online.

Please email Megan West to be added to the wait list.

Only elected officials will be allowed to book a hotel room at the Omni Hotel or the Holiday Inn on March 1. The hotel will cancel reservations made on that date by nonelected officials. Hotel reservations for nonelected officials will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 3.

You must register for the conference first before booking a hotel room. After registering, you will receive an email with the hotel reservation link.

The deadline to reserve rooms at the group rate is May 5 or until the block is full. All reservations received after this date will be accepted on a space-available basis and at the prevailing hotel rates.

Please note: As in years past, TACA anticipates the room block to fill quickly. In the event the block becomes full, a waitlist will be kept on a first-come, first-served basis. To be placed on the waitlist, contact Megan West at meganw@county.org or (800) 456-5974. You will be contacted when a room becomes available.

To cancel your conference registration or hotel reservation, please email Megan West at meganw@county.org. This will help move fellow attendees off the waitlist. We kindly request that you not post your reservation on the TACA listserv, because this hinders waitlist management.

Cancellations must be made 72 hours before 4 p.m. on the day of arrival, or the cost of the first night’s room plus tax will be charged to the credit card on file.

Hotel check-in time is 4 p.m.; checkout is 11 a.m.

Sunday, June 6
6-9 p.m.	Table Game Night (Omni Hotel)
Monday, June 7
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Memorial and Education Luncheon
Free evening
Tuesday, June 8
12:15-1:45 p.m.	Sponsor Luncheon
7:30-9:30 p.m.	Bingo! (Omni Hotel)
Wednesday, June 9
6-9 p.m.	Off-Site Event and Installation of Officers

Saturday, June 5
3-6 p.m.	Board Meeting Laguna Madre (Omni Hotel)
Sunday, June 6
9 a.m.-noon	New Tax Assessor-Collector Orientation – Conference 101 & 102 Speakers: Hon. Randy Riggs, TACA President-Elect and Tax Assessor-Collector, McLennan County Hon. Bruce Stidham, TACA Vice President External and Tax Assessor-Collector, Grayson County Moderator: Hon. Donna Willis, TACA Director and Tax Assessor-Collector, Lynn County This session is required for all new Tax Assessors in the first 90 days of taking office. The sessions provides basic operations for a county tax office, where additional resources can be obtained and rules and regulations are state mandated. A Tax Assessor-Collector is considered new if still in their first term of office.
Noon-1 p.m.	Program Committee – Conference 104
1-5 p.m.	Registration Desk Open – Upstairs Lobby
1-5 p.m.	Welcome Desk Open – Upstairs Lobby
1-5 p.m.	TACA Store Open – HG Ballroom Foyer
1-5 p.m.	Advanced Program: Team Building (additional registration fee) – Harborview Speaker: Mr. Mark Warren, Education Training Consultant, Texas Association of Counties This session is on creating teams that are energizing and productive and deliver breakthrough results. Synergism will be discussed to create teamwork and ensure positive long term departmental and organizational results. This is a TACA-approved course for certification.
4-6 p.m.	Site Committee – Conference 105
5-6 p.m.	Devotional Service – Conference 101 & 102
7:30-9:30 p.m.	Table Game Night – Nueces Ballroom B (Omni Hotel)
Monday, June 7
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.	Registration Desk Open – Upstairs Lobby
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.	TACA Store Open – HG Ballroom Foyer
7:30-8:30 a.m.	Committee Meetings By-Laws – Conference 103 Security – Conference 104 Awards – Conference 105 Elections – Conference 107
8-9 a.m.	Continental Breakfast – HG Ballroom Foyer
9-9:15 a.m.	Welcome & Greetings – HG Ballroom AB Greetings by Hon. Tammy McRae, TACA President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Montgomery County Presentation of Colors – Flour Bluff NJROTC Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag & Pledge to the Texas Flag by Hon. John R. Ames, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Dallas County Singing of the National Anthem by Girl Scout Troop 4084 and 9642 and Texas Our Texas by Hon. Michelle French, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Denton County Invocation by Hon. Kevin Kieschnick, TACA Vice President Internal and Tax Assessor-Collector, Nueces County Welcome by Hon. Barbara Canales, Nueces County Judge
9:15-10:15 a.m.	Let Me See Your Body Talk – HG Ballroom AB Speaker: Ms. Jan Hargraves, Author, CEO of Jan Hargrave & Associates Jan Hargrave teaches the different ways in which our bodies communicate to the world around us. Learn how the power and effect that nonverbal communication has on our success in corporate America and in education. Jan describes the "hidden messages" we use in our everyday lives. Nonverbal communication--Body Language--often sends a different message from the spoken word. Learn what your body, and the bodies of others, are communicating to the world.
10:15-11:15 a.m.	Motor Vehicle Theft Panel – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Det. Christopher Alejandro, Detective, Corpus Christi Police Department Auto Theft Task Force Mr. Miguel “Mike” Rodriguez, Chairman, Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Mr. Bryan Wilson, Director of Motor Vehicle and Crime Prevention Authority, Texas Department of Motor Vehicle Moderator: Hon. Ruben Gonzalez, Tax Assessor-Collector, El Paso County
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Memorial and Education Recognition Lunch – Watergarden A
12:30 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Ribbon Cutting – HG Ballroom Foyer
12:30-4 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Open – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
12:30-4 p.m.	Comptroller Property Tax Assistance Help Desk – Watergarden A Foyer
12:30-1 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Break – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
1-1:50 p.m.	Breakout Sessions How to Write a Press Release – HG Ballroom AB Speaker: Mr. Jody Seaborn, Senior Media Relations Strategist, Texas Association of Counties Compassionate Collections during COVID– Watergarden B Speakers: Hon. John R. Ames, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Dallas County Mr. Ed Lopez, Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Title Fraud Training (Part 1) (pre-registration required)– Harborview Speakers: Mr. Charlie Escobedo, Manager, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Ms. Andrea Berlocher, Senior Field Service Representative, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Ms. Angelica Rodriguez, Senior Field Service Representative, Texas Department of Motor Vehicle
1:50-2:30 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Break and PTAD Help Desk – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
2:30-3:20 p.m.	Breakout Sessions Voter Registration Update – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Ms. Christina Adkins, Legal Director, Texas Secretary of State Ms.Kristi Hart, Voter Registration Manger, Texas Secretary of State This session will provide an update on the new laws and procedures regarding voter registration and elections. Working the Web – Watergarden B Speakers: Ms. Maritza Aragon, Deputy Tax Assessor-Collector, Williamson County Mr. Kenneth Martin, Motor Vehicle Manager, Montgomery County Title Fraud Training (Part 2) (pre-registration required) – Harborview Speakers: Mr. Charlie Escobedo, Manager, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Ms. Andrea Berlocher, Senior Field Service Representative, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Ms. Angelica Rodriguez, Senior Field Service Representative, Texas Department of Motor Vehicle
3:20-3:45 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Break and PTAD Help Desk – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
3:45-5 p.m.	Meet the Press – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Mr. Bob Jones, Talk Show Host, KEYS 1440 AM Mr. Collin Van Buskirk, Real-Team Desk Manger, KRIS News Mr. Tom Whitehurst, Retired Editor, Corpus Christi Caller-Times Not having a working relationship with local media can be difficult at the best of times. Different types of media require the same and different types of relationships. This session will give you tips on how to foster a great relationship with your own local media and create more lines of communication to your customers.
5:15-6 p.m.	Legislative Committee – HG Ballroom AB
Tuesday, June 8
7:30-8:30 a.m.	Continental Breakfast – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	Exhibit Hall and PTAD Help Desk Open – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.	Registration Desk – Upstairs Lobby
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.	TACA Store Open – HG Ballroom Foyer
7:30-8:30 a.m.	Committee Meetings Education – Conference 103 Comptroller Liaison – Conference 104 Technology – Conference 105 Historical – Conference 106
8:30-9:30 a.m.	TxDMV Update – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Ms. Whitney Brewster, Executive Director, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Charles Bacarisse, Chair, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles This session will provide an overview of statewide functions at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The overview will discuss such topics as equipment refresh, processing and handling fees, performance recognition program, and future DMV initiatives as well as a roll out of the County Equipment Guide.
9:30-10 a.m.	Exhibit Hall Break and PTAD Help Desk – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
10-11 a.m.	Roundtables Under 40,000: Best Practices-TxDMV – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Mr. William Diggs, Chief of Regional Services, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Stefan Krisch, Chief of Registration Services, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Roland Luna Sr., Director, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Clint Thompson, Deputy Director of Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Ms. Tricia Ueckert, Manager of Budget and Research Services, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles This is a roundtable discussion about Motor Vehicle Topics. A TACA moderator is present in each session and will be accompanied by TxDMV Staff. The topics include: commissions, processing and handling fees, centralized payment processing, inspection verification, fraudulent VIRs, RTS/Cognos reports and balancing, NMVITS errors and reports, public and dealer mail, WebDealer and WebSub programs and additional topics that are brought up by the attendees. Over 40,000: Best Practices-Property Tax – Watergarden B Speaker: Ms.Tanya Eriksson Wood, Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP This is a roundtable discussion about Property Tax Topics. A TACA moderator is present in each session and will be accompanied by an attorney from a delinquent tax law firm. The topics include: homestead payment agreements, vehicle inventory collection practices, quarter pay installment plans, honoring postmark when unavailable from USPS, returned checks and e-checks, refunds and mailing to agents and mortgage companies.
11 a.m.-noon	Roundtables Under 40,000: Best Practices-Property Tax – HG Ballroom AB Speaker: Ms. Tanya Eriksson Wood, Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP This is a roundtable discussion about Property Tax Topics. A TACA moderator is present in each session and will be accompanied by an attorney from a delinquent tax law firm. The topics include: homestead payment agreements, vehicle inventory collection practices, quarter pay installment plans, honoring postmark when unavailable from USPS, returned checks and e-checks, refunds and mailing to agents and mortgage companies. Over 40,000: Best Practices-TxDMV – Watergarden B Speakers: Mr. William Diggs, Chief of Regional Services, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Stefan Krisch, Chief of Registration Services, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Roland Luna Sr., Director, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Clint Thompson, Deputy Director of Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Ms. Tricia Ueckert, Manager of Budget and Research Services, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles This is a roundtable discussion about Motor Vehicle Topics. A TACA moderator is present in each session and will be accompanied by TxDMV Staff. The topics include: commissions, processing and handling fees, centralized payment processing, inspection verification, fraudulent VIRs, RTS/Cognos reports and balancing, NMVITS errors and reports, public and dealer mail, WebDealer and WebSub programs and additional topics that are brought up by the attendees.
Noon-1 p.m.	Sponsor Appreciation Lunch – Watergarden A
1-1:45 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Break and PTAD Help Desk - HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
1:45-2:45 p.m.	Regional Meeting Session – Watergarden A
2:45-3:15 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Break and PTAD Help Desk – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
3:15-4:15 p.m.	Hiring for Attitude – HG Ballroom AB Speaker: Ms. Sarah Dolling, Clinical Services Director, Travis County Counseling and Education Services Moderator: Hon. Bruce Elfant, Tax Assessor-Collector, Travis County Are you hiring for just an open position or are you hiring for an attitude that will make your office work well? While many things can be trained on, one thing that can’t be taught is having the right attitude for the job. This session will explain how to look for the right person for a position that goes beyond a resume.
4:15-5 p.m.	TxDMV Liaison Committee – HG Ballroom AB
7:30-9:30 p.m.	Bingo! – Corpus Christi Ballroom (Omni Hotel)
Wednesday, June 9
7:30-8:30 a.m.	Past Presidents’ Breakfast – Rotunda
8-9 a.m.	Continental Breakfast – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
8-11 a.m.	Exhibit Hall Open – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
8 a.m.-noon	TACA Store Open – HG Ballroom Foyer
8 a.m.-5 p.m.	Registration Open – Upstairs Lobby
9-10 a.m.	Deputy Session: Working through PTSD and Other Issues – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Biral Patel, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
9-10:30 a.m.	TACA Business Meeting– Watergarden B The TACA Business Meeting is for Tax Assessor-Collectors. Deputies and staff should attend the deputy sessions in the HG Ballroom AB for additional continuing education
10-11 a.m.	Exhibit Hall Break and PTAD Help Desk – HG Ballroom CD and Foyer
10:30 a.m.-noon	Deputy Session: Working through PTSD and Other Issues (continued) – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Ms. Biral Patel, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
11 a.m.-noon	TACA Business Meeting and Awards Presentation (continued) – Watergarden B
Noon-1:30 p.m.	Lunch on your own
1:30-2 p.m.	Breakout Sessions Customer Service from the Lobby – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Hon. Larry Gaddes, TACA Secretary-Treasurer and Tax Assessor-Collector, Williamson County Hon. Tammy McRae, TACA President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Montgomery County Texas Parks & Wildlife Department – Watergarden B Speaker: Mr. Thomas Wilhelm, Manager, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department This overview of Texas Parks & Wildlife will provide an update of new laws and procedures for handling boat transaction
2-2:45 p.m.	Breakout Sessions Customer Service from the Lobby (repeated) – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Hon. Larry Gaddes, TACA Secretary-Treasurer and Tax Assessor-Collector, Williamson County Hon. Tammy McRae, TACA President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Montgomery County Comm Cube and Social Media – Watergarden B Speaker: Ms. Melissa Porch, Communications Specialist, Texas Association of Counties
2:45-3 p.m.	Refreshment Break – HG Ballroom Foyer
3-3:45 p.m.	Breakout Sessions WebDEALER Reporting – All You Need to Know – HG Ballroom AB Speaker: Ms. Anita Kibbe, Director of Accounting, Tarrant County Comm Cube and Social Media (repeated) – Watergarden B Speaker: Ms. Melissa Porch, Communications Specialist, Texas Association of Counties
3:45-4:30 p.m.	COGNOS Fraud Reporting Training (TAC and CHIEF DEPUTIES ONLY) – HG Ballroom AB Speakers: Ms. Andrea Berlocher, Senior Field Service Representative, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Mr. Charlie Escobedo, Manager, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Ms. Angelica Rodriguez, Senior Field Service Representative, Texas Department of Motor Vehicle
6:15 p.m.	Buses depart for off-site event at the Texas State Aquarium
9:30 p.m.	Buses depart for hotels
9:30 p.m.	Final bus departs for hotels
Thursday, June 10
7:30-8:45 a.m.	New Board Meeting & Breakfast – Rotunda
8-9 a.m.	Continental Breakfast – HG Ballroom Foyer
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Registration Desk Open – Upstairs Lobby
9-10 a.m.	Legislative Update – HG Ballroom AB Panelist: Ms. Katy Estrada, Legislative Consultant, Texas Association of Counties Hon. Larry Gaddes, TACA Secretary-Treasurer and Tax Assessor-Collector, Williamson County Hon. Kevin Kieschnick, TACA Vice-President Internal and Tax Assessor-Collector, Nueces County Hon. Shay Luedeke, TACA Director and Tax Assessor-Collector, Bell County Hon. Kristeen Roe, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Brazos County Hon. Vicki Truitt, Former Representative, V. Truitt Consulting, LLC Moderator: Mr. Ronnie Keister, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Lubbock County This moderated panel discussion will focus on what happened during the 87th legislative session and how TACs can continue to work with Texas Legislatures in the future.
10-10:15 a.m.	Break – HG Ballroom Foyer
10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.	Breakout Sessions Ethics for County Tax Assessor-Collectors – HG Ballroom AB Speaker: Mr. Jim Lambeth, Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP This session will facilitate the VG Young approved TACA Course on ethics for County Tax Assessors and their teams. This is a TACA-approved course for certification. Truth-in-Taxation Refresher – Watergarden B Speaker: Ms. Connie Rose, Director of Education, McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen, PC This session will serve as a summary of the Truth–in–Taxation process and will facilitate a refresher on Truth-N-Taxation and discuss the ETR and RTR worksheets, the best place to get data and how to work with your entities to be successful. Special Inventory Taxation – Harborview Speaker: Mr. James Guest, Attorney, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Join us as we discuss the Special Vehicle Inventory Tax and how the funds should be accounted for within the tax office.  Additionally, details on how penalties and fines can be assessed and collected will be explained to maximize dealer compliance with deadlines and filings. This is a TACA-approved course for certification.
12:15 p.m.	Adjourn

*Agenda is subject to change

The V.G. Young Institute of County Government at Texas A&M University is the education co-sponsor of the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association Conference.

Tax Assessor-Collectors can earn up to 22.5 continuing education hours towards their SB546 required hours.

Deputies can earn up to 25 continuing education hours toward maintenance of an advanced designation.

TACA-approved courses for those seeking advanced designations include:

• Sunday – Advance Program: Team Building (PCAC/PDAC)
• Monday – Title Fraud Training (Pre-registration required; 2-part)
• Thursday – Ethics for County Tax Assessor-Collector and Special Inventory Taxation (PCC/CTOP)
• You must sign-in during the class to receive credit.

Comptroller/TDLR for attendees who may not be covered under SB 546 has approved 19.5 continuing education hours.

Cancellations and all refund requests must be received in writing (email acceptable) by May 5. Refunds will not be given without a written request. After May 5, an administrative fee of $50 will be charged to offset guarantees given by TACA.

Please email cancellations to Megan West.