| Monday, April 17 |
| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration(Veramendi Ballroom Foyer) |
| 8-9 a.m. |
Legislative Committee (San Marcos River Room)
Chair: Hon. Ruben Cavazos, First Vice President, County Treasurers’ Association of Texas, and Willacy County Treasurer |
| 9-9:30 a.m. |
Fundraising Committee (San Marcos River Room)
Chair: Hon. Karrie Crownover, President-Elect, County Treasurers’ Association of Texas, and Burnet County Treasurer |
| 9:30-10 a.m. |
Education Committee (San Marcos River Room)
Chair: Hon. Dianna Spieker, County Treasurers’ Association of Texas, and Tom Green County Treasurer |
| 10 a.m.-noon |
CTAT Board Meeting (San Marcos River Room)
Chair: Hon. Gayla Hawkins, President, County Treasurers’ Association of Texas, and Grayson County Treasurer |
| 1-5 p.m. |
Mini-Conference (Veramendi G&H Ballroom)
A series of discussions regarding special funds, uses and fee reports to the state comptroller’s office. We will also review what flags to look out for to avoid an audit. The Office of Court Administration will explain new consolidation of civil and criminal fees. Finally, we will review best practices to e-filing.
Preregistration is required for the mini-conference, plus an additional $75 fee.
|
| 1-1:50 p.m. |
Special Funds & Uses
Mr. Paul Miles, Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties |
| 2-2:50 p.m. |
State Comptroller: Fees & Flags
Mr. Michael Bullock, Local Revenue Manager, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Ms. Lindsey Klein, Tax Auditor, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts |
| 2:50-3:10 p.m. |
Break |
| 3:10-4 p.m. |
New Consolidated Civil & Criminal Fees
Hon. Patti L. Henry, Chambers County District Clerk |
| 4:10-5 p.m. |
E-file Explained
Ms. Priscilda Menjares, Sr. Project Manager, Tyler Technologies |
| 6 p.m. |
Miniature golf at Putt Pub
307 S. LBJ Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666 |
| Tuesday, April 18 |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Registration & Information Desk (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer) |
| 7-8 a.m. |
Morning Coffee With Exhibitors (Veramendi A&B) |
| Veramendi E&F Ballroom |
| 8-8:10 a.m. |
Welcome and Announcements (Veramendi E&F Ballroom)
Hon. Gayla Hawkins, President, County Treasurers’ Association of Texas, and Grayson County Treasurer |
| 8:10-9:50 a.m. |
Keynote: Let Me Hear Your Body Talk
Jan Hargrave offers insights about how our bodies communicate to the world around us and how nonverbal communication affects success in education and corporate America. Hargrave discusses the "hidden messages" we send and receive in our everyday lives.
Ms. Jan Hargrave, CEO, Jan Hargrave & Associates
|
| 9:50-10:10 a.m. |
Break With Exhibitors (Veramendi A&B) |
| 10:10-11 a.m. |
Public Information Act To-Do List
Do you know what to do when you receive a Public Information Act request? In this session, we will learn to how to process a request, identify what is required, and review what information you must give.
Ms. Jahnna Ward, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General
|
| 10 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Professional Headshots
High-quality headshots are the business card of the digital age and essential for any professional. They literally put a face with a name. CTAT is providing a professional photographer to help you look your best. Stop by during a break to take advantage of this opportunity. Digital photos will be provided after the conference for both computer and print use, as well as for the CTAT directory. |
| 11-11:50 a.m. |
$$$ Your Role in the Public Funds Investment Act
Learn the history of the Public Funds Investment Act and who creates and presents reports. We will review the benefits of having an investment committee and the roles of an investment officer.
Mr. Sam Vaughan, Associate Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services
|
| 11:50 a.m.-1:20 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:20-2:10 p.m. |
$$$ New Depository, Now What?
You've gone out to bid and a new bank gets your contract! Now what? This session will discuss the steps to take to ensure a smooth transition when moving your depository accounts to a new bank. Whom do you notify? What accounts must move? When should you start, and how long will it take?
Hon. Cheryl Chambers, Ellis County Treasurer
Hon. Tracy Soldan, Kerr County Treasurer
|
| 2:10-3 p.m. |
BEC = Beware Everything/Everyone is Compromised
BEC is the undisputed king of cybercrime. Have you heard of it? Do you know how to protect against it? This session will present an overview of the FBI’s most prolific cybercrime and share best practices to protect yourself and your office from possibly becoming a target and a victim.
Mr. Robert Ruiz, Associate Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties
|
| 3-3:20 p.m. |
Break With Exhibitors (Veramendi A&B) |
| 3:20-4:10 p.m |
Legislative Update
Hear a timely update on issues of the current session of the Legislature and how possible outcomes could affect your office.
Mr. Jason McElvaney, Founder, McElvaney Public Affairs
Ms. Elizabeth Choate, Legislative Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
|
| 4:10-5 p.m. |
Get to Know Your Association!
Get to know CTAT and what the association does. Review educational requirements and how to earn education hours. What is the difference between CTAT, TAC’s County Investment Academy, and the Public Funds Investment Act? Get information on how to get involved and find support within your region.
Hon. Gayla Hawkins, CTAT President and Grayson County Treasurer
Hon. Dianna Spieker, Tom Green County Treasurer
|
| 6-7:30 p.m. |
Welcome Reception & Silent Auction (Spring Lake Ballroom)
Here’s a great opportunity to relax and network with fellow attendees over beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
Drop off silent auction items after 5 p.m. Last bidding at 7 p.m. |
| Wednesday, April 19 |
| 7:30 a.m.-4:50 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer) |
| 7:30-8 a.m. |
Morning Coffee With Exhibitors (Veramendi A&B) |
| 8-8:50 a.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Creating Your Team: How to Conduct an Interview (Veramendi E&F)
Bringing a new employee on board can be daunting. Creating job postings and job descriptions, interviewing and hiring can feel like you’re running an obstacle course after not exercising for months! During this session we will help you navigate each step of the way so your plan of action gets you to the finish line intact.
Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Being Your Own Auditor (The Many Hats We Wear) (Veramendi G&H)
Being a treasurer in a small county can present large challenges. In this session we will look at the roles and responsibilities of the County Treasurer when there is no County Auditor. The phrase, “The Many Hats We Wear” takes on a whole new meaning. Are you ready for the job? Are you wearing the right hat?
Hon. Tammy Brown, Shackelford County Treasurer
Hon. Dinkie Parman, Hartley County Treasurer
Relating to Your County Auditor (Veramendi I&J)
Having a good relationship with your county auditor makes going to work every day easier. You will not always agree, but you both want what is best for the county. Find out how other treasurers and their county auditors work together.
Hon. Dianna Spieker, Tom Green County Treasurer
Mr. Nathan Cradduck, Tom Green County Audito |
| 8:55-9:45 a.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS – repeat sessions
Creating Your Team: How to Conduct an Interview (Veramendi E&F)
Being Your Own Auditor (Veramendi G&H)
Relating to Your County Auditor (Veramendi I&J) |
| 9:45-10:15 a.m. |
Break With Exhibitors (Veramendi A&B) |
| 10:15-11:05 a.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Managing People (Veramendi E&F)
Performance evaluations aren’t just about disciplining. Set up your employees for success by giving them the tools and resources they need. Make goal-setting a positive experience.
Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Commissioners and You (Veramendi G&H)
Commissioners are responsible for the general business of the county as part of the Commissioners Court. They adopt the county budget, approve budgeted purchases, and set salaries and benefits, among other things. Many of their decisions affect your office daily. Approaching the Commissioners Court with a positive attitude and a well-considered plan builds respect.
Hon. Renee Couch, Comal County Treasurer
Hon. Jen Crownover, Comal County Commissioner
Bank Reconciliations (Veramendi I&J)
This session will reflect on the importance of having a consistent reconciliation policy and process so you don’t get overwhelmed. Making bank reconciliations a priority can save you time and money.
Hon. Jennifer Henderson, Schleicher County Treasurer |
| 11:10 a.m.-noon |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS – repeat sessions
Managing People (Veramendi E&F)
Commissioners and You (Veramendi G&H)
Bank Reconciliations (Veramendi I&J) |
| Noon-1:15p.m. |
CTAT Treasurer-of-the-Year Nominee • Scholarship Recipient Announcements • Luncheon (Spring Lake Ballroom)
Texas' Outstanding County Treasurer Award Committee Chair: Hon. Dianna Spieker, Tom Green County Treasurer
CTAT Scholarship Chair: Hon. Jennifer Henderson, Schleicher County Treasurer |
| 1:15-2:05 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Why Documentation & Discipline are Important (Veramendi E&F)
Terminations are an area where counties are vulnerable to potential lawsuits, claims of unfair treatment, and unemployment claims costs. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure to these risks, and having a plan in place could save you time and money if things go awry. During this session, we will discuss best practices when terminating an employee and how to reduce the county’s liability.
Ms. Cheraun Blankenship, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Records Retention (Veramendi G&H)
Do you know your records retention policy? How long should you keep files? Is there a difference between digital files and paper files? The Texas State Library and Archives Commission will explain how best to dispose of these records.
Staying in Your Lane (Veramendi I&J)
Let’s review the need for building relationships to make your job easier and more effective. Learn tips on dealing with the media, including social media. Take a look at the various county government offices and how each affects the others. See how they all must work together to get the job done.
Ms. Kim Halfmann, County Relations Officer, Texas Association of Counties |
| 2:10-3 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS – repeat sessions
Why Documentation & Discipline are Important (Veramendi E&F)
Records Retention (Veramendi G&H)
Staying in Your Lane (Veramendi I&J) |
| 3-3:20 p.m. |
Break with Exhibitors |
| 3:20-4:10 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Payroll Compliance and Best Practices (Veramendi E&F)
This session will focus on payroll compliance and best practices for running successful governmental payrolls. We will discuss timekeeping, overtime calculations, payroll taxation, garnishments, fringe benefits, payroll reconciliation and managing common errors.
Hon. Cindy Yeatts Brown, Denton County Treasurer
First Amendment Auditors (Veramendi G&H)
First Amendment auditing is a social movement sweeping our country and state; self-appointed auditors test the limitations you may place on their free speech rights by recording people and things in and around governmental facilities. No county is too large or too small to be a potential target. This session will discuss common auditing practices, identify rights and limitations under the U.S. Constitution to recording in public, and provide tips for avoiding costly litigation and not becoming a social media spectacle.
Mr. Thomas Kerss, Law Enforcement Consultants Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties
Budget: End of Year – Start of Year (Veramendi I&J)
It is the end of the budget year. You are reviewing accounts. There are funds still available. What do you do? Where does that money go before the start of the next cycle?
Mr. Tramer Woytek, County Relations Officer, Texas Association of Counties |
| 4:15-5:05 p.m. |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS – repeat sessions
Payroll Compliance and Best Practices (Veramendi E&F)
First Amendment Auditors (Veramendi G&H)
Budget: End of Year – Start of Year (Veramendi I&J) |
| Thursday, April 20 |
| 7:30-11:40 a.m. |
Registration and Information Desk (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer) |
| 7:30-8 a.m. |
Morning Coffee |
| Veramendi E&F Ballroom |
| 8-8:50 a.m. |
$$$ Local Investment Policy
This session will cover the difference between required elements of an investment policy under Public Funds Investment Act and “best practice”. Provide an understanding of legislative changes to PFIA and how to incorporate them into the policy.
Mr. Patrick Shinkle, Director, University of North Texas |
| 8:50-9:40 a.m. |
Say It - With Effectiveness: The Essence of Public Speaking
"It takes three weeks to prepare a good ad lib speech." – Mark Twain
This session is designed to help participants embrace enthusiasm and optimism, so they look forward to making their next presentation. Learn about presenting your ideas in memorable ways as we explore the essentials of public speaking including preparation, language, voice, speech elements and combating stage fright. Additionally, we’ll reveal a tried-and-true template for making your ideas “sticky.” What good are good ideas if no one can remember them?
Mr. Mark Warren, Training Consultant, Texas Association of Counties |
| 9:40-10 a.m. |
Break |
| 10-10:50 a.m. |
$$$ Investment Policy Within Public Funds Investment Act
We’ll review the requirements for your entity’s investment policy according to the state Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA). We will also focus on industry best practices.
Ms. Debbie Laudermilk, Chief Investment Officer, Travis County |
| 10:50-11:40 a.m. |
$$$ Can a Public Fund Entity Invest in a LGIP Prime (Commercial Paper) Pool?
In accordance with Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) section 2256, can a municipality invest in a Prime Pool if the investment policy either restricts or does not list commercial paper as an investment? We will review PFIA 2256-eligible investments for LGIPs, ratings, and weighted average maturities. We will also review all LGIPs in Texas and discuss the history of these pools.
Mr. Tony Sekaly, Region Director, Texas CLASS |
| 11:40 a.m. |
Closing Remarks and Adjourn |