89th Annual Tax Assessor-Collectors Association Conference

June 4 - 7, 2023

Hilton Anatole
2201 N Stemmons Fwy
Dallas, TX 75207

Online registration is closed. You may register onsite.

For more information, contact Amy Lawson or Megan West at (800) 456‑5974.

Registration will open March 1. To take advantage of the early bird rate of $250 per person, you must register by May 5.

This year's conference theme is Forward Together! We are a diverse group of 254 professionals working forward together toward common goals — to educate, support and advance the office of county tax assessor-collector. TACA supports and promotes the idea that all county tax assessor-collectors have the opportunity to act together to solve mutual problems as a unified group.

Bingo (NEW NIGHT!)
Bingo will take place Sunday evening. Get your "Bingo!" voice ready. It's sure to be a fun night with great prizes.

Advanced Course
This year, the advanced certification course will be conducted Sunday before the start of the conference. Check out the draft program for times. The topic of this year's session is team building.

Lunches
Join us Monday to show your appreciation for our sponsors and congratulate those who have completed an education certification. Come to the lunch Tuesday for the installation of officers and to congratulate award winners.

Vendor and Sponsor Information
Information about being a vendor or sponsor can be found on the County Progress website: countyprogress.com/conferences/tax-assessor-collectors-association-of-texas-annual-conference/

Make checks payable to the Texas Association of Counties.

Mail checks to:
Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas
c/o Texas Association of Counties
P.O. Box 2131
Austin, TX 78768.

For more information, please contact Amy Lawson in the TAC Education and Event Services department at (800) 456‑5974.

Special Services
To ensure that our conference is ADA-accessible to all, please contact Amy Lawson or Megan West at (800) 456‑5974 if you need assistance.

Hilton Anatole (SOLD OUT)
2201 N. Stemmons Fwy
Dallas, TX 75207

Room Rate: $161 for single/double + $25 daily resort fee per room, per night (plus taxes)

Only elected officials will be allowed to book a hotel room 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. Friday, 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 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. 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.

Surrounding Hotels

Sheraton Suites Market Center Dallas
2101 N Stemmons Fwy
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 747‑3000
.3 miles from the host hotel

Courtyard by Marriot Dallas Medical/Market Center
2150 Market Center Blvd
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653‑1166
.3 miles from the host hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas Medical/Market Center
2110 Market Center Blvd
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 760‑8800
.3 miles from the host hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Market Center
2015 Market Center Blvd
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 741‑7481
.4 miles from the host hotel

Saturday, June 3
3-6 p.m. Board Meeting
Sunday, June 4
7:30-10:30 p.m. Bingo!
Monday, June 5
Noon-1:30 p.m. Sponsor Appreciation and Education Certificate Presentation Luncheon
Free evening
Tuesday, June 6
12:15-1:45 p.m.            Installation of Officers Luncheon
6-9 p.m. Off-Site Event – Medieval Time (Transportation and dinner provided)
Saturday, June 3
3-6 p.m. Board Meeting
Sunday, June 4
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
11 a.m.-5 p.m. TACA Welcome Table
1-2 p.m. Program Committee Meeting
1-4 p.m.

New Tax Assessor-Collector Orientation
Speakers: Hon. Tammy McRae, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Montgomery County
Hon. Randy Riggs, TACA Immediate Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, McLennan County
Moderator: Hon. Cheryl Gaskamp, Tax Assessor-Collector, Washington County

This session is required for all new tax assessor-collectors during the first 90 days of taking office. It provides information on the basic operations of a county tax office, where additional resources can be obtained, and on the rules and regulations that are state-mandated. Tax assessor-collectors are considered new if still in their first term of office.

1-5 p.m.

Advanced Session – Team Building
Speaker: Mr. Garry Parker, Professional Speaker, Trainer and Coach, Garry Parker and Associates
Moderator: Hon. Robin Harper, Tax Assessor-Collector, Andrews County

Building a team requires communication, cooperation and leadership. Today, you will be given the opportunity to learn the essentials needed for building a successful team. This training will include activities that reinforce all aspects needed for successful team building. Goals of this training:

  1. Understand that listening is the greatest asset to communication.
  2. Understand your communication style and recognize the styles of those on your team.
  3. Understand how animals in nature use cooperation to make work easier, more productive and more enjoyable.
  4. Understand that leadership is not power or position, and that it is not conveyed only by those in authority.
  5. Understand that one motivated person can make a difference in the workplace, community, and our world.
2-2:30 p.m. Awards Committee Meeting
3-4 p.m. TxDMV Liaison Committee Meeting
4-6 p.m. Site Committee Meeting
7:30-10:30 p.m. Bingo!
Monday, June 5
8-8:30 a.m. Education Committee Meeting
8-8:30 a.m. By-Laws Committee Meeting
8-9 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
9-9:30 a.m.

Welcome and Greetings

Greetings by Hon. Bruce Stidham, TACA President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Grayson County

Invocation by Hon. Michael Brewer, Tax Assessor-Collector, Robertson County

Presentation of Colors by Dallas County Sheriff's Office

Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag and Pledge to the Texas Flag by Hon. Kevin Kieschnick, Tax Assessor-Collector, Nueces County

Singing of the National Anthem and "Texas, Our Texas" by Hon. Michelle French, Tax Assessor-Collector, Denton County

Welcome by local dignitaries
Hon. Clay Jenkins, Dallas County Judge
Hon. John Warren, Dallas County Clerk

9:30-11 a.m.

How to Become a Born Leader
Speaker: Mr. Billy Riggs, Motivational Speaker

Bosses are a dime a dozen; leaders are priceless. Employees obey bosses only because they fear they will be rendered more miserable if they disobey than if they obey. Morale suffers, key people depart and productivity sags. But a genuine leader inspires team members to want to do their work. Employees follow true leaders out of respect and admiration. They work out of a sense of shared ownership of goals and passion for the fulfillment of a noble mission. Learn the keys to climbing the "Leadership Pyramid" through six distinct stages – from a man who's been to the top of the pyramid twice – and begin the rewarding journey from mere boss to leader. Better still, you'll learn while laughing through an entertaining and fun program. More than any other topic, Billy Riggs is a leadership motivational speaker. He is a natural and highly effective leader and will help you become one, too.

11-11:10 a.m. Break
11:10 a.m.-noon

Public Information Act To-Do List
Speaker: Ms. Tamara Smith, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General
Moderator: Hon. Kim Rinn, Tax Assessor-Collector, Austin County

Do you know what to do when you receive a Public Information Act request? In this session, we will learn how to process a request, identify what is required, and review what information you must give.

Tax Refunds
Speaker: Mr. James Guest, Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Moderator: Hon. Debora Riley, Tax Assessor-Collector, Shelby County

This comprehensive class explains the different types of refunds in the Texas Property Tax Code (automatic refunds and application required refunds); and when to exercise the Voluntary Payment Doctrine.

Secretary of State Update
Speakers: Ms. Tiffany Owens, TEAM Specialist, Texas Secretary of State
Ms. Lena Proft, Staff Attorney, Texas Secretary of State
Moderator: Hon. Kristin Bulanek, Tax Assessor-Collector, Brazoria County

This session will provide an update from the Texas Secretary of State's Office regarding voter registration updates and how and when you can use Chapter 19 funds.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Sponsors Appreciation and Education Certificate Presentation Luncheon
1:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall and TACA Store Opening Ceremony
1:30-3:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
1:30-5:30 p.m. TACA Store Open
1:30-2 p.m. Exhibit Hall Break
2-2:50 p.m.

TxDMV Update
Speaker: Mr. Daniel Avitia, Executive Director, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
Mr. Charles Bacarisse, Chairperson, TxDMV
Mr. Roland D. Luna Sr., Deputy Executive Director, TxDMV
Moderator: Hon. Dawn Vieth, TACA Director and Tax Assessor-Collector, Archer County

This session will provide an overview of Texas Department of Motor Vehicles operations affecting tax assessor-collector offices and the programs and transactions processed by counties on behalf of the department. Speakers will provide updates on current department activities, legislative implementation, and motor vehicle program changes during the past year.

2:50-3:20 p.m. Exhibit Hall Break
3:20-4:10 p.m.

DMV Roundtable: Population Under 40,000
Moderator: Hon. Jana Young, Tax Assessor-Collector, Scurry County

Share your knowledge, questions and suggestions during this roundtable discussions. Learn how other counties your size handle unique situations, and share how your office works.

Property Taxes Roundtable: Population Over 40,000
Moderator: Hon. Wendy Burgess, Tax Assessor-Collector, Tarrant County

Share your knowledge, questions and suggestions during this roundtable discussions. Learn how other counties your size handle unique situations, and share how your office works.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Update
Speakers: Ms. Sarah Fricke, Regional Licensing Supervisor, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Ms. Julie Ross, Director of Licensing, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Moderator: Hon. Becky Robles, Tax Assessor-Collector, Tom Green County

Representatives from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will provide an update about new laws and procedures regarding collection of TABC licenses and review the TABC website.

4:10-5 p.m.

Property Taxes Roundtable: Population Under 40,000
Moderator: Hon. Karen Fisher, Tax Assessor-Collector, Orange County

Share your knowledge, questions and suggestions during this roundtable discussions. Learn how other counties your size handle unique situations, and share how your office works.

DMV Roundtable: Population Over 40,000
Moderator: Shay Luedeke, TACA Director and Tax Assessor-Collector, Bell County

Share your knowledge, questions and suggestions during this roundtable discussions. Learn how other counties your size handle unique situations, and share how your office works.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Update (repeated)
Speakers: Ms. Sarah Fricke, Regional Licensing Supervisor, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Ms. Julie Ross, Director of Licensing, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Moderator: Hon. Mary Ann Waters, Tax Assessor-Collector, Grimes County

Representatives from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will provide an update about new laws and procedures regarding collection of TABC licenses and will review the TABC website.

5-5:30 p.m. Legislative Committee Meeting
5-5:30 p.m. Elections Committee Meeting
Free Evening
Tuesday, June 6 – Wear Your TACA Shirt Day
7:30-8:30 a.m. Past Presidents' Breakfast
8-8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
8 a.m.-4 p.m. TACA Store Open
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
8:30-9:20 a.m.

Deputy Session: Protecting You Data Gold Mine (repeats at 9:40 a.m.)
Speaker: Mr. Brandon Armstrong, Cybersecurity Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Kimberly Roe, Chief Deputy, Montgomery County

You have a mountain of data in your office that is a gold mine for would-be cyber threat actors. Attendees will be introduced to the cybersecurity triad and learn how your data should be secured. This session will provide an overview of best practices to secure data using the concepts of access control, least privilege, and encryption.

Deputy Session: Dealing With Difficult People (repeats at 10:35 a.m.)
Speaker: Ms. Halie Bever, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Cydney Norton, Chief Deputy, Randall County

Are employees leaving your county and citing office drama? Are supervisors throwing their hands up in surrender? Is there one individual who is consistently involved in poor behavior or emotional outbursts? Help is here. During this session, you will learn how to recognize the characteristics of difficult people, how to help them become more productive employees, and how to prevent one person from upending the entire workplace harmony.

8:30-10 a.m. TACA Business Meeting
9:20-9:40 a.m. Exhibit Hall Break (Deputies)
9:40-10:30 a.m.

Deputy Session: DMV Reports (repeats at 10:35 a.m.)
Speakers: Ms. Sarah Balderas, Regional Service Center Manager, TxDMV
Ms. Andrea Berlocher, Lead Compliance Specialist, TxDMV
Ms. Trinie De La Cruz, Assistant Director Regional Services, TxDMV
Mr. Charlie Escobedo, Field Service Manager, TxDMV
Ms. Angelica Rodriguez, Assistant Director Regional Services, TxDMV
Moderator: Ms. Kimberly Roe, Chief Deputy, Montgomery County

This session will provide an overview of the various reports available to the tax assessor-collector's office from the TxDMV.

Deputy Session: Protecting Your Data Gold Mine
Speaker: Mr. Brandon Armstrong, Cybersecurity Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Cydney Norton, Chief Deputy, Randall County

You have a mountain of data in your office that is a gold mine for would be cyber threat actors. Attendees will be introduced to the cybersecurity triad and learn how your data should be secured. This session will provide an overview of best practices to secure data using the concepts of access control, least privilege, and encryption.

10-10:20 a.m. Exhibit Hall Break (TACs)
10:20-11:30 a.m. TACA Business Meeting (Continued)
10:35-11:25 a.m.

Deputy Session: Dealing With Difficult People
Speaker: Ms. Halie Bever, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
Moderator: Ms. Kimberly Roe, Chief Deputy, Montgomery County

Are employees leaving your county and citing office drama? Are supervisors throwing their hands up in surrender? Is there one individual who is consistently involved in poor behavior or emotional outbursts? Help is here. During this session, you will learn how to recognize the characteristics of difficult people, how to help them become more productive employees, and how to prevent one person from upending the entire workplace harmony.

Deputy Session: DMV Reports
Speakers: Ms. Sarah Balderas, Regional Service Center Manager, TxDMV
Ms. Andrea Berlocher, Lead Compliance Specialist, TxDMV
Ms. Trinie De La Cruz, Assistant Director Regional Services, TxDMV
Mr. Charlie Escobedo, Field Service Manager, TxDMV
Ms. Angelica Rodriguez, Assistant Director Regional Services, TxDMV
Moderator: Ms. Cydney Norton, Chief Deputy, Randall County

This session will provide an overview of the various reports available to the tax assessor-collector's office from the TxDMV.

11:30 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Banquet & Installation of Officers
1:25 p.m. TAC Photo
1:30-3:20 p.m.

Manufactured Housing & Boat Titling and Registration
Speaker: Hon. Crystal Cedillo, Tax Assessor-Collector, Gonzales County
Moderator: Ms. Kathy Hollomon, Chief Deputy, McLennan County

County tax assessor-collectors have responsibilities related to tax liens for manufactured homes. Additionally, there are multiple scenarios and forms required for the titling and registration of boats in Texas. After this course, tax assessor-collectors and their staff members will be able to describe the duties and requirements associated with recording and releasing tax liens for manufactured homes, and responsibilities related to issuing boat registrations and titling.

This course is approved for advanced designations completion.

Ethics for County Tax Assessor-Collectors
Speaker: Mr. Jim Lambeth, Capital Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Moderator: Hon. Karen Lane, Tax Assessor-Collector, Madison County

County tax assessor-collectors, deputies and their staff must continuously work to promote an ethical environment in the county tax office to avoid negative perceptions. This course defines ethics and reviews basic terms, ethical conduct and consequences of unethical behavior.

This course is approved for advanced designations completion.

FMLA: What Every Employer Needs to Know
Speakers: Hon. John R. Ames, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Dallas County
Ms. Cici Garcia, Director of Taxpayer Relations, Dallas County
Moderator: Hon. Donna Willis, TACA Vice President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Lynn County

The Family and Medical Leave Act can be difficult to administer. Employee situations can vary greatly, and FMLA laws change frequently. Designed for the general public, this course provides an overview of the FMLA, the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees, military leave and FMLA enforcement.

This course is approved for advanced designations completion.

3:20-3:50 p.m. Exhibit Hall Break
3:50-4:50 p.m.

TxDMV Anti-Fraud Strategies Implemented
Speakers: Mr. Jeffrey Armstrong, Operations Director, TxDMV
Mr. Joe Canady, Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Director, TxDMV
Mr. Will Hilton, Deputy Chief Information Officer, TxDMV
Ms. Monique Johnston, Motor Vehicle Division Director, TxDMV
Mr. Roland D Luna, Sr., Deputy Executive Director, TxDMV
Ms. Shelly Mellott, Deputy Executive Director, TxDMV
Ms. Annette Quintero, Vehicle Titles & Registration Division Director, TxDMV
Ms. Corrie Thompson, Enforcement Division Director, TxDMV
Moderator: Hon. Tammy McRae, TACA Past President and Tax Assessor-Collector, Montgomery County

This session will provide an overview of TxDMV's collaborative efforts and analysis to identify fraud trends and implement measures to combat and reduce fraud activity.

6-9 p.m. Offsite Event – Medieval Times (Transportation and dinner provided)
Wednesday, June 7
7:30-8:30 a.m. New Board Meeting
8-8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8-11 a.m. Exhibit Hall Open
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Registration and Information Desk Open
8:30-9:20 a.m.

Legislative Update
Moderator: Hon. Christina McMurray, TACA Director and Tax Assessor-Collector, Randall County

When legislators are faced with issues that may affect local government, they want to hear from local elected and appointed officials. This session will feature experts from the Texas Legislature discussing the numerous ways you, as a county official, can help in the legislative process.

9:20-9:40 a.m. Exhibit Hall Break
9:40-10:30 a.m.

Truth-N-Taxation
Speaker: Ms. Connie Rose, Director of Education, McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen, P.C.
Moderator: Hon. Sherry Mueck, Tax Assessor-Collector, Milam County

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.

10:30-10:50 a.m. Exhibit Hall Break
10:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tax Office Fraud Case
Speakers: Ms. Janet Martin, Auditor, Ellis County
Hon. William D. Wallace, District Judge, 378th Judicial District Court
Moderator: Hon. Richard Rozier, Tax Assessor-Collector, Ellis County

"Why do you care about the bank accounts in the Tax Office? Those accounts aren't in your general ledger?" Because hiding in those unreconciled bank accounts was $2.1 million of county revenue, theft of $74,000, and payroll paid from the Special Inventory Tax bank account. The session will detail the process the Ellis County Auditor's Office used to rebuild, locate and ultimately prosecute the thefts.

* Subject to change prior to conference. Please check back for updates.

Applications for continuing education credit will be made for the tax assessor-collector SB 546 mandate, TACA designations and comptroller/TDLR for attendees who may not be covered under SB 546.

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 $85 will be charged to offset guarantees given by TACA.

Please email cancellations to Megan West.

Back to top