Basics of County Investments Course

In today’s economy, sound management of county financial assets can mean the difference between an embarrassing financial disaster and an investment return that supplements precious tax dollars. Prudent, professional management of public funds requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Investment laws, the state of the economy and other factors must be taken into consideration when developing a county’s financial strategy. Proper and frequent training for public funds investors can prevent costly errors. 

The Basics of County Investments Course offers 12.75 hours of classroom instruction appropriate for all levels interested in the essentials of investing public funds. An additional 7.25 hours of in-depth, hands-on learning is offered for those actively investing funds. Attendees will take a final assessment at the completion of the course. 

Why is TAC investment training valuable? 
The Basics of County Investments Course meets the education requirements of the Texas Public Funds Investment Act and includes discussion of basic laws and regulations governing investment operations. Presentations will cover products and services in the public funds markets and updates on the latest laws and strategies. Course topics include putting together an investment policy, understanding allowable investment options, managing various types of risk, and computing investment yields. 

This introductory course will be especially helpful for commissioners court members and anyone directly involved in managing portfolios. Attendees will learn to make sense of financial jargon and concepts that may be unfamiliar. They will also learn how to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize a county’s financial standing. 

Course graduates will be in a better position to ensure the safety of principal, portfolio liquidity and appropriate returns — all key areas of concern for county investments. 

County Investment Academy Membership
This training course is required for membership in the TAC County Investment Academy. The academy provides investment education through a variety of conferences. The training gives attendees access to accurate, in-depth information, as well as a network of experienced county investors from across the state. 

The County Investment Academy is a partnership between the Texas Association of Counties and the SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox, which produces the basics course. Through the partnership, SW Graduate School of Banking faculty members sit on the County Investment Academy Education Committee, help plan academy trainings, review course content, and teach the courses. Academy membership is acquired through the completion of the Basics of County Investments Course. 

Each year, the academy offers two education events at which members may earn credits toward the 15 hours required annually to maintain academy member standing. Members are recognized with special awards on the five-, 10-, 15- and 20-year anniversaries of completing the basics course. 

Who should attend?
Any county official or county staff member may attend the County Investment Academy courses. Anyone who oversees public investments, such as auditors, commissioners court members, county investment officers and treasurers, are especially encouraged to participate. TAC recommends that all counties, especially those with considerable assets, have at least one person on staff who has completed the basics course. 

History of TAC’s county investment training
TAC has offered training to public funds investors for more than 20 years. The program was born when the need to keep public funds investors up to date and knowledgeable about investment strategies was realized. In 1992, 10 county investors attended TAC’s first investment course. Since then, the education program has grown to include more advanced training and opportunities for continuing education. 

County Investment Education Committee 

Hon. Renee L. Couch, Chair 
Comal County Treasurer  

Hon. Charles Bradley 
Schleicher County Judge 

Hon. Katherine Hudson 
Wise County Treasurer 

Hon. Tambra Kile 
Ochiltree County Treasurer 

Ms. Julie Kiley  
Williamson County Auditor 

Hon. Michael Lord Jr.  
Gaines County Treasurer 

Mr. Carlos A. Pereda Jr. 
Dimmit/Zavala County Auditor 

Mrs. Amy Perez 
Harris County Deputy Executive Director, Office of Management & Budget 

Hon. William T. Rickert Jr. 
Fort Bend County Treasurer 

Hon. Tracy Soldan 
Kerr County Treasurer 

Hon. Jerry Yarbrough 
Lamb County Treasurer 

Dr. William Chittenden, CTP, ex officio 
President & CEO, Southwestern Graduate School of Banking  

Registration Fees