HEALTH CARE REFORM West Texas Reflections TALKING TRUST CIVILITY & LIABILITY Feds Try to Force Texas’ Hand on Lessons Learned from Decades Stephen M.R

MaY/JUN. 2015 • Vol. 27, No. 3 CountyA Publication of the Texas Association of Counties county.org/magazine

CELEBRATING COUNTIES PHOTOS FROM COUNTY GOVERNMENT DAY AT THE CAPITOL | PG. 14

HEALTH CARE REFORM West texas reflections TALKING TRUST CIVILITY & LIABILITY Feds try to force Texas’ hand on Lessons learned from decades Stephen M.R. Covey previews The importance of creating a Medicaid expansion | pg. 10 of public service | pg. 24 TAC Leg Conference | pg. 36 friendly workplace | pg. 50

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transparent Texas Association of Counties Mission Statement The mission of the Texas Association of Counties is to unite counties to achieve better solutions.

County, a bimonthly magazine, is distributed to every elected county official and county auditor in Texas’ 254 counties. Other readers include purchasing agents, budget and planning administrators, appointed department heads, state legislators and state agency personnel. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part, is permissible only upon express written authorization from the publisher and when proper credit, including copyright acknowledgment, Does your software make it easy to help your community? is given to Texas Association of Counties’ County Magazine.

Communities of all kinds – school, legal, residential – need information your ©2000, Texas Association of Counties. Published by the Texas Association of Counties, P.O. Box 2131, Austin, Texas 78768-2131. office provides. Software from Tyler Technologies helps you respond to the needs Telephone: (512) 478-8753, Facsimile: (512) 478-0519. World Wide Web site: http://www.county.org. of an increasingly open and mobile constituency with online and easy-to-access Articles in County magazine that refer to issues that could be considered by the Texas Legislature may be interpreted to be “legislative advertising” tools. Convenient. Responsive. Accessible. To find out more, visit tylertech.com according to Texas Gov’t. Code Ann §305.027. Disclosure of the name and address of the person who contracts with the printer to publish the or email us at [email protected]. legislative advertising in County magazine is required by that law: Gene Terry, 1210 San Antonio, Austin, Texas 78701.

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Call Michael King 4562 IH-10 East General Sales Manager General Sales Manager San Antonio, TX 78219 [email protected] 1-800-779-7672 xt120 Cell 210-601-0555

transparent Texas Association of Counties Mission Statement The mission of the Texas Association of Counties is to unite counties to achieve better solutions.

11783_mag.indd 1 5/15/15 12:23 PM LOOKING FOR EQUIPMENT TO DIG OR MOW? BUYBOARD IS THE PLACE TO GO.

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LOOKING FOR EQUIPMENT TO MAY/JUN. 2015 DIG OR MOW? Contents BUYBOARD IS THE PLACE 24 32 36 50 2015 Officers TO GO. & Board of Directors PRESIDENT Don Allred Oldham County Judge PRESIDENT ELECT Joyce Hudman Brazoria County Clerk VICE PRESIDENT Larry Gallardo Highlights Hidalgo County Constable 24 West Texas Reflections MEMBERS Former Brewster County Judge Val Clark Beard says reliance on the law, Lynn Cartrite Moore County Commissioner West Texas ranching life guided her in decades of public service Renee Couch Comal County Treasurer 32 Cyber Insecurities Edward Dion New TAC Risk Management Pool coverage available for data breaches and El Paso County Auditor privacy response A.J. Louderback Jackson County Sheriff 36 Talking Trust with Stephen M.R. Covey Laurie English 2015 Legislative Conference keynote speaker shares his insights 112th District Attorney Heather Hawthorne 42 Offering Healthy Incentives Chambers County Clerk Healthy County panelists offer advice from the front lines on creating Diane Hoefling wellness programs and implementing incentives Moore County District Clerk Jackie Miller, Jr. 48 County Management & Risk Conference Ellis County Justice of the Peace A brief refresher Alma Moreno San Patricio County Commissioner 50 Liability & Civility Scott Porter Michael Fann discusses the importance of creating a civil workplace culture Johnson County Tax Assessor-Collector and counties’ liability when things go wrong Terry Simpson San Patricio County Judge Michael Truitt Denton County Constable Departments Byron Underwood Cherokee County Commissioner 4 Staff Report | 5 Website Spotlight | 6 MESSAGE FOR YOU | 7 CLIPBOARDS | 20 VOICES | Grover “Tiger” Worsham 59 Calendar | 60 County Information Program | 62 Newsfeed | 63 WHO TO CALL | 64 LAST LOOK Trinity County Commissioner

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Mark Hamlin County Staff Brazos County District Clerk Gene Terry, Executive Director | Leah Magnus, Communications Director | Maria Sprow, Editor, Liz NACo Representative Carmack, Joel Nihlean and Cassandra Sanchez-Barrera, Contributing Writers | Ben Chomiak, Graphic Design Connie Hickman Navarro County Justice of the Peace BuyBoard® streamlines the purchasing process and ON THE COVER Immediate Past President Potter County District Clerk Caroline Woodburn, Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches), Moore County District Ron Hickman helps members make confident buying decisions. Clerk Diane Hoefling, TAC Legislative Liaison Nanette Forbes and Guadalupe County Clerk Teresa Kiel enjoy Harris County Sheriff lunch together during County Government Day at the Capitol on April 15. Photo by Maria Sprow. And membership is free! NACo Representative Endorsed by buyboard.com • 800.695.2919 MaYJa/JUNn/Feb 2015 2015 ★ county.org/magazine county.org/magazine 33

11783_mag.indd 3 5/19/15 1:07 PM ★ | Staff Report | By Gene Terry, TAC Executive Director STAFF Report

County Government: The Best Bargain for Taxpayers

hat are we doing? I mean, literally, what do counties do? As I write this in mid-April in the midst of the chaos of our legislative session, I find myself Wtalking about this a lot. This year, in particular, we are being asked how we spend our money. Some have questioned how counties exercise their spending discretion during the budget process. Those doing the asking are assuming that there is discretion in that process. Local control is the really important issue at stake. That control comes with the trust voters place in locally elected officials and it includes, by implication, the discretion to make spending decisions. But how much discretion do we really have? It’s not like the commissioners court can decide to shut down a department because it isn’t profitable. We are compelled by the state Constitution and statutes to provide services as defined at a level that serve the local population. Once all the mandatory expenses are budgeted, there is not much left over in that discretionary Gene Terry pile. When I was in office, that pile was often less than $20,000, and it usually went Executive Director, to the volunteer fire departments or other public service groups. Texas Association of Counties Do the good folks in your county know how you exercise the discretion they have given you? They may not. We need more platforms to tell everyone what we do and how we do it. County government is the best bargain taxpayers have. They just don’t know it. They get more direct benefits from you than from any other level of tax-supported government. Just think about it. In my county and here in Travis County, the tax office collects for all entities. That’s a huge savings to taxpayers. Similarly, imagine what would happen if the county clerk didn’t keep records of “Why don’t we talk about real estate transactions. It would be the Wild Wild West again. And think about all the conflict resolved by an orderly court system. The alternative is really scary. what counties do? Shoot, These are just a few of the things counties do that aren’t so obvious. I’ll bet you can why don’t we brag about think of many others. it! TAC will be developing Why don’t we talk about what counties do? Shoot, why don’t we brag about it! TAC will be developing products and processes to help you do just that. Our only products and processes to mission is to help you do your job. You do it well. Let’s figure out how to deliver help you do just that. Our that message to the good folks who have placed their faith in you. That’s who we only mission is to help you work for. We need to make regular reports to the boss about how we are doing. If they knew what I know, they would be just as proud and supportive of you as I am. do your job. You do it well.” They should be partners and allies helping us with the struggle to retain that local control. At the end of the day, attempts to abridge local control are more about the discretion your constituents exercise, not about the particular discretion of locally elected officials. After all, your discretion and authority comes from them. They remind us of that at the polls every two years. What we do, we do very well. Let’s tell people about it. We have a lot to be proud of. There is no reason to keep that a secret. As always, if you need anything, please let us know. Helping you is never a chore. It’s what we do and is all we do. Tell us how we can do it better. *

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Code for America www.codeforamerica.org

he culture of tech startups and the formal and regimented Tprocesses of government procurement seem like opposing distant ends of a large spectrum. Code for America (CfA) wants to change that. They want to help government solve problems and harness technology to become leaner and more user-friendly. The organization, which started in 2009 with a focus on municipalities, broadened its focus to include direct collaboration with county governments in 2013. Dubbed the Peace Corps for Geeks, the nonprofit fellowship program takes young, computer-savvy and civic-minded tech experts and places them with local governments, where they can make a real impact on improving government technology. Local governments have had difficulty adapting to the rapid changes brought on by the tech booms of the past two decades thanks to scientists to local across the country. the institutional governments, CfA Counties can learn more by challenges that set also hosts a peer visiting http://www.codeforamerica. a slower pace for network to connect org/governments. Counties can also change as compared local governments access the CfA library of videos, how- to the private sector. to each other to guides and other civic technology CfA partners with local to facilitate peer learning and resources for free at http://www. governments that are working to collaborative problem-solving with the codeforamerica.org/library. ★ catch up, and also supplies those hope of more quickly spreading best governments with the information and practices between cities and counties resources to get ahead on their own. In CfA’s most hands-on programs, Fellowships and Brigades, individuals and teams are matched with local AuctioneerExpress.com governments that apply to participate. Online Auctions CfA fellows then collaborate with GOvernmentAl - municipAlity - privAte pArty local government, community groups and constituents to identify areas ★ Specialties: ★ Our goal: to get you ★ Reasonable reserve on the HIGHEST RETURN where technology can streamline Online & Live Auctions items allowed, if desired for Counties-Cities- FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT & ★ government, cut costs and better SURPLUS Also, bid on other counties’ Governmental surplus equipment on our deliver services, and begin building Entities ★ Sold at your location online site applications to do just that. In addition to their Fellowship www.AuctioneerExpress.com and Brigade programs that deploy 903-572-4975 developers, designers and data Texas Auctioneer Lic. # 13801

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11783_mag.indd 5 5/15/15 12:23 PM ★ | MESSAGE FOR YOU | County Magazine Communicating for Results: the Influential Leader

hat if you could more easily connect, build meaningful relationships, Wand accomplish your goals through others? You can, and this August at TAC’s annual Legislative Conference, I’ll show you how. In order to make meaningful connections, it is necessary to understand how to effectively communicate with a variety of people. While one person may want to tell you everything from what they ate for breakfast to their plans for the weekend, others may simply want to give you an elevator pitch, collect a business card, and Anne Grady be on their way. Entrepreneur, author Understanding your audience and modifying your communication accordingly is not just a skill, it’s an art. In my keynote session, we will explore ways to identify the behavior style of those you meet, understand what motivates each style, and learn how to tailor your communication accordingly. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to expand your network, build lasting relationships, and maximize your communication. You will be able to use the strategies immediately to connect with constituents, communicate needs to legislators, and influence others to action. *

Editor’s note: Anne Grady is an entrepreneur, author and expert in personal and organizational transformation. With a master’s degree in organizational communication and over fifteen years of experience, Grady has helped lead organizations toward changes that build teamwork, increase productivity and reduce stress. Her topics cover the entire spectrum of conversations that organizations need to have to be engaged, productive & profitable. Grady provides keynote addresses, presentations, and professional development sessions for groups of all sizes around the world, and her work has been featured on CNN, ESPN, FOX Business, MSN, NBC, CBS, Bloomberg Radio, Investor’s Business Daily, US News & World Report and more. With humor, passion and straight talk, she provides practical strategies that get results.

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DICKENS, LUBBOCK COUNTY EARN GIDEON AWARDS ickens County and Lubbock County both recently received Daccolades from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission’s (TIDC) Texas Gideon Recognition Program for their innovative and cost-effective indigent defense programs. Dickens County earned the Gideon Award for its leadership role in creating the Caprock Regional Public Defender Office, which uses Texas Tech University law school students to provide indigent defense services to 14 underserved, rural counties: Armstrong, Briscoe, Cottle, Dawson, Dickens, Floyd, Gaines, Hardeman, Kent, King, Knox, Motley, Stonewall and Swisher. The program was created from a $500,000 grant to Dickens County in 2010 from the TIDC. Participating students began taking cases in January 2011; so far, more than 36 students have gained real-world Donnell Yandell, the chief public defender at the Caprock Regional Public Defender Office, accepts a Gideon Award on defense experience through the behalf of the Texas Tech University School of Law and Dickens County from Sharon Keller, the presiding judge of the Texas program. Court of Criminal Appeals. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s the only law school in the country that has a public defender office attached to it,” said TIDC Executive Director Jim Bethke. Lubbock County earned a Gideon Award in recognition of two indigent defense programs. The Regional Public Defender’s Office for Capital Cases was established in 2008. It is the “largest collaborative effort between counties and a state-funded program in the formative years in the United States,” according to its website. It now helps provide budget predictiability and effective and cost-efficient capital case defense counsel to 170 Texas counties. The Lubbock Private Defender Office, established in 2012, was the state’s first countywide managed assigned counsel system. It allows for greater independence in the county’s selection and payment of defense Sharon Keller, the presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presents a Gideon Award to Lubbock County counsel, as well as mentoring and representatives Commissioner Bill McCay, 237th District Court Judge Les Hatch and Commissioner Patti Jones on behalf training for attorneys, according to the of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission on March 6. Also present for the award were Jack Stoffregen, the chief public TIDC press release. defender of the West Texas Regional Public Defender’s Office; Philip Wischkaemper and George Nelson from the Lubbock Private Defender’s Office; and Lubbock County Director of Court Administration Dean Stanzione.

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Collin County Ranked Best in Texas for Health 2015 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps seek to help counties build cultures of health n organization Overall Rank of children in poverty are both dedicated to making (An overall ranking for all Health Factors combined.) increasing. AAmerica’s counties #6 Rockwall County: healthier has released its The county’s clinical care 2015 rankings of health services have mostly all outcomes and health factors. improved and the county The purpose of the rankings ranks third overall in is to help counties create social and economic factors, personalized roadmaps to though its unemployment better health outcomes, rates and number of according to the program children in poverty are responsible for the data. both increasing. It ranked Collin County is leading 226 out of 237 for its the state in terms of health physical environment and behaviors, clinical care and Rank long commutes. social economic factors, 1 - 59 #7 Randall County: though it ranks 163 out of The county scored high 60 - 118 237 ranked Texas counties for its health behaviors, for its physical environment, 119 - 1783 clinical care, work mostly because of the area’s 179 - 237 commutes and social and long, lone work commute. Not Ranked economic factors, but Studied health behaviors again, unemployment rates include adult smoking and obesity, and number of children in poverty food environment, physical inactivity, The other top-ranked Texas are both increasing, according to access to exercise opportunities, counties, according to health factors, data, and the county’s air pollution is excessive drinking, alcohol-impaired are: getting worse. deaths, sexually transmitted #2 Williamson County: The #8 Gillespie County: The county infections and teen births. county ranked high in terms of quality ranks second in the state for clinical Clinical care data takes into account of life, health behaviors, clinical care, care and third for its physical the percentage of uninsured residents; and social and economic factors. environment, but adult obesity ratio of primary care physicians, #3 Kendall County: The county and physical inactivity are both dentists and mental health providers; was 10th for length of life, fourth increasing. preventable hospital stays; diabetic for health behaviors and fifth for #9 Travis County: Travis County monitoring; and mammography social and economic factors, but the ranks ninth in terms of length of life screenings. county’s adult obesity rates are rising, and clinical care services, and fifth Social and economic factors taken according to the rankings. for its health behaviors. Twenty-two into consideration include high #4 Fort Bend County: The percent of residents report excessive school graduation rates, percentage county has decreased its number drinking habits. of residents who pursue college of premature deaths, uninsured #10 Brazos County: The data educations, unemployment, percentage residents, violent crimes and shows improved clinical care services of children in poverty, income preventable hospital stays, but its but increasing unemployment rates inequality, children in single-parent number of children in poverty has and numbers of children in poverty. households, social associations, violent risen, according to data. According to the data, the Texas crime and injury deaths. #5 Denton County: The county counties with the longest length of Physical environment factors ranks third in health behaviors, life are Presidio, Collin, Concho, include air pollution, drinking water as only 10 percent of adults smoke Williamson, Fort Bend, Denton, Hays, violations, severe housing problems, and 96 percent report access to Mills, Travis and Kendall. percentage of residents driving alone exercise opportunities. However, More information can be found at to work, and length of commutes. its unemployment rate and number www.countyhealthrankings.org.

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Registration Open for National Association of Counties Conference County officials can now register to attend the 2015 National Association of Counties’ (NACo) 80th Annual Conference and Exposition, scheduled for July 10-13 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The annual NACo conference gives county officials the opportunity to network with their colleagues from across the country, have a say in federal legislation and regulation, elect national officers, learn about innovative county programs, discuss issues affecting county governments in all states and view products and services from hundreds of vendors. More information on NACo and on the conference can be found at www.naco.org.

Easter Treats Glasscock County employees had a special Easter treat this year — an egg hunt. The county started the tradition just last year, but it was so popular that County Judge Kim Halfmann said she suspects it will become an annual tradition. Participating employees each bring in 10 eggs, filled with a total of $10 divided however they choose. All the eggs are hidden around the courthouse square, and employees make a mad dash to find the treasures. The three employees who wind up finding the least amount of money receive prize eggs filled Rentals • Sales • Parts • Service with trinkets, candies and gift cards of up to $15. The event follows an annual employee PAVING • COMPACTION • AIR COMPRESSORS luncheon. PUMPS•SOILSTABILIZERS•CRUSHING COMPACT MILLING MACHINES • EXCAVATORS DOZERS•CRANES•BOOMTRUCKS www.kirby-smith.com 888.861.0219

Abilene Amarillo Dallas 877.577.5729 800.283.1247 800.753.1247 Ft. Worth Kansas City Lubbock 877.851.9977 877.851.5729 866.289.6087 Odessa Oklahoma City St. Louis 877.794.1800 800.375.3339 866.279.1392 Tulsa 800.375.3733

Not all makes and models availa ble at all locations.

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Health Care Reform Update: Feds try to force Texas’ hand on Medicaid Expansion he future of the state’s health Texas cannot opt out of many of the care safety net might be cuts that are being made to hospitals, Tunraveling. The renewal of the nursing homes, home health care state’s Section 1115 transformation providers and Medicare Advantage waiver – which allows Texas to plans over the next 10 years in an leverage billions in federal aid to effort to pay for the nationwide revamp health care delivery systems overhaul of the health care system. in the state – may now be tied to an The cuts, taking place in every expansion of Medicaid. state, shift money around to pay for The Texas Health and Human health care reform and the Medicaid Services Commission (HHSC) has expansion other states are accepting. confirmed reports that federal health Without the Medicaid expansion, officials contacted them in mid-April the cuts place growing pressure saying the state’s choice not to expand making less than 138 percent of the on the Texas health care system to Medicaid would factor in when the Federal Poverty Level — $11,170 for provide the same level of care with waiver comes up for renewal. A an individual and $23,550 for a family significantly less funding. similar move in Florida has already of four — and it would satisfy the CMS A population of more than 1 million prompted that state’s governor, Rick requirement that uncompensated care uninsured Texans make too much Scott, to promise to sue the Obama funding not pay for costs that would be to qualify for Medicaid under the administration. covered in a Medicaid expansion, but state’s current requirements, but too Because the Texas waiver expires it is a move many state officials have little to get the federal subsidies that in 2016 and the Legislature does called fiscally irresponsible. Critics of make insurance affordable under the not meet again until 2017, work expansion call Medicaid inefficient, Affordable Care Act. This population on the renewal process must begin saying it would eventually overrun the relies largely on hospital emergency soon. Officials need to submit a final state budget, costing taxpayers more rooms and clinics for primary and proposal to the federal Centers for than it’s worth in the long term. critical care. Medicare and Medicaid Services Since declining the Medicaid According to the Texas Hospital (CMS) by Sept. 1. expansion ruled optional by the Association, hospitals provide Letting the Texas waiver expire Supreme Court, Texas has relied uncompensated care to the tune of without some sort of funding on the Section 1115 transformation $5.5 billion annually. That price tag solution in place would be financially waiver it negotiated in 2011 to would be even higher if it weren’t for devastating, according hospital help hospitals recoup some of their the County Indigent Health Care leaders. David Pearson, president of uncompensated care costs and to Program (CIHCP). In 2011, CIHCPs the Texas Organization of Rural and bring together local stakeholders and unreimbursed jail health care Community Hospitals, told Modern together – hospitals, local costs in Texas counties topped Healthcare that hospitals wouldn’t governments, physicians and others – $258,927,030, although that total does be able to withstand the loss of any in regional health partnerships. not include all of the administrative significant amount of funding “lest The partnerships are rewarded expenses incurred by counties. There we further undermine the delicate for developing community-based are currently 143 counties operating balance that has helped to protect programs that improve the quality CIHCPs in Texas. the hospitals and clinics in remote and reduce the cost of indigent The current arrangement is rural areas.” Ten Texas hospitals have care. The goal is to incentivize unsustainable in the long term, but already closed between 2012 and 2014. more efficient care and replicate the what’s still unclear is how health care “It would be a disaster,” Dr. Paul successful models across the state, reform’s loose ends will get tied up Klotman, president and CEO of Baylor instead of having the state writing a this session. College of Medicine told the Houston blank check for uncompensated care. TAC will continue to monitor the Chronicle. “I would not be surprised if While the state was able to opt Affordable Care Act, the health safety net hospitals just folded.” out of Medicaid dollars the federal care system in Texas, any proposed Expanding Medicaid would provide government would have sent and the changes and the potential impacts to health coverage to poor Texans strings that came attached to them, county government.

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2015 Legislative Conference just around the corner Breakout sessions determined The 84th legislative session is winding to a close, and when it’s finally over and the budget dust settles, it will be time for TAC’s 2015 Legislative Conference in Austin. And this session will leave attendees with no short- age of hot topics to talk about. “For better or worse, it’s been an interesting session TAC Welcomes Newly so far, and if nothing else, it’s making for a very robust Appointed Officials conference schedule,’ said The following county officials were recently appointed to new TAC Legislative Director Paul offices. TAC welcomes them to their new positions and thanks them Sugg. for their service to county government and Texas residents. The opening day of the Ronny Alaniz Rosalinda Adamcik conference will feature keynotes by Andrews County Constable Fayette County Tax Assessor- Stephen M.R. Covey, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Collector bestselling author of The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Lori Rutledge Changes Everything; Anne Grady, author of 52 Strategies for Life, Archer County District Clerk Arnulfo Luna Love & Work, and Cary Roberts, Texas Managing Director of The Carlos Salazar Frio County Judge Herald Group, LLC . Bee County Commissioner Gary Husfeld Throughout the session, TAC’s Legislative Department has re- fined a list of the issues important to counties that the Legislature Debra French Grimes County Commissioner is actively studying. On Thursday, Aug. 27, these issues will be the Caldwell County Auditor Wes Collins basis for a full day of valuable breakout sessions featuring subject Hill County Sheriff Pete Sepulveda matter experts, and other knowledgeable individuals who will Cameron County Judge Rodney Carr examine what happened in the 84th session and what it means for Randall Rister Hockley County Justice of the counties and county officials. Childress County Justice of the Peace Register now and join us in Austin for the 2015 TAC Legislative Peace Brenda Doss conference set for Aug. 26-28. Kerr County Auditor This year’s sessions will include: Gary Edwards - Current Issues in Emergency Management Collin County Constable Brittney Simon - What Does Border Security Really Mean? Carol Smith Navarro County Auditor - Political Transitions: An Insider’s Look at the Transition Dallam County Justice of the David Peckenpaugh of Power to the New Governor and Lt. Governor from the Peace Ochiltree County Commissioner Perspective of the Staff Members of “The Big Three.” John Garrett Chuck McDonald - Local Control: Defining and Delivering the County Story Dallas County Constable Rusk County Constable - What’s New in Juvenile Justice? - Transportation Ruth Ceniseros Kenny Edwards - Veterans’ Bill of Health Dimmit County Constable Van Zandt County Auditor - Property Tax Legislation Important To Counties Ruben Gonzalez Olga Marrero - Planning for Change: How Demography will Shape Texas in El Paso County Tax Assessor- Wilson County Tax Assessor- the 21st Century Collector Collector - Mental Health Progress Report More conference details will be posted online, shared on the This list may be incomplete. Please submit new county official TAC Facebook and Twitter accounts and published in the upcoming appointments to TAC Membership Coordinator Frank Baca at issue of County magazine. Check out a more detailed conference [email protected]. agenda and register online at www.county.org/legconference.

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TAC Honors County Employees, Officials for Making a Difference in Workplace Safety Cultures The TAC Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) recently honored three individuals from across Texas with a Making a Difference Award for their efforts at improving county safety cultures and improving county safety programs: Coryell County Human Resources Director Pamela Williams received the honors for creating a safety committee and implementing a safety program for county employees, making the county a safer place for employees to work. Kerr County Human Resources Director Dawn Lantz was honored for her long-term commitment to workplace safety, having helped the county achieve its third consecutive Gold Star Safety Award TAC Risk Control Consultant Jack Coffey awards Coryell County Human Resources Director from TAC RMP. Fully supported by the county’s Pamela Williams for making a difference to her county’s safety culture during the TAC County commissioners court, Lantz coordinates the county’s Management & Risk Conference in April. safety training, wellness program and return to work program, all of which have reduced the county’s workers’ compensation costs. Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano earned the honors for his leadership in encouraging employees to always operate with integrity, communicating with constituents and working with other county officials to achieve a safer county. The individuals were all honored during TAC’s 2015 County Management and Risk Conference in April. In addition, TAC RMP is recognizing counties across the state for their 2014 safety efforts and programs with Safety Awards and Gold Safety Awards. Safety Awards are given to counties that have completed an application, adopted a safety reso- Kerr County Human Resources Director Dawn Lantz receives her Making a Difference Award lution, adopted a seat belt use policy, utilize an from TAC Risk Control Consultant Larry Boccaccio during TAC’s County Management & Risk incident review committee for law enforcement op- Conference in April. erations and maintain a loss ratio below 75 percent. Gold Star Awards are given to counties with active safety programs that have exceeded the Safety Award criteria for at least two consecutive years and whose operations fully support a risk control program. Carson, Coryell, Gregg, Hardin, Madison, Nacog- doches, Taylor and Wichita counties all earned a Safety Award for their 2014 efforts. Burnet, Chambers, Cochran, Denton, Fisher, Hutchinson, Kerr, Montague, Nueces, San Patricio and Trinity counties all earned a Gold Star Award for their continued dedication to workplace safety. For more information about the safety awards and TAC Risk Control Consultant Isaac Garcia (left) presents Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano TAC RMP services, visit www.county.org and click with a Making a Difference Award for his strong leadership and dedication to workplace safety. on “Pool & Risk Services.” (Photos by Maria Sprow)

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County Government Works

Register today for the Conference of the TAC County Investment Academy County officials and staff wanting to learn more about their county’s investment options can learn the tools of the trade at the annual Con- ference of the TAC County Investment Academy, set for June 8-10 at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade. The Welcome Reception is back for 2015 and will take place on Monday evening. Spend time networking with fellow attendees over beverages and hors d’oeuvres. New for 2015, guided roundtable discussions will be divided by portfolio size so that attendees can share ideas on investment choices and learn from other counties with similar portfolios. Wise County Judge J.D. Clark is always looking for ways to make county government a more vital piece of his community, so when This training is open to all county officials and staff who want to learn several of the area’s volunteer fire departments posted on social more about county investment operations. Fifteen hours of continuing media that they needed bottled water donations, Clark decided to education is approved for County Investment Academy members. CPAs, offer the county courthouse as a central drop-off location. auditors, treasurers, clerks and commissioners may also earn credit toward mandatory continuing education requirements. “I realized we could cast a wider net,” he said. Within no time, bottles filled his office, with one local church donating 100 The McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State Universi- cases of water. Judge Clark shared this photo as part of County ty is education co-sponsor for this event. Government Month. “All of our volunteer fire departments are now For more information and to register online, visit www.county.org/in- receiving a hefty load of bottled water.” vestmentconference. Contact Deanna Auert in Education Services with any questions at (800) 456-5974.

Is County Going to the Right Place? With county officials and employees retiring and switching offices or buildings, TAC wants to make sure that County is getting to the right people and the right places. Is your subscription up-to-date? Is your county receiving too many subscriptions, or too few? Are there employees who are receiving the magazine under previous employees’ subscriptions? Let us know by emailing [email protected].

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More than 50 county officials from across the state joined legislators and Capitol staff in Austin to celebrate County Government Day on April 15. TAC’s barbecue luncheon, County held inside the Capitol Extension, attracted nearly 1,000 county government officials, legislators, staff, government employees and others, many of whom grabbed Government the opportunity to network and discuss important legislation, such as HJR 110, filed by Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) to provide protection for counties from Day 2015 unfunded mandates, and HJR 111, filed by Rep. Drew Darby to prevent the use of dedicated funds for the purpose of certifying the state budget.

CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE: TAC Legislative Director Paul Sugg gets his chance to eat. TAC Legislative Liaisons Laura Garcia (middle) and Aurora Flores (right) talk with 112 District Attorney Laurie English and Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas). Hill County Judge Justin Lewis enjoys his day at the Capitol with his daughter. (Photos by Maria Sprow.)

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RIGHT: Cherokee County Commissioner Byron Underwood and Moore County District Clerk Diane Hoefling, both members of TAC’s Board of Directors, share a laugh after volunteering during County Government Day. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

LEFT: Cooke County Commissioner Gary Hollowell, Erath County Treasurer Donna Kelly and Erath County Commissioner Joe Brown enjoy a well-earned barbecue lunch during County Government Day. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

RIGHT: Rep. James White (R-Woodville) takes time from his schedule to greet Jefferson County Commissioner Everette Alfred during the County Government Day luncheon at the Capitol. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

LEFT: Lubbock County Commissioner Bill McCay serves lunch to (from left to right) Guadalupe County Clerk Teresa Kiel, Potter County District Clerk Caroline Woodburn and Moore County District Clerk Diane Hoefling. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

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RIGHT: Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) greets Moore County Commissioner Lynn Cartrite (left) and Cherokee County Commissioner Byron Underwood (right) before sitting down for lunch. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

LEFT: Goliad County Judge P.T. (Pat) Calhoun serves a long line of legislators and Capitol staffers during the County Government Day luncheon. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

RIGHT: Oldham County Judge and TAC President Don Allred takes a break from volunteering to eat lunch with his state senator, Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo). (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

RIGHT: Government Relations consultant Cary Roberts and Rep. Rick Miller (R-Sugarland) say hello to Potter County District Clerk Caroline Woodburn. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

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ABOVE: TAC Legislative Liaison Aurora Flores discusses upcoming county- related hearings and bills with Wise County Commissioner Kevin Burns and Wise County Judge J.D. Clark. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

ABOVE: Kaufman County Commissioner Jakie Allen, Collin County Commissioner Susan Fletcher and Lubbock County Commissioner Mark Heinrich are happy to wait in line for barbecue. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

ABOVE: Lubbock County Commissioner Patti Jones has a conversation with her legislator, Rep. John Frullo (R-Lubbock) while Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin) eats his meal while celebrating County Government Day. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

RIGHT: Moore County Commissioner Lynn Cartrite, a member of the TAC Board of Directors, enthusiastically dishes out the barbecue, putting a smile on Capitol-goers faces. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

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11783_mag.indd 17 5/15/15 12:23 PM ★ | CLIPBOARD | News You Can Use

ABOVE: Cherokee County Commissioner Byron Underwood, 112th District Attorney Laurie English and Oldham County Judge Don Allred all have a good laugh while serving food to Capitol- goers during County Government Day. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

ABOVE: TAC County Relations Officer Stan Reid says hello to Maverick County commissioners Rosy Cantu and Roberto Ruiz during the County Government Day luncheon. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

ABOVE: Travis County Constable Carlos Lopez and enjoyes lunch with his office’s government relations specialist, Kirsha Haverlah. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

LEFT: Washington County Judge John Brieden (left) takes a break with Rep. Leighton Schubert (R-Caldwell). Schubert sits on the County Affairs Committee. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

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Capitol-goers and visiting county officials happily stood in lines that went out the door and around the corner to get free barbecue in celebration of County Government Day. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

LEFT: Erath County Commissioner Joe Brown (middle) serves food and gets some help from his legislator, Rep. J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville), while San Patricio County Judge Terry Simpson (right) hungrily awaits the last addition to his plate of barbecue. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

RIGHT: Rains County Judge Wayne Wolfe and Andrews County Judge Richard Dolgener traveled to Austin to visit with legislators and help serve lunch during County Government Day. Dolgener is serving lunch to Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller. (Photo by Maria Sprow.)

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11783_mag.indd 19 5/15/15 12:23 PM ★ | Voices of County Government | County Magazine Voices of county government

In all 254 counties, county government is a full-time job. Texas county government officials dedicate their careers and lives to public service and are the foremost experts on the challenges their neighbors face each day. County government officials are as diverse as the Texans who elect them, coming from every background imaginable. But as a group, they have one thing in common: from El Paso to Newton and from Dallam to Cameron, county officials are dedicated and committed to keeping Texas strong. Here, county officials talk about their passion for public service. (Interviews here have been edited for brevity.) *

Terry Simpson San Patricio County Judge

You have a long career in public service, both What advice would you give to other county keeps people informed about what the working in the Sherriff’s Office and judicial officials across the state who may face similar county is doing. I encourage an open experience. What was it that made you want to challenges? door policy, too, where citizens can run for county judge? You have to make your money work feel comfortable contacting me or my A large group of citizens asked me smarter. You have to continue to look office. to run. I liked working with people for grant funds that can help offset and helping them, and found that costs for county projects and assist in What legislative issues have you been keeping this position allows me to use my county community assistance, too. track of this session? experience to help people countywide. Revenue and appraisal caps, of What do you find are the best ways to make course. They are bad ideas that seem What is the biggest issue facing San Patricio sure you’re hearing from your constituents and to have gained traction again at the County today? communicating clearly to them? Capitol. They diminish local control Without question, it is road I make sure to speak to clubs, and tie the county’s hands when it repairs. Economic development is not organizations and at various events comes to providing essential services without its costs and maintaining throughout the community. This and addressing emergencies. that economic development means allows for the exchange of information maintaining the roads. that makes democracy work and it

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“You can’t always say ‘yes,’ when ‘no’ is the reality and what is best overall. I think people would rather hear the truth than have promises be broken.”

Are there any issues you think the Legislature What’s the most important thing you’ve learned rules at our level of government just could devote more attention to? since becoming an elected official? like at the state and federal level. Windstorm insurance tops the list. You can’t always say ‘yes,’ when Infrastructure and road funding ‘no’ is the reality and what is best When you’re not at work, what are you doing? Do at the county level is especially overall. I think people would rather you have any hobbies or something interesting important, too. hear the facts and the truth than have you do that may surprise your colleagues? promises be broken. When I’m not at work I am How do you ensure that legislators hear your fishing or spending time with my concerns, and work with you, other county How do you describe your job to people who may granddaughter and family. officials and other groups towards solutions? not be familiar with the day-to-day of what I’m involved with TAC, the you do, the responsibilities of your office, or Is there anything else you’d like to add or County Judges and Commissioners with the way county government functions? talk about regarding your role as an elected Association, as well as local Are there any common misconceptions that you official, your office or your county? organizations like MPO and our COG, hear? Growth is good, but it must be but most importantly, I take the time The most common misconception is approached thoroughly and cautiously, to go to Austin and meet with my that the county judge is the boss over as it often brings up a lot of new representatives, my senators and my all elected officials and that I can just issues and problems not previously congressmen. tell them what to do. Another one I encountered. You have to make hear is that people think we can tax sure you say ‘yes,’ you’ve done your and spend and tax without approval homework and have addressed all the and so on. There are processes and potential problem areas and issues. ★

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11783_mag.indd 21 5/15/15 12:23 PM ★ | Voices of County Government | County Magazine Voices of county government

Rick Coffman Williamson County Constable

You have a long career in public service, both in and should receive. That includes You have to work hard to put aside the military and in law enforcement. What was making sure this office works within any notions that you are the only it that made you decide to run for office? the county structure to ensure we elected official with needs and wants, My public service started in the don’t duplicate efforts that are already and you focus instead on what is United States Navy. I served 22 being handled by other county offices required to develop a relationship years and retired with an honorable or departments. with the other county officials. The discharge. In that time I saw two wars truth is, you need them and they need come and go and had the opportunity From your perspective, what is the biggest issue you. You’ve always got be willing to to see places all over this world. That facing Williamson County today? compromise, unless it involves your experience has made me even more a The biggest issue we face is integrity, morals or doing the right patriot after having the chance to see managing of the explosive growth thing. the differences between our country Williamson County has experienced and others around the world. and, from all indications, will continue What do you find are the best ways to make So, after those experiences, it to experience. This is the reason I try sure you’re hearing from your constituents and was only natural for me to pursue a to focus on the mission of constable communicating clearly to them? career in law enforcement so that I and do not get sidetracked in the other It is important to get out in the could continue in the desire I have to many projects and programs that community and attend the meetings of serve others. I have 19 years in law most of the time are just a duplication service clubs and organizations. Visit enforcement, about third of which was of the task of another county the schools and businesses in your in a municipal department and the department or a city department. area, and pass out a lot of business remaining two thirds in the county. cards. Going through a good number I want to bring to the county and What advice would you give to other county of business cards will let you know the precinct the type of service that officials across the state who may face similar right away if you are in touch with taxpayers and all citizens deserve challenges? your citizens.

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“I would like to see some type of modification in the serving of an ex parte protective order so it can be entered into the computer as soon as it is issued. The most critical time for a victim is those first few days after an incident takes place, and under the current system, it might take several days to several weeks to locate and serve a perpetrator.”

What legislative issues have you been keeping How do you describe your job to people who may When you’re not at work, what are you doing? Do track of this session? not be familiar with the day-to-day of what you have any hobbies or something interesting I am interested in the constitutional you do, the responsibilities of your office, or you do that may surprise your colleagues? carry and open carry bills, and also with the way county government functions? Most of my off-time is spent serving the bill filed by state Rep. Tony Dale Are there any common misconceptions that you at my church in the capacity of a that would ease the restrictions on an hear? trustee and a Sunday school teacher active police officer obtaining a CHL. The most important misconception of third and fourth graders. I also is that constables and their deputies spend most of my vacation time at our Are there any issues you think the Legislature can do things that other peace officers church camp with about 500 teens and could devote more attention to this session? cannot do, such as seizing property, or preteens. I would like to see some type of forcing people do leave their home or modification in the serving of an ex force them to pay money owed. That is Is there anything else you’d like to add or parte protective order so it can be just not true. talk about regarding your role as an elected entered in the computer as soon as it It is true that constables can serve official, your office or your county? is issued. The most critical time for a some papers that other peace officers If I could have only three policies for victim is those first few days after an in the state cannot serve, however my office they would be: incident takes place, and under the in practically all other situations, a 1. Always do the right thing; current system, it might take several constable or a deputy has no more 2. Always do the very best you can; days to several weeks to locate and power than any other peace officer. and serve the perpetrator. Every county in the state that has 3. Always treat others the way you constables may have a little different would want to be treated. How do you ensure that legislators hear your way for how they work, but by the Hire the right people. I hire for concerns, and work with you, other county constitution, the primary mission of character and I train for skills. If officials and other groups towards solutions? the constable is to serve the justice you hire for skills only and you forget Much of that goes back to having a court of their precinct. This includes character, you will have an employee good relationship with those people. serving the process that the court who will cause you grief. The employee I have a great relationship with issues, whether it is civil or criminal. who has character and no skills can the commissioner and the JP. The That includes those issued to them be trained and will make you and the legislators that represent my area, I out of the county and district courts county proud. We have fine training in am able to call at any time and talk or sent to them from another county, this state and a person with character with them about any issue because or by a private citizen or an attorney. will be teachable and will develop skill of the relationship we have built and Once again, this is why it is so quickly. maintained through mutual respect important to build and maintain I also demand that everyone and understanding. a good relationship with the other understands that people are more elected officials in the county, and in important than projects. You must What’s the most important thing you’ve learned particular the justice of the peace in take time for both your employees since becoming an elected official? your precinct. and the people you serve — they have The most important thing is that I needs and it’s the responsibility of am here to be a servant to the people each and every elected official to take and a servant to the other elected time to truly listen and try to be a officials. I only ask for what I need to deal maker, not a deal breaker. This carry out the mandates of my office is incredibly important, particularly and I am determined not to waste tax in the current climate of mistrust of dollars on programs and expenditures some elected officials and especially that would duplicate what another law enforcement. ★ county or city office is doing and can handle.

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11783_mag.indd 23 5/15/15 12:23 PM Former Brewster County Judge Val Clark Beard says reliance on the law, West Texas ranching life guided her in decades of public service By Liz Carmack

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al Clark Beard isn’t a native she left school, Beard stepped down. of Brewster County, but “Campaigns out here are nasty,” you wouldn’t know it. Like she said. She gave public service each of the 13 county judges another try after she and Tom took who served before her, an agricultural trip to Israel at the she chose this remote and behest of then-Texas Commissioner ruggedly beautiful expanse of Agriculture Rick Perry. “I started Vof mountains and desert in Far West looking at what Israelis had to do to Texas as her home, settled in and go about their everyday lives,” Beard heeded the call of service to it. said. “I kinda got my head on straight She and her husband, Tom, arrived and said ‘stop your whining.’” in Alpine as newlyweds in 1973 and The commissioners court appointed established a civil law practice in her county judge in 1993, and she an inconspicuous red-brick building ran and was elected to that post across the street from the 1887 five times. In all, Beard served as a Brewster County Courthouse. A Brewster County official for almost recent graduate of The University of three decades — eight years as county Texas School of Law, Beard grew up attorney and 21 years as county judge. in Austin and rural southeast Texas, A few months after retiring from the where she learned to ride a horse “like bench in 2014, Beard spent a day at a bat outta hell.” But she had never her law office reflecting on those years stepped foot on a ranch, much less one in public service. A shaft of shifting of the legendary spreads founded on sunlight brightened the small library, Texas’ Western frontier around the where she sat surrounded floor to turn of the 19th century. ceiling by law volumes — laws she Beard married into the Herbert Lee so rigorously relied on for guidance (H.L.) Kokernot family of 06 Ranch during her county government tenure. fame. H.L. Kokernot (1867-1949), She wore wire-framed glasses and Tom’s great-grandfather, purchased straight, salt-and-pepper, shoulder- the historic Leoncita ranch in 1913 length hair. In her mid-60s, Beard is to add to the 06, and Tom and Val petite and wiry, with slightly rounded made it their home. “Leoncita means shoulders. As she spoke to emphasize little lion,” Beard said. “The ranch is a point, she gestured with hands named after Leoncita Spring behind tanned from hours outdoors tending our house.” to her flowers, her vegetable garden Judge Beard practiced law for and ranch business on her beloved roughly a decade in her adopted Leoncita. county before the Brewster County The Leoncita split from the 06 Commissioners Court, in 1983, asked Ranch in the mid-1950s. Today the her to step in when County Attorney expansive spread stretches across Dick Bowers retired. She ran for the Brewster, Pecos and Jeff Davis seat the next year and was elected to counties. a total of two four-year terms. Modest and direct, Beard makes her After receiving threatening notes points quickly. She listens intently, during a contentious time (the worst her face relaxed, giving no hint to her message written in chalk on the thoughts about what’s being said. It’s courthouse steps and on the steps of the well-practiced patience of someone the Beards’ law office) then seeing who has spent hours listening to someone follow her young daughter as others make requests, offer opinions and present arguments. A few framed 8-by-10 photos On horseback, Beard awaits the start of a cattle drive in capturing 1980s Leoncita cattle the Limpia pasture of the Leoncita Ranch during the 1980s. roundups sit on the bookshelves. (Courtesy Val Beard)

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Words from the Wise Val Beard outside the 1887 Brewster County Courthouse in Alpine. (Photo Liz Carmack)

Former Brewster County Judge Val Beard’s Advice and Lessons Learned from Decades of Public Service 1. Thoroughly research an issue before making a decision. research. That included reviewing the applicable law and using time- County officials should respect the public’s trust in them, former Brew- lines and other methods to organize her thinking “just as you would ster County Judge Val Clark Beard said. “They want to see results, but prepare for a trial.” they want to see a sound decision-making process and then moving “I don’t like shooting from the hip and I don’t like to bluff. You owe the forward.” public the duty of diligence in your work,” she added. For Beard, dili- When serving on the commissioners court or when on the bench pre- gence requires assembling all the information you can before making siding over probate, guardianship and other legal proceedings, Beard a decision on a difficult issue. relied heavily upon her legal training and professional experience. “I’m a lawyer; that’s in my bones,” she said. 2. Share information with fellow county officials. This gave her a firm footing from which to approach issues. “The first It’s easier if you share all the information you’ve collected with time I look at the county’s problem, that’s the perspective I’m going other officials who need it for their deliberations. Beard said this to drop back from and ask if it’s even legally feasible. It allowed me reduced contention on the Brewster County Commissioners Court and to run at a problem a little faster on the front end without getting any smoothed its decision-making process, adding that she usually tried to outside advice.” Beard said she sometimes sought the advice of the provide the commissioners with background information at least three county attorney, though, and on big issues, always sought outside days before an issue was to come before the court. counsel. “Sometimes another attorney saw a pitfall that I could not “I tried to make it difficult for (the commissioners) to come to the because I was immersed in the policy side of a project,” she said. meeting uninformed,” she said. “We got along best when I was When the county faced its most difficult issues — ranging from absolutely open with them about every piece of information I had on building a new jail to fighting to keep its underground water resources an issue,” she added. “I tried to carry that through my whole time as out of the city of El Paso’s reach — Beard said she relied on rigorous county judge. What I found is that when they had the same informa-

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Cowboys on horseback work cattle who are artists, writers, U.S. mesquite and ocotillo, crossing the in pastures and corrals in the faded Border Patrol agents, university desert flats on their way Mexico. color prints. In one, dust rises around professors and students, retirees Cowboys on horseback would also look Beard, wearing a hat, leather chaps with a strong independent streak, at home tending Texas Longhorns and atop “Shorty,” a bay quarter horse and 30-somethings who bailed from amidst the dagger yuccas, Texas she loved dearly. The photographer the 9-to-5 in search of open spaces persimmons and gramma grass in the captured her leaning over to swat a (1.5 square miles per person) and a foothills of the Chisos Mountains. heifer on the rump, urging it along. slower pace, and you get wide-ranging History roots these clichés in Ranching taught Beard to look at political views. “We have folks who reality. Cavalry troops at a string problems from every angle and to are extremely conservative and of military outposts, including Fort search for prudent solutions to match libertarian all the way to the left wing Davis in neighboring Jeff Davis the reality of the situation. “When you to quasi-Communist,” Beard said. County, helped protect area settlers don’t have oil and gas (on your ranch) “You pick it and we’ve got it.” and those traveling the El Paso-San you’ve got to husband your resources Many call the incorporated county Antonio Road from marauding bands very carefully, and you also have seat of Alpine in the northern part of Native Americans during the latter to figure out how to do things with of the county home. A few live on part of the 19th century. Ranching scarce resources and look at different ranches miles from the nearest store expanded after the threats subsided ways of accomplishing the goal other or gas station. The rest live mostly and the Southern Pacific Railroad than just throwing money at a project in a scattering of unincorporated arrived to connect the county with the or solution,” she said. communities, each with a few hundred rest of Texas in the 1880s. Ranchers Beard brought those lessons with residents or fewer. The largest of first raised Longhorns and sheep, then her to the courthouse. Some ranching those, Marathon, is 30 miles east later Highland Herefords and other adversities can be likened to the of Alpine, just south of the Glass cattle breeds and goats. Now, it’s challenges of county government, she Mountains. Terlingua, Study Butte primarily cattle. explained. “You also have to deal a lot and Lajitas are in what locals call Some of the large-scale ranches with solutions that are totally out of “South County,” more than an hour’s established during that time remain your control. The biggie in ranching drive south of the county seat in the intact today. But, “don’t equate size is drought. You have to make hard Chihuahuan Desert, only a few miles with value,” Beard said. “It takes a lot decisions during drought. People think from the Rio Grande and Mexico. of land to feed cattle out here.” of ranching as a romantic lifestyle but The wide-open spaces and rugged Profitable ranching has been made it’s a very hard business. Being able to landscape of Brewster County and harder than ever by drought and function in that environment and to the entire multi-county Trans- higher labor and energy costs. The plan was really very helpful to me in Pecos Region conjures scenes from U.S. Census of Agriculture recorded county government. It’s the same; we Western movies. It’s easy to imagine 15,764 cattle and calves in Brewster don’t have a lot of resources.” a Comanche or Apache raiding party County in 2012, less than half the galloping through the sagebrush, 39,770 head counted in 1987. The Brewster County — Texas’ Largest Of the state’s 254 counties, Brewster County stands out as the largest, covering 6,192 square miles. This expanse of Chihuahuan Desert and mountains under the vast Far West Texas sky is bigger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined. During the latest census, in 2010, whites and Hispanics numbered almost equally — 53 percent and 44 percent, respectively. The county’s some 9,200 residents live mostly in a handful of towns and large tract subdivisions and are an eclectic bunch. Some families have deep roots that stretch back as far as four generations, including longtime ranching families and ranch hands. Mix in relative newcomers Brewster County, Texas

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tion, we were able to much more promptly and on a collegial basis “I was trying to teach him that he could represent his constituents come together to find out what the common denominator was and more effectively if he was taking a team approach on the commission- make a decision.” ers court. As opposed to ‘I’ve got to grab all the marbles and get everything for my constituents,’” Beard said. “We only have a pie that’s 3. Share information with the public and listen to this size and you can’t get everything you want. You need to learn to CONSTITUENTS. work toward what’s reasonable and get everyone to agree with you When Beard served as Brewster County attorney, the commissioners because if you don’t, you’re going to get nothing.” court acquired a piece of land for a much-needed new county jail, but While commissioners court members generally treated each other neglected to inform the public about its plans. “People went banan- respectfully on the dais during Beard’s tenure, that didn’t mean the of- as. The commissioners court was very definitely trying to do the right ficials agreed on every issue. “There have been times when there was thing but because the people didn’t know about it and weren’t part pretty strong disagreement but the public couldn’t perceive it because of the process, they became very angry and sent nasty, threatening all the back and forth was very polite,” she said. “We have had a joint letters to the judge and commissioners.” In response, the commis- effort to have a commissioners court that is respectful of one another. sioners court completely stopped any efforts to construct a new jail, We’re not there to provide entertainment.” even though the county still badly needed one. “I think you’ve got to communicate. Even if no one is listening, you’ve 5. Find joy in discovering the solution, not in the fight. got to keep doing it and get it out there,” she said. Her experiences in office and the examples set by a fellow county When she became judge a few years later, the jail was shut down judge helped instill Beard’s philosophy that you should look for the (“Illegally,” she added), forcing the county to pay $35,000 a month to common ground when trying to resolve contentious issues with others. house its prisoners in the Presidio County Jail. Beard knew the coun- In the early 2000s, Sul Ross State University was constructing a ty must build a new jail immediately and led the effort to hold more three-story dormitory on the north side of campus. “We didn’t have a than a half-dozen public hearings on the issue at the courthouse. The fire ladder truck that could get to the top of those buildings,” Beard sessions explained the need for the jail, proposed possible locations said. To address the issue, she needed to work with Alpine’s mayor and gave residents the ability to voice their concerns and ideas to the at the time, Mickey Klaus. But the two had a strained relationship for commissioners court. a number of reasons, one of which being that Klaus, who had been Every time a resident spoke against building the new jail, the officials a county commissioner, had cast the one “no” vote against Beard’s asked them for suggestions about where they would build it. “No- appointment as county judge. body wanted it in their neighborhood,” Beard said. “What became Beard’s friend, Jake Brisbin, former Presidio County judge and execu- clear was they (the public) didn’t have too much trepidation about a tive director of the Rio Grande Council of Governments, knew Beard’s jail right in the center of town.” dilemma and offered advice: “Why not take Mickey to lunch?” During Meanwhile, Beard learned from Alpine’s mayor that the city needed a a conversation over Tex-Mex, Klaus and Beard both realized they had new jail, too, and the city had an available piece of land downtown. a shared interest — the public’s safety. The common ground led to the The city and the county were able to work together to find the most city and county jointly paying for a new ladder truck, which ultimately suitable location, and one that was acceptable to the public. “That led to the construction of a new fire station to serve the county. The bubbled out of the process of listening to people and listening to christening of the new equipment purchased to serve both their con- what they objected to,” Beard said. stituencies culminated with the judge and mayor riding together in the truck’s bucket to the top of the Brewster County Courthouse. In another controversy, thefts on county property implicated a county employee. The county started looking into the matter but Beard didn’t Brisbin was the “number one peacemaker” who worked to resolve inform the public during the fact-finding efforts. The local rumor mill fights between competing regional interests, Beard said. “On a lot of churned out misinformation, stirring up bad feelings in the communi- regional issues he would step up and he took joy in getting problems ty. Beard said she learned the hard way that if you don’t share what solved. That’s what you have to do.” you’re doing, the public can misinterpret your actions and motives. “I think you have to be really careful about withholding information.” 6. Holding county office comes with immense responsibility. “There’s a lot of heavy lifting in every county office,” Beard said. “If 4. Commissioners court members must be respectful of each the elected official is not doing the lifting and not doing a huge part of other and work together for the entire community. the work, you’re in big, dark trouble.” Commissioners court members must learn to moderate their individu- As part of that, officials should understand the weight their decisions al goals and work with others for the good of the overall community, carry, she said. While serving as county attorney, Beard was asked to she said. A new commissioner who joined Beard’s court pushed hard sign a warrant so the sheriff could arrest a man who had been seen during a meeting for funds from the road construction budget — all throwing rocks through businesses’ windows in downtown Alpine. for projects in his precinct. His efforts were stonewalled. Beard took “We had a warrant and picked him up and put him in jail, where, him aside later to explain that wasn’t the best process to get what he because he wasn’t properly supervised, he hung himself,” she said. wanted. “He had mental health issues and nobody had tagged onto that.” At

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Ranching taught Beard to look at problems from every new in the angle and to search for prudent solutions to match texas heritage the reality of the situation. “When you don’t have oil series and gas (on your ranch), you’ve got to husband your resources very carefully, and you also have to figure out how to do things with scarce resources and look at different ways of accomplishing the goal other than just throwing money at a project or solution.”

number of self-supporting resident- Jobs in retail and in the leisure ranchers here and elsewhere in Texas and hospitality industry are the is shrinking, too. Some ranchers – second- and third-largest areas of including the Beards – diversify their employment, next to government income by allowing hunting on their employment. land, including supplying lodging and “If you had been here 20 years ago, professional guides. Many Brewster you would have found us to be more County ranches have absentee owners deeply grounded in our historical The Courthouses who work elsewhere much of the year. ranching and small-business roots,” of Central Texas According to the Texas Comptroller Beard said. “That requires a good deal by brantley hightower of Public Accounts, most county of independence and tenacity and the residents these days work for an array ability to put up with a little more of federal, state and local government adversity than would be more common This architectural survey agencies with offices here, including to employees of governmental entities. of fifty Central Texas court- That tough approach to life may be the U.S. District Court of the Western houses uses consistently District of Texas, the National something we’re losing.” Parks Service, the Texas Parks and The county’s primary tourist scaled elevation and site Wildlife Department, Sul Ross State attraction, Big Bend National Park, plan drawings to describe University, four school districts, is the eighth largest national park and compare these historic Brewster County and the city of in the lower 48 states. Bordering Alpine. the Rio Grande and Mexico at the seats of county government After the terrorist attacks of county’s southern end, it covers 1,251 for the first time. September 11, 2001, and with square miles and receives more than 300,000 visitors annually. In addition the country’s continuing war on 83 duotone photos, 92 plans to Big Bend National Park, other drugs and efforts to stymie illegal and drawings, 61 maps immigration across the Mexican public lands in Brewster County border, security along Texas’ border include Elephant Mountain Wildlife $45.00 hardcover has tightened, increasing the number Management Area, the Black Gap $45.00 e-book of law enforcement jobs available Wildlife Management Area and a with organizations such as the U.S. small portion of Big Bend Ranch State Border Patrol, the U.S. Department of Park. This means roughly 25 percent Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration of the land in the county is publicly university of and Customs Enforcement the Texas held — an anomaly in Texas, where, Department of Public Safety and the according to the Texas General Land texas press Brewster County Sheriff’s Office. Office, less than 3 percent of land in Tourism, too, has grown over the entire state lies in public hands. the past few decades and now Lots of public land means less surpasses ranching in its importance property tax revenue for the county www.utexaspress.com to Brewster County’s economy. and affected school districts.

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the time, mental health problems and how they can lead someone to some of the hard edge off me and trained me to try to look at the commit criminal acts weren’t as well recognized as today. problem from the other side’s perspective. I realized that if I didn’t “Every time you put your signature on a warrant it has tremendous back off and realize that other people had other ideas and different consequences in somebody’s life, and maybe not just the life of the time frames it wouldn’t get done.” individual being arrested but their family. You have to understand While patience is a virtue, there comes a time to speak up, be the absolutely what you’re doing. I can’t tell you what I would have done “truth teller” and move to action. Beard represented the county on differently, but nevertheless it (my decision) had absolutely unintend- numerous regional boards and committees that brought together ed consequences.” competing interests, including the Rio Grande Council of Govern- In another example, Beard recalled the “hellish” and “contentious” ments (COG) Board of Directors, the Texas Border Security Council decision-making process that led to the county becoming general and the board of the Center for Rural Health Initiatives. contractor for the construction of the new jail in the early ‘90s. At times, some of these meetings tested her patience. She recalled “We had junk (construction) equipment and we were spending all a Rio Grande COG meeting on Homeland Security Funding in which our time fixing it with bailing wire and inner tubes,” Beard said. “We newer members complained extensively about not getting enough thought maybe we needed to finance new equipment and build it (the Homeland Security funding for an El Paso SWAT team. “There was a jail) ourselves.” lot moaning,” she said. “It went on for 15 minutes.” Counties now commonly use this form of construction manage- She remembered that the board had been told before receiving the ment, but it was a radical idea at the time. It was also the first time funds that the money would, over time, diminish and eventually dis- since Beard became judge that the county took on debt. “That was appear entirely. After she’d heard enough complaining, Beard raised terrifying to me to go through that process,” Beard said. “That was her hand and refreshed the members’ memories about this detail. $3.5 million 20 years ago. Debt is a scary proposition. In retrospect “You have an obligation to tell it like you see it, but tact enters into we should have done it and it had a very good outcome. Next year it,” Beard said. “There comes a time when it becomes effective.” (2015), that (bond) issue pays off.” Beard said that at times she witnessed public officials in her region 8. Take the work seriously, but don’t take criticism and “dithering” instead of stepping up to make difficult decisions that yourself too seriously. addressed community needs. Prepare yourself for criticism, she said. “I did not always have a thick skin. When I was county attorney, I didn’t and I was probably Beard made a point about the need to face the responsibilities of obsessively sensitive,” Beard said. “It ultimately becomes apparent leadership with a metaphor ranching life. The horse you select from to you that everybody is not going to love you and you can’t make the herd to ride for the day’s work might be skittish and difficult to everybody happy. You’ve got to get it in your head that criticism is control. But, she said, “You’ve roped out this horse. Now you’ve got to part of the job. You can’t let that keep you down and keep you from ride it.” doing your job.” 7. Practice patience, but sometimes you need to tell it like it The ability to stay humble is key for Beard. “I take the work very is. seriously. I don’t take myself so seriously,” she said. “I think you Beard said as county judge she had a duty to be patient on the com- have to be able to laugh at yourself and roll with it. You’d better not missioners court and in dealing with all the other responsibilities of get puffed up. That’s the worst thing that can happen to anybody in her office. “Patience is mandated for court and you have to look out public service is get an inflated view of themselves.” for the long term, one step at a time and keep on and on once you’ve Beard said she sometimes sought the opinions of friends and identified the goal,” Beard said. “If you get discouraged or become colleagues who could offer an objective take on the situation to help too angry because of the obstacles it will eat you alive.” keep her grounded in her work. “I told them, if you see me getting a The Brewster County Commissioners Court didn’t set a time limit big head, stick a pin in me and do whatever you need to do to get my on public comments during their meetings when she was in office feet on the ground,” she said. because Beard thought there was no need to constrain comments She added that public officials shouldn’t base their actions and unless there were 50 other people waiting to speak. decision-making on always putting themselves in a good light. “If you “I think that’s the best policy, to let people speak even if you don’t just go along the track of what is going to look good to the public, like what they’re saying,” she added. ultimately you’re going to make some bad decisions. Ultimately you’re going to do something really wrong,” she said. “I think what Known for her strong-willed, Type A personality, patience isn’t some- has to drive the train is always trying to do what you think is in the thing Beard came by naturally. She said she gained insights into her best interest of the county. If all you want to do is look good, then personality and how it caused her to approach her work when, after you’re an empty suit.” a decade into her judgeship, she studied at the UT Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution. “It took a little bit of the combativeness out of me. It didn’t take the resolve out,” Beard said. “It helped take

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Beard working cattle on the Leoncita Ranch during the mid-1980s with her favorite horse, Shorty. (Courtesy Val Beard)

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) How are you?” Ranching life presented its own received from the federal and the She nodded and smiled in response, risks. “You get used to living with the state government help offset this choosing a shady seat at an iron table fact there are some things you can’t loss for Brewster County and its San underneath a ramada of sotol stalks. control,” she said. The weather. The Vicente Independent School District A group of Hispanic U.S. Border market. “If the market tanks, there’s and Terlingua Consolidated School Patrol agents, wearing uniforms and not a darn thing we could do about District. sidearms, talked and laughed at a that. I tell people I have no interest in Brewster County collects a nearby table. going to Las Vegas or Reno to gamble. combination of property, sales and A ceiling fan stirred the warm There’s enough taking of chances in hotel-motel taxes. Its income also air as Beard considered how her our family business.” includes revenue for holding federal experiences as a young female lawyer Beard dedicated almost three prisoners, and it collects a number and rancher prepared her to deal with decades of her life to serving Brewster of fees and fines. But without a lot the particular challenges of county County as its attorney and county of improved property, no oil or gas government. She bucked the status judge. As county judge, she also served development and large swaths of quo to pursue her law degree. When on numerous boards and committees land that are either public or valued she first arrived in Brewster County formed across county lines to address differently because they are under hoof, in the early 1970s, female attorneys regional needs, including water the county doesn’t have a very large were scarce. Beard said she worried resources, health care and emergency pot of resources to draw from. During more about how she would be received management. The groups included the Beard’s tenure, times were tight and as an attorney in rural Far West Rio Grande Council of Governments tax hikes weren’t welcome. “People Texas than about how she would (COG) Board of Directors, the Texas prize their low tax rates,” she said. adjust to life on a ranch. Border Security Council and the Fortunately, the community board of the Center for Rural Health Worthy Challenges embraced her. Initiatives. At lunchtime, Beard threw open the “I got out here and had very “I love public service. To me, the law office’s back door, walked quickly few issues because I was a female natural high is to get something down a narrow sidewalk and across attorney. And at the time there were done that our citizens need done and a dirt alley to the Reata Restaurant. big issues with that,” she said. “I’m somebody comes up and says thank As she stepped through the back gate not saying that it was a completely you,” Beard said. “That doesn’t happen and into the courtyard, locals at a level playing field, but people were all the time.” * few of the tables looked up from their very willing to walk in the door and lunches to greet her. “Hello, judge. let me do their legal work.”

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New TAC RMP coverage available for data breaches and privacy response By Liz Carmack

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ounties collect and store New Cyber Liability Coverage more data electronically than ever before – from PROVIDED Social Security and To ensure that counties can be credit card numbers, to better prepared to deal with the personal details about consequences of a data breach, TAC county employees, inmates, Risk Management Pool (RMP) is now Ctaxpayers and recipients of county providing Cyber Liability Coverage services. at no added cost as part of its Public If this data falls into the wrong Officials (PO) Liability Program. hands, the consequences can be “TAC RMP is providing this new serious. coverage in response to its members’ Whether a data security breach needs,” Seiler said. “We’ve heard is caused by a hacker, a computer from a lot of counties requesting this glitch, a disgruntled employee or coverage.” simple human error, a county might The 237 TAC RMP members CYBER already participating in the have to endure lawsuits and bad publicity, pay legal fees and provide PO Liability Program now credit monitoring services to victims, automatically have the new Cyber issue notifications as required by law, Liability Coverage, Seiler said. In or pay fines imposed under various early March, TAC RMP informed laws including the Health Insurance the group the coverage would be INSECURITIES Portability and Accountability Act effective May 1. New members who Public relations — Assistance (HIPAA). join the PO Liability Program will with communications regarding the The challenge for counties is not also automatically be covered. breach and the county’s response to only keeping the data they’ve collected The Cyber Liability Coverage those affected and to the public; safe, but also being prepared to react provides protection for data breach Legal fees — Attorney’s, court and appropriately should their data be and privacy response, including: other legal fees incurred following breached. Credit monitoring — Provide the the data breach, subject to sublimit; “Data security isn’t 100 percent option of credit monitoring services and perfect. If a data breach does occur, to those individuals whose data has Regulatory proceedings it’s what a county does next that been compromised; and penalties — Coverage matters most.” said Tracy Seiler, Forensic investigations — for regulatory proceedings and director of TAC Risk Management Investigation into the cause of the penalties incurred. Services. data breach; The new coverage provides a total of

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$1 million in aggregate coverage, and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for with a $500,000 privacy response another cyber breach. sublimit, a $50,000 regulatory During the past few years, county penalties sublimit and a $100,000 governments across the U.S. and regulatory proceedings sublimit. in Texas have also endured data breaches. For example, Online News, Tools and in 2013, a hacker infiltrated an Iowa County computer Risk-Reducing Resources system, potentially exposing Also as part of the county employees’ personal coverage, members can information, including bank access a wealth of information account numbers. online through the eRiskHub® From 2009-2012, website — eriskhub.com — to government organizations help them better understand reported 616 data breaches their exposures, develop a to the U.S. Health and response plan and minimize the Human Services Office of effects of a breach. Civil Rights. These included “One of the biggest benefits of data breaches reported by three this coverage is the eRiskHub Texas counties and a county portal,” Seiler said. “It’s a huge hospital district. As recently as resource for counties.” late 2014, a hacker attacked one The portal offers news articles and Recent Texas county’s computer system, white papers related to cyber security, data breaches locking down files and insisting that online security and privacy training, experienced by retailers, the a ransom be paid for their return. best practices, sample guidelines insurance industry and government Predictions by experts in the field and policies and a directory of entities highlight the breadth of this of data security illustrate a growing specialty resources to assist members vulnerability. concern. According to Threat Horizon THESE GRADERS with their cyber risk management In 2013, hackers gained access 2017: Dangers Accelerate, published by program. Members are encouraged to the credit card and debit card the Information Security Forum, the to log in often to see new content and information of 40 million Target impact of data breaches is expected to OWN THE BACK resources. customers. As a result, Target increase dramatically. “Data breaches “I’m so pleased to have this new recently agreed to pay $10 million will grow in frequency and size, ROADS OF TEXAS. TAC RMP coverage,” said TAC RMP in a proposed settlement of a class- increasing the operational impact Board member Bill McCay, a Lubbock action lawsuit. Under the proposal, and recovery costs. In response, County commissioner. “We already which requires federal court approval, governments will introduce additional do a fine job of securing our data. But Target will deposit the settlement data protection legislation and with Cyber Liability, my county can amount into an interest bearing regulations,” according to the report Cat® Motor Graders are a common site on most any county access resources that help us better escrow account to pay individual summary. * VISIT OUR WEBSITE safeguard the information we collect, victims up to $10,000 in damages. road in Texas. Cat reliability and ease-of-operation backed FOR MORE INFORMATION and we have important coverage that This year, insurance giant Anthem by your Texas Cat Dealer’s extensive service and support www.texascatdealers.com

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Data Security Not Perfect www.wagnerequipment.com warrencat.com employees were hacked. The company El Paso Midland 10501 Dyer St. 10000 W. i-20 Cyber Liability 800.345.7878 866-2WARREn Personal information stored has pledged to contact each person Texas Cat Dealer today. digitally is more vulnerable than affected and provide two years of Coverage ever before. In 2014, 18 percent of free credit monitoring and other Counties that would like to learn more Internet users polled by the Pew identity theft prevention services. about the new Cyber Liability Coverage Research Center reported they had Unfortunately, the hacking was provided by TAC RMP at no added cost as personal information stolen online, up the company’s second experience in part of its Public Officials Liability Program by 7 percent from the previous year. dealing with a major data breach this should contact a TAC Risk Management Twenty-one percent of those polled in decade. In 2010, the U.S. Health and Consultant at (800) 456-5974 or at www. San Antonio www.mustangcat.com El Paso Midland both 2013 and 2014 reported to have Human Services Department (HHSD) county.org/TACRMP. 3302 South W.W. White Road Houston 10501 Dyer St. 10000 W. I-20 had an online account compromised. fined Anthem $1.7 million under 210.648.1111 12800 N.W. Freeway 800.345.7878 866-2WARREN the Health Insurance Portability 713.460.2000 © 2014 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. 34 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com

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THESE GRADERS OWN THE BACK ROADS OF TEXAS.

Cat® Motor Graders are a common site on most any county VISIT OUR WEBSITE road in Texas. Cat reliability and ease-of-operation backed FOR MORE INFORMATION by your Texas Cat Dealer’s extensive service and support www.texascatdealers.com

P aRTNERing with unleash a your texas Cat® go a long way in explaining why Cat Motor Graders are the Dealers. texas size a winning aDvantage. Combination. Click on your local Texas Cat Dealer to be transferred to their web page. choice of municipalities across Texas. CliCk on logo CliCk on logo

holtcat.com www.mustangcat.com San Antonio Houston 3302 South W.W. White Road 12800 n.W. Freeway 210.648.1111 713.460.2000 For a test drive or more information, contact your CliCk on logo CliCk on logo

www.wagnerequipment.com warrencat.com El Paso Midland 10501 Dyer St. 10000 W. i-20 Texas Cat Dealer today. 800.345.7878 866-2WARREn

San Antonio www.mustangcat.com El Paso Midland 3302 South W.W. White Road Houston 10501 Dyer St. 10000 W. I-20 210.648.1111 12800 N.W. Freeway 800.345.7878 866-2WARREN 713.460.2000

© 2014 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com MaYJ/JUNan/Feb 2015 2015 ★ county.org/magazine county.org/magazine 3535

11783_mag.indd 35 5/15/15 12:23 PM CTG-382.indd 1 4/9/14 2:01 PM 11783_mag.indd 36 TALKING TRUST WITH STEPHEN M. R. COVEY 5/19/15 1:07 PM County Magazine | ★

2015 Legislative Conference keynote speaker shares his insights | By Joel Nihlean

he view of government has grown dim in the eyes of many Texans lately. According to a Texas Politics Project survey in February 2015, only 50 percent of those polled viewed state government favorably, and slightly less than half had a favorable opinion of their local government. And with local control on Tthe rocks in the Legislature, it seems tensions extend to the relationship between the state and local governments. From D.C. and its perpetual political gridlock all the way down to the county courthouse, confidence is low across the board. The variable at the core of it all is trust. Creating, strengthening and maintaining connections with constituents, peers and the Legislature is the focus at the 2015 TAC Legislative Conference, set for Aug. 26-28 in Austin. Trust can make things easier, and distrust can definitely make things much harder. That’s why this year’s keynote speaker is Stephen M. R. Covey, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything and co-author of Smart Trust: The Defining Skill that Transforms Managers into Leader. Covey, the former CEO of the Covey Leadership Center, recently spoke with with County magazine Contributing Writer Joel Nihlean to talk about trust before his opening general session presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

County: Why trust? What got you interested in the subject? Covey: When I became the CEO at Covey Leadership Center, I began to see the striking contrast between our relationships with groups with high trust compared to relationships where there was low trust. The difference was not only qualitative, but quantitative. When there was high trust, it was more enjoyable and everyone had more fun, there was more energy — but I also saw we got better

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economic outcomes when there was many languages, the words trust high trust. We could move faster, and and confidence are the exact same it would cost us less. word. Like in Spanish, there is no When there was low trust in any distinction. In English, we have given relationship, I saw we had to put two words. But here’s what’s vital: in place all these steps to compensate Confidence flows from having both for that lack of trust. For example, we character and competence. If you enacted a special verification system have one but lack the other you won’t for a product we got back from a vendor sustain the trust. because we didn’t fully trust them. The reason some people are That always took us longer and cost considered more trustworthy than us more. It was almost like a blinding others comes back to needing both flash of the obvious, it was something dimensions, the character and the you usually don’t even think about. I competence. Someone can have high saw that high trust enabled greater competence — usually they are really speed and lower trust took longer and smart, they can deliver — but have cost more. That is a tax! low character — they are self-serving, I call that ‘putting on the trust unethical, cutting corners or having glasses.’ Once I put them on, I began their own agenda and not caring to see the world through that lens and that enables us to really build trust. about the people they serve. They I saw it everywhere, in all of life and Like my dad always said, you can’t won’t sustain the trust and they won’t with our different relationships and talk your way out of a problem you be seen as trustworthy, even though different stakeholders. And once I put behaved your way into. Words alone they are very competent. the trust glasses on, I couldn’t take are insufficient, it requires us to The reverse is true as well, someone them off. behave our way out. That’s the only could be high in character in the sense This is when I started research way out. that they are honest and they care for the Speed of Trust, but it was He really got my attention to be about people, but perhaps they are low really a 12-year process: nine years focused on two parts of this. The in competence. If they don’t deliver of thinking about it and doing the first is how we see the world — our or preform, then you won’t fully trust research, then three years spent paradigms, if you will. If you change them. You’ll see them as a nice person, organizing and framing it, then the way you see the world, that can you may even like them, but you won’t ultimately writing it. affect your behavior. But it also works have confidence they’ll deliver and the other direction. So the other part come through. County: You authored The is how we behave, and what we do So you need both halves, the char- can also change how we see things. acter and competence. People that are Speed of Trust, and your father When we behave our way into trust, it seen as having high character and was most famous for his changes how we view everything else equally high competence are seen as behavioral book, The Seven as well. My father helped me see both credible and trustworthy, because I can sides of that. trust both dimensions. But if you’re Habits of Highly Effective lacking on either side, you won’t be seen People. How did growing up County: What’s your definition as trustworthy. You need both sides. with him as your father shape of trust and why are some how you look at the world, people considered more County: We all think we know relationships and trust? trustworthy than others? what trust is from our own Covey: In a sense, he gave me a pair Covey: Here’s how I define trust: I see experience, but we don’t talk of glasses, a way of viewing the world it simply as confidence that is born about how to improve it. Why? where I realized there’s an economics out of the character and competence Covey: Many people view trust as to trust — a high versus low — but of a person or organization. So it’s something you either have or you also there’s a way to impact that confidence, as opposed to distrust, don’t. Like, it’s either there or it’s not economics that we ultimately needed which is suspicion. there; and if it’s not there, there’s to get back into our behavior. I don’t trust someone if I’m not a whole lot we can do about it. It wasn’t enough that trust was suspicious of their agenda or What I will say to that is no, that’s in our words, it had to ultimately be their integrity or their ability to not accurate. You start with a level manifest in the behavior and what we perform and deliver. I do trust of trust, whether it be high, medium, did and how we did it. It’s our behavior when I feel confidence. In fact, in low or anything in between. And in

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the same way we can diminish trust a role. or lose it through our behavior, we Character Behaviors In the long run, the higher the can also consciously and deliberately trust, the more effective we can be at increase it, create it, grow it and operating with our colleagues as well expand it through our behavior. 1. Talk Straight as with the Legislature and the public In fact, we can get good at this. 2. Demonstrate Respect at large. So, behaving our way into Trust is a learnable competency, and 3. Create Transparency office is the right way to go. that’s a paradigm shift from those who say you either have it or you don’t. 4. Right Wrongs County: In general, there You can move the needle on this, and 5. Show Loyalty you can get good at this and behave seems to be a lack of trust in your way into trust. Usually, gaps on modern society that affects Competence Behaviors both sides – the paradigm gap and the everything. Can you break behavioral gap – are why people don’t talk about how to improve it. down the critical role elected 6. Deliver Results officials play in creating County: You said trust is a 7. Get Better trusting relationships? learnable competency. Are 8. Clarify Expectations Covey: Elected officials play a key there certain behaviors one 9. Practice Accountability role because they have multiple stakeholders that they want to build can learn or adapt to build relationships and trust with. The trust? Character and idea is to start with yourself and then Covey: So, the broader way we build Competence Behaviors ripple out into relationships. County trust is that it’s a function of our officials can model this. They can have credibility and our behavior. There 11. Listen First an impact not only on that immediate relationship but on the entire county are high-leverage behaviors that are 12. Keep Commitments disproportionate in the building or the they serve. diminishing of trust. We’ve identified 13. Extend Trust I see the three primary stakeholders 13 extremely high-leverage behaviors for the relationship of trust for county for any leader, or any elected official, officials. and if they can deliberately focus on peers and the Legislature. The first is the constituents, the doing more of these, more consistently These behaviors are common sense. public at large. They are your core and better, it will help them build People intuitively know most of them measurable of whether you’re doing a trust. but so often the common practice ends good job. It’s important that we create Behaviors like creating up being the counterfeit behavior. and sustain trust for those that we transparency help build trust. Clearly, For example, the behavior is to “talk are serving, that they trust both our keeping commitments helps build straight,” and the opposite is to lie. So character and competency, and that trust. Make a commitment, then keep if you tell the truth, you build trust, we behave in a way that merits that it, make another commitment, and and if you lie, you’ll ruin credit sooner trust. One of the best ways to create keep it. Listening first builds trust. or later. trust is to give it — to extend it as a When people feel understood, like Where we get tripped up is the reciprocity. When we show we trust when the public says, “you’ve listened,” counterfeit. Counterfeit behavior is the public, they will reciprocate it that helps builds trust. And it’s the like counterfeit money — it looks real back. It was Abraham Lincoln that same with a colleague that you might but it’s not. The counterfeit behavior said, “The people, when rightly and work with at the courthouse. to talking straight is to spin, twist, justly trusted, will return the trust.” So we’ve identified 13 of these manipulate and technically leave There’s a reciprocity of trust and a behaviors that help people build trust, the wrong impression. It works in reciprocity of distrust. So, to build and the point is, you can consciously some situations, but it comes with a trust there is vital. and deliberately learn to behave your price. Trust does the opposite. That’s Another key stakeholder is our way into greater trust, just like you what makes it so hard, because it is peers, the fellow county officials that can misbehave your way into lower common sense, but it’s not common we work with in the courthouse. To trust when you break a commitment practice. Too often, common practice be able to work together to creatively or operate with a hidden agenda. tends to be the counterfeit behavior, cooperate and collaborate can enable These behaviors can move the needle and that tends to be especially true better government for those that we on trust with the public, colleagues, in organizations where politics plays serve. To have a courthouse operating

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11783_mag.indd 39 5/15/15 12:24 PM ★ | County Magazine County Law Enforcement & Jail Operations “As a leader, as a county official, the ability to create trust is the number one competency you can have. ... It changes our ability to do everything else we Policy Service Program need to do as leaders. If we’re trusted — if we start with trust — it’s like a performance multiplier that makes us better at everything else we need to do.” Reduce liability risks, lower claims exposure, prevent losses and enhance the performance of county law enforcement officers and employees.

in a collaborative way, where officials is because it changes our ability to in ourselves and in our relationships are working together on behalf of do everything else we need to do as with those we collaborate with in the those they are serving and carrying leaders. If we’re trusted — if we start courthouse, our county and ultimately SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PROVIDED AT NO ADDITIONAL PROVIDED AT NO COST TO ALL out their individual responsibilities, with trust — it’s like a performance in all of society. PUBLIC AGENCY TRAINING COUNCIL COST TO MEMBERS OF THE TAC COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT that’s an exciting thing that can multiplier that makes us better at My goal is not to be too theoretical RISK MANAGEMENT POOL LAW impact a ripple effect on not only their everything else we need to do. If we’re with this. It’s to be practical and ENFORCEMENT LIABILITY PROGRAM county but other counties, too, when distrusted, then we get “taxed” in tangible and actionable, so people they see a model for things being done everything we need to do. Trust is a will walk out and know how they can so well. high-level performance multiplier for increase trust in their world with Texas-Specific Critical Task Model Policies for The third and final stakeholder is any leader. the primary stakeholders they are County Law Enforcement and Jail Operations * the state Legislature. County officials Third, I’ll talk about how trust working with and serving. are an extension of the state, and is a learnable competency and how Customized (Agency-Specific) Policy Services carry out what happens each session. we learn it from the inside out. We County: What is the one thing County officials have to trust the start with ourselves by trusting in competence of those they’re partnered ourselves and focusing on our own you’d like people to take Online and On-Site Training for Personnel with at the Capitol and to reciprocate credibility, character and competence. away from your presentation? it back is an exciting thing. The net I’ll describe four cores of credibility, Covey: Simply this premise: The first Instructional Video Library result is better government and more two coming from our character and job of a county official is to inspire trust from those that we serve. two from our competence. trust and the second job of any leader Integrity and intent come from your is to extend trust. Online “Ask an Expert” Help Services County: Can you give an character. One of the best things you If I never trust anybody, I might overview of what you’ll be can do as county officials is declare be a good administrator and a good your intent to let people know what person, even a good manager. There’s Monthly Webinars and Online Roll Call Training sharing at our conference you’re doing and why you’re doing it. nothing wrong with that. We need Be open and transparent so you’re to be good in those areas. But the to help attendees increase Updates Referencing Applicable Federal Court Rulings trust in themselves, their not operating with a hidden agenda, act of extending trust is the act but an open agenda. If you declare it of leadership. It’s not just a blind relationships and in the up front, people aren’t guessing your trust where we say, “oh just trust workplace? intention or ascribing motive to you — everybody.” That’s not very smart. no, you’re deliberate. When you smartly give it, that’s when Covey: I’m going to highlight three The other two cores are capability people receive it and return it. main points at this conference. First, and results; those represent our Trust brings out the best in people. showing how there are economics to competence. Capabilities are our It inspires them to want to prove it’s trust. The reason this is important is * The model policy program is brought to you by the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) in collaboration with expertise and our knowledge; the justified. They want to give it back it helps people frame trust in a new the Public Agency Training Council (PATC), the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas and the Justices of the Peace & Constables Association of Texas. results are our performance and our and rise to the occasion and perform way. This matters. It’s not just some track record. better, and that becomes a virtuous soft, warm and fuzzy idea. This is That combination of integrity, upward cycle. It’s important for all about better government and all intent, capabilities and results can leaders to create the cycle of trust about greater speed and lower cost, make a person, a county official or any and confidence and counteract what which are vital in today’s world. It’s leader credible and more trusted. so often in society has become a important to see trust as an economic And then I’ll describe how vicious downward cycle of distrust and driver, as well as a social virtue. credibility is the foundation, but then suspicion. We have to break that cycle Second, I’ll show as a leader, as a it moves to our behavior — what we do and become a catalyst to create trust county official, the ability to create and how we do it. Those 13 behaviors even in a low-trust world. * trust is the number one competency can ripple out to our relationships Reduce your county’s liability exposures. you can have. The reason I say that then we can literally increase trust Access these services today at www.county.org/PATC. 40 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine

2014DEC_PATC AD_fullpage.indd 1 1/8/15 4:36 PM 11783_mag.indd 40 5/15/15 12:24 PM County Law Enforcement & Jail Operations Policy Service Program

Reduce liability risks, lower claims exposure, prevent losses and enhance the performance of county law enforcement officers and employees.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PROVIDED AT NO ADDITIONAL PROVIDED AT NO COST TO ALL PUBLIC AGENCY TRAINING COUNCIL COST TO MEMBERS OF THE TAC COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT RISK MANAGEMENT POOL LAW ENFORCEMENT LIABILITY PROGRAM

Texas-Specific Critical Task Model Policies for County Law Enforcement and Jail Operations *

Customized (Agency-Specific) Policy Services

Online and On-Site Training for Personnel

Instructional Video Library

Online “Ask an Expert” Help Services

Monthly Webinars and Online Roll Call Training

Updates Referencing Applicable Federal Court Rulings

* The model policy program is brought to you by the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) in collaboration with the Public Agency Training Council (PATC), the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas and the Justices of the Peace & Constables Association of Texas.

Reduce your county’s liability exposures. Access these services today at www.county.org/PATC.

2014DEC_PATC AD_fullpage.indd 1 1/8/15 4:36 PM 11783_mag.indd 41 5/15/15 12:24 PM ★ | County Magazine

OFFERING HEALTHY INCENTIVES

42 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine

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Healthy County panelists offer advice from the front lines on creating wellness programs and implementing incentives

By Maria Sprow

roviding health care benefits to employees is an ever-increasing cost-driver for cash- strapped counties, causing counties across the state to Pget serious and creative about finding ways to contain those increases. So far, the most effective way to contain health care costs is investments in wellness, said county representatives who spoke at the Healthy County Boot Camp wellness conference earlier this year. The TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP) sponsors the conference for its members partici- Schleicher County Judge Charles Bradley discusses his county’s pating in the Health County implementation of a wellness incentive program during the TAC wellness program. Healthy County Boot Camp conference earlier this year. “The options to really control increasing health care costs Choosing which incentives to are limited. The increases are due to implement can be a complicated medical inflation and other health decision, as there are a variety of care related costs that are out of our ways to offer incentives and a va- control,” said TAC Wellness Consultant riety of tasks that can be incentiv- Rosalinda DiTommaso, speaking at the ized. There are also different rules conference. “But commissioners courts and limits that must be followed, have a monthly budget that they have depending on whether a county has Conference Coverage to work with, and so wellness is really “grandfathered” status, meaning being introduced as a cost-containment there have been no major changes necessary, or pay about $40 a month strategy.” to the county’s plan since 2010, when toward their health benefits plan, said the Affordable Care Act was signed. County Judge Charley Bradley. Incentive Programs Spread Some counties, such as Jackson Kaufman County made a similar But wellness programs are most suc- County, are allowing employees to craft decision four years ago, when it chose cessful when employees are motivated their own wellness solutions, asking to start making its 480 employees pay to participate, and many times, em- employees to do two out of three, or $25 a month toward their health care ployees aren’t motivated on their own. three out of five, different incentivized coverage. But it also created a wellness That’s causing more and more counties activities,. Orange County created a day for employees, during which they to implement a variety of incentives menu of incentivized items and at- can receive their annual physicals. — such as increased employee contri- tached a monetary value to each activi- Employees who take advantage of butions, paid time off and surcharg- ty, DiTommaso said. the opportunity or who get an annual es — to drive employee engagement In Schleicher County, employees physical elsewhere are rewarded with and increase participation in wellness must now take a yearly physical, a $25 a month toward their health care programs, said conference speakers and health assessment and participate in coverage premiums, eliminating the panelists. a condition management program, if employees’ monthly bill, said Kaufman

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County Wellness Coordinator Cassie productive employees in the long-term. Carter, adding that the county has seen “What it all boils down to is dol- savings. lars,” said Judge Bradley, adding that “Our bottom line is still increasing — the incentive program just began in the cost of insurance is going up — but January. “Schleicher County pays for With us, you don’t have to. our increase has dropped significantly,” all the premiums for our employees. … she said. “A couple years ago, our in- The premium had gone up, it goes up crease in premiums was more than 14 each year a little bit, but it had gone up percent, and then last year we only saw 5.89 percent. We were looking at that a 7 percent increase. So our employees and saying, what do we have to do to are getting healthier, our premiums are possibly get this down or to level it out, lower, we have fewer claims and less keep it the same?” Texas Association of Counties costly claims over time.” But it’s also personal, Bradley added. The county also added another in- His county is rural, with less than 50 Risk Management Pool Can centive two years ago, when it chose to employees, including elected officials. charge all employees an additional $25 Everyone in the courthouse knows e protect your county’s buildings, your a month, but then gave everyone who everyone, and Bradley said he’s hopeful signed a waiver stating that they don’t that everyone will do what they have Wvehicles, employees and more, while use tobacco a savings of $25 a month to to do to be healthier and not pay the offset the increase. monthly surcharge. Employees have helping you manage costs and promote safety. county That means that employees who until Nov. 1 to get the tasks done. complete both the annual physical and “We all visit with each other, and TAC Risk Management Pool members count on: who sign a waiver stating they don’t unfortunately, we all have bad habits. risk it? smoke tobacco have their entire health We’ll sit, drink coffee, have a coke, care plan premiums paid for by the and there’s usually a lot of chocolate • Broad range of county-specific coverage county. In addition, they also receive involved,” he said, adding that the eight hours of extra vacation time. commissioners court didn’t want the • Comprehensive risk management services “There’s sort of a reward and a pun- county’s new incentive program to hurt • Competitive & stable pricing ishment at the same time,” she said, employees or their paychecks. “We care adding that the tobacco fee has brought about all these people. We know them. • 24/7 claims hotline in about $30,000 during the two years I know that they don’t make that much it’s been in effect. (Even more recently, money, and we want to keep those peo- • Customized risk control programs the county began offering employees ple because they’ve been there and they who certify as tobacco users the option are good people.” • Value-added membership benefits to complete a tobacco cessation program to avoid the tobacco fee.) Strategies for Success • Sound county leadership Meanwhile, in June 2014, Grayson While the incentive programs did • Financial stability County began asking its employees receive some initial resistance from and their spouses to complete three long-time employees, the panelists wellness items each year or pay $25 for said most employees have accepted the each non-completed item per month: changes and understand that they are complete an online health assessment, part of a growing trend nationwide. take a yearly physical with biometrics They recommended a few strategies to Created by counties for counties. and participate in a tobacco cessation make the transition go as smoothly as program. Non-tobacco users can sign a possible: waiver stating they don’t use tobacco, said Grayson County Wellness Coordi- Roll out incentives one at a time. nator Sadie Whitlock. Kaufman County started its Both counties using tobacco incen- incentive program four years ago tives are doing so on the honor system, by creating its wellness day and and both Carter and Whitlock said 1incentivizing the annual physical. They their counties are considering including waited two more years before imple- e-cigarettes in the future, but current- menting a surcharge for tobacco use. ly e-cigarette smokers are counted as county.org non-smokers. Start a conversation now. While the incentive programs are all “When we first started, we www.county.org/TACRMP (800) 456 -5974 fairly new, all three said they expect didn’t ease into it,” said Whitlock, the programs to lead to cost-savings with Grayson County, which pays (800) 456 -5974 for the county and healthier and more 2for health coverage for roughly 500

44 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine NEW TAC RMP Ad 2015.indd 1 3/11/15 12:55 PM

11783_mag.indd 44 5/15/15 12:24 PM NEW TAC RMP Ad 2015.indd 2 2/13/15 2:52 PM County Magazine | ★

With us, you don’t have to.

Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool e protect your county’s buildings, Wvehicles, employees and more, while helping you manage costs and promote safety. TAC Risk Management Pool members count on: • Broad range of county-specific coverage • Comprehensive risk management services • Competitive & stable pricing • 24/7 claims hotline • Customized risk control programs • Value-added membership benefits • Sound county leadership • Financial stability

Created by counties for counties.

www.county.org/TACRMP (800) 456 -5974

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STRONGER CONNECTIONS, STRONGER COUNTIES.

facebook.com/TexasCounties

twitter.com/TexasCounties

youtube.com/TexasCountiesVideo

county.org

Connect, Learn and Exchange with TAC Online Join us online and benefit from the extensive legal and legislative resources, educational opportunities, county news and best practices, essential data, and invaluable information TAC’s website and online communities offer to leaders across the state like you.

county.org

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employees. “We just went for it, and it really brings it home as to why you’re Use both the carrot and the stick. wasn’t honestly received very well by doing this.” Incentive programs should a lot of the employees. They felt they include both rewards for taking were being forced to do something. … I Don’t have deadlines. actions and losses for inaction, think easing into them is a good idea. Kaufman County employ- 5as people take loss into consideration The way we did it, it was really tough.” ees who smoke can stop at any twice as much as they take gains. time and start receiving their Having both also allows the county Recognize the health benefits. 4$25 benefit toward their health care to offer rewards without paying too But Whitlock said the incentive premiums, Carter said, adding that the much out-of-pocket. “When the incen- programs have been well worth county’s message is that it’s never too tive program is framed strategically, STRONGER CONNECTIONS, the initial backlash, as employ- late to quit. “So long as they have been it can be positioned in the way that 3ees have discovered health issues that tobacco-free for 30 days, they can come Kaufman County has framed it — ‘We could have potentially become critical to our office and sign a waiver that they are going to implement an increase in or fatal. “We’ve had some come to us are now tobacco-free, with the under- your health care contribution, however, and say, ‘Thank you very much, I went standing that if they begin again, they you have the opportunity to continue STRONGER COUNTIES. and got my physical and I found out I come and let us know that as well,” she to receive your benefit at 100 percent had cancer and they caught it quickly said. “We’ve had several that have been by participating in X, Y and Z,’ ” said and I’m going to be okay,” she said. on and off the wagon a couple times DiTommaso. “So even if you get one of those for 100 throughout the year.” people who are upset with you, that Communicate, communicate, commu- facebook.com/TexasCounties nicate. Panelists all said that communication is key throughout the 6process of creating and maintaining a twitter.com/TexasCounties wellness and incentive program, and face-to-face communication is best. “I think communication is a huge thing and the way you present it to youtube.com/TexasCountiesVideo them face to face is so much better than an email,” Whitlock said, adding that e-mails are too easily ignored or missed. “Your road and bridge guys, county.org they probably don’t check their emails. I’ve gone to all the sites and explained to them in person and sat at their computer and made their login information and wrote it on a sticky note.... Do as Connect, Learn and much as you can to help them, make it as simple as possible.” * Exchange with TAC Online Join us online and benefit from the extensive legal and legislative resources, educational opportunities, county news and best practices, essential data, and invaluable information TAC’s website and online communities offer to leaders across the state like you. Grayson County HR Director Sadie Whitlock (left), Kaufman County HR Director Lorie Floyd and Kaufman County Wellness Coordinator Cassie Carter all spoke at the TAC Healthy County Boot Camp conference about incentive county.org programs.

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EMERGING TRENDS IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

York Account Executive Susan Mullins and TAC Workers’ Compensation Claims Supervisor Kevin Yandell covered trends in the cost of workers’ compensation claims and the variables that affect costs or impact employee satisfaction, such as statutory and regulatory changes, medical discoveries and innovations and the economy.

“Be mindful of this: if you have (injured) employees on which you are paying full salaries — maybe your law enforcement employees or you may have some other type of program or other employees where your county has agreed to pay them their full salary a brief refresher — be sure to let the adjuster know exactly how much you are paying them, because our benefits are based on the difference between what they were making before the injury and what you are paying them now at full salary. And what the division is finding out is that a lot of carriers, insurance companies and otherwise, are underpaying benefits because we are assuming full salary means they are getting their regular pay, and that is not always the case,” Yandell said.

CYBER WARFARE: IS YOUR COUNTY PREPARED FOR A DATA BREACH?

Attorney Lynn Sessions discussed cyber risks, state and federal regulations related to breach notification requirements, proper incident response and common themes in litigation following breaches. Sessions, who has handled more than 300 data breaches and 70 regulatory investigations following security breaches, said there are numerous ways criminals can benefit from stealing private information.

“Names and social security numbers can be resold over and over and over again, so you will find that ... when a criminal or someone who is harvesting this information from your system get ahold of it, they will put it out onto the deep dark Web and monetize it. So it’s all about how much is this worth?” Sessions said. “There is a value to a name and Social Security Number. If you think about it, credit alone can be set up, fraudulent tax returns can be filed. We recently got a call from a lending institution that has seen fraudulent home loans set up.”

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Margaret Gilbert with Forward Edge Drug Testing showed attendees the different types of containers employees might use to sneak marijuana and other drugs into the CATCH ME IF YOU CAN — workplace during a breakout session on drug testing and the use of drugs DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE in the workplace.

Gilbert also discussed the danger of synthetic drugs — such as K2 and bath salts — which are sold legally in stores and are known to cause seizures, kidney failure, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, vomiting, brain damage, panic attacks and other serious and potentially fatal negative side effects. In 2014, the American Association of Poison SOCIAL MEDIA & HR — Control Centers received 3,769 calls regarding synthetic marijuana and Friends or ENEMIES? 580 calls related to bath salts.

Employment Attorney Sheila Gladstone discussed how While bath salt usage has decreased counties can use social media for recruiting, researching dramatically since 2011, other applicants, investigating leave fraud and communicating drugs are gaining popularity. Those with employees, as well as what to do when employees’ drugs include: gravel, a synthetic misuse of social media negatively affects the workplace. stimulant that is smoked or injected and causes violence, paranoia and “We know that most HR professionals are using social halluciations; wax, which can be media to recruit people. ... You also may be using it to smoked or swallowed and causes try to find people, to try to find out about people, and psychosis and brain damage; kratom, especially to research applicants,” Gladstone said. a legal herbal drug that causes “What’s interesting is I’ve been giving a talk kind of lucid dreaming, dry mouth and like this for a few years and we were seeing this huge constipation; Benzo Fury, a research skyrocket in how many HR people were using social compound that causes euphoria, media to research their applicants, to find out about them, increased heart rate, anxiety and and what I noticed the last time I looked at the statistics paranoia; krokodil, a mixture of is, they are starting to go down a bit. ... Now people are headache pills, paint thinner, getting a little bit cautious. They are concerned, as you gasoline and other compounds that can imagine, that maybe we Google someone and out provides a cheap substitute for pops their presence on a people living with diabetes heroin; lemon drop, made partially website, and suddenly we are responsibly for knowing from painter’s solvent; and Angels they have diabetes.” Trumpet, a hallucinogenic flower that can cause death. ITS NOT JUST WHAT YOU SAY, BUT WHAT YOU DON’T SAY — THE IMPORTANCE oF HAVING AND PUBLISHING YOUR POLICIES

TAC Claims Attorneys Stan Lewiecki and Deborah Overton Bonner do some role playing regarding the importance of documentation and personnel policies while Tom Brandt, the director of Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin, P.C., observes and commentates. It’s important that personnel policies be properly vetted and signed and that employers document interactions and discussions with employees regarding repetitive negative behaviors, speakers said.

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LIABILITY & CIVILITY Speaker discusses the importance of creating a civil workplace culture and counties’ liability when things go wrong

By Maria Sprow

ichael Fann has been studying the nega- ing general session of TAC’s County Management & tive effects of toxic workplaces since 1992. Risk Conference in April. “We would get calls from the Fann, now the director of Loss Control cities who we work with, I and my staff across the state for the Texas Municipal League Risk of Tennessee, and they’d say, ‘Hey, the U.S. Supreme Management Pool, had been working in Court said this that and the other, we need help, we Tennessee for a loss control entity work- need assistance, we need training, we need policy ing with 500 different municipalities and assistance.’” M45,000 government employees when he noticed that the U.S. Supreme Court was handing out a lot of deci- TOXIC WORKPLACE sions related to professional liability exposures resulting from harassing workplace environments. COMPLAINTS ON THE RISE “Initially, it was sexual harassment and then At the same time, the phrase “toxic workplace” was through the 90s with various court cases they ex- beginning to take hold. panded that to include all protective classes under “As the Supreme Court began to expand these kinds Title 6 and 7 of the Civil Rights Act and that’s kind of of liabilities, dealing with harassment, hostile work where this began for us,” Fann said during the open- environments, offensive work environments, we would get calls from all across the state,” he said, adding that

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all the phone calls and calls for something is different about the training and education led him to workplace, right, maybe some- get serious about the subject. one new is in the workplace and The calls have never gone away. they don’t think it’s that funny or Toxic work environments can maybe someone who has always happen anywhere. They can be a been there, been there forever, private corporation, a grocery store, and maybe even participated for a a city or a county. Today, there are while, their values have changed seven different protected classes of and they need it to stop,” Fann employees, not including protected said. genetic information, and workplace In the case of the accidental discrimination and harassment remark, often people don’t realize claims are more numerous than Conference Coverage they’ve offended someone else ever, Fann said. until it’s too late And many man- “In 2014, we set a new record in agers are ill-equipped to deal with this country for EEOC complaints in someone else’s mind?” Fann said, personality conflicts, which Fann that are heard before an EEOC admin- adding that court cases can take a long said are the most common spark for istrative hearing officer in this subject, time to investigate and resolve. “If it discrimination and harassment claims. harassment, offensive environment, goes to court, we are going to spend somewhere between $65,000 and hostile environment. Three years ago HOW TOXICITY SPREADS $75,000 to win one.” it was a little more than 100,000 and I Exacerbating the likelihood and think we hit almost 130,000 two years intensity of personality conflicts and ago and last year was over 130,000 THE SLIPPERY ROAD perhaps stemming from the personality complaints,” he said. TO HARASSMENT conflicts is the fact that, according to Employers lose about 10 percent of After studying the losses and the the annual national job satisfaction those complaints. Another 30 percent of incidents that led to the discrimination survey conducted by the Bureau of La- harrassment-related EEOC complaints and harassment claims being filed in bor Statistics, anywhere from 50 to 66 are resolved via mediation or negotia- the first place, Fann discovered that percent of respondents rate themselves tion. most toxic workplaces don’t begin out as having severe job disatisfaction. Regardless of whether a toxic envi- that way. “On any given day, at least half of ronment winds up in a complaint or “We found out that the vast majority us really don’t want to be here. Right? lawsuit, they can lead to nonproductive of those cases don’t begin in an action- Isn’t that sad?” Fann said. “Most of us staffs and public relations nightmares, able way, with overt harassment, overt applied for work that we kind of liked among other problems. discriminatory harassment,” he said. to do, so if it’s not the stuff I’m doing “We get somewhere around 100 to Instead, they begin with joking that’s causing all this misery, what is 115 of these kinds of claims and law- around, an accidental off-hand remark it? The people you’re doing it with. ... suits every year that we have to deal or a personality conflict. It’s the environment.” with on behalf of our membership,” he “They begin with, ‘We’re just jok- Since people spend the majority of said. ing, it’s funny, we always joke about the waking hours of their productive To be held liable in court, employees this kind of stuff,’ but now maybe years at work, that job disatisfaction is must prove that the harassment is so pervasive that that working conditions are unduly oppressive. “That came out of this famous Harris vs. Forklift Systems decision out of Nashville that went to the U.S. Supreme Court in the early 90s,” Fann said. The cities he works with are held liable about 10 percent of the time, he said, adding that even lawsuits that employers win are costly. “This is a different kind of liability then the other kinds. If we back into someone in the parking lot, we can go out there and take a picture of the damage. But where does this damage occur? It’s up here in the mind, un- wanted and unwelcome. How do you defend yourself over what is going on Michael Fann, the director of Loss Control for the Texas Municipal League Risk Management Pool, discusses the importance of creating a civil workplace during the County Management & Risk Conference in April.

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a quality of life issue for everyone. “There is a real tendency when you Many hope problems between start hearing this material and digging employees will resolve themselves, but into this thought process that you get that’s usually not the case. out an imaginary piece of paper and a With us, you do. “There is nothing evil about either pencil and you write down three or four one of them, but if they are in the same names of people that you really wish room, they are going to rub each other was here to hear this,” Fann said. “But the wrong way. As soon as you walk there is a challenge with that. There is into a meeting room, they are both in an easy evaluation process in terms of there you can begin to dip the tension how everyone impacts us, right, that’s out with a spoon, correct, people are easy to understand. But is it easy to Texas Association of Counties Do you different, personalities are different,” evaluate how you impact everyone Health and Employee Benefits Pool Fann said. “As soon as the red flag goes around you?” up we jump in there and manage it 2. Remember the basics. A civil have right away, right? Almost never.” and healthy workplace starts with hav- Improperly managing the problem ing and showing respect and kindness e provide your employees with high can cause personality conflicts to snow- for coworkers, active listening, and quality benefits while helping you their ball across entire departments and remembering basic ettiquette. W organizations. And personality conflicts “Somebody will walk into my office manage costs and promote wellness. usually intensify after a complaint or and say, ‘I’ve got a question for you.’ back? case has been filed and closed. And I say, ‘Yeah? What do you got?’ And TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool members Fann recalled one incident in which as soon as they start asking their ques- two coworkers in a public works tion, I’ll turn right back to my keyboard count on: department of about 40 people had a to finish the email that I’m working personality conflict that escalated into on while I’m listening. Am I listening? • Coverages and benefits customized to your six lawsuits for racial harassment and No. Did I intend to be disrespectful to 10 days of the mayor making prime- them? No. But am I? Yes,” Fann said. county’s needs time news. The department’s employees “How much additional time would it were completely divided, but they still take for me to go, ‘Hang on just a sec- • Plan management guidance and support had to go to work together despite the ond, I’ve got to finish this letter to the hostility and lawsuits. governor,’ or to make eye contact and • Healthy County wellness programs and initiatives “In all likelihood, 90 percent of the say, ‘What do you got?’” time, when we get to the end of this, Having empathy also goes a long way • County-focused customer care we are going to have to work together toward fostering a civil and friendly again,” Fann said, adding that basic environment. Whether coworkers know • Retiree enrollment assistance resolution conflict at the beginning each other’s life stories or not, it’s safe • Employee Benefits Consultants on-call could have helped prevent the division. to assume everyone has problems and “Let’s begin with the end in mind.” stresses. • Long-term rate stability “Every day, I am dealing with some- THE KEYS TO CIVILITY thing. Some days it’s little stress issues • Sound county leadership 1. Focus on yourself. To create a and some days it’s major life catastro- civil workplace environment, Fann said phies,” Fann said. “Literally everyone it’s important each employee begin you engage with every day is going with themselves and their own behav- through something.” ior, since it’s the only person’s behavior 2. Don’t kick your own lion. It’s within their control. also a good idea to create solutions Created by counties for counties. “Somewhere between the ages of 5 for situations that historically cause and 12, you kind of become who you personal stress or frustration. For are, in terms of how you act, how you instance, Fann said that for a long time, make decisions,” Fann said, adding he would get angry whenever he went that, after that, people usually only through the drive thru window at a fast change and improve if they make a real food restaurant because his order never effort. “And most of us don’t.” came out right. So he stopped using While it’s easy to complain about oth- the drive thru. “I’ll just go in. That way county.org ers and see the effects others have on I can stand there when they slide it the environment, people often have a across and I can say, ‘I’m sorry I wanted www.county.org/TACHEBP (800) 456 -5974 blind spot as to how their own behavior the swiss cheese on that please,’ in- is perceived and how it effects those stead of getting hostile about it.” * (800) 456 -5974 around them.

52 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine NEW TAC HEBP Ad 2015.indd 1 2/13/15 2:53 PM

NEW TAC HEBP Ad 2015.indd 2 2/13/15 2:53 PM 11783_mag.indd 52 5/15/15 12:24 PM County Magazine | ★

With us, you do.

Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool e provide your employees with high Wquality benefits while helping you manage costs and promote wellness. TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool members count on: • Coverages and benefits customized to your county’s needs • Plan management guidance and support • Healthy County wellness programs and initiatives • County-focused customer care • Retiree enrollment assistance • Employee Benefits Consultants on-call • Long-term rate stability • Sound county leadership

Created by counties for counties.

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MaYJ/JUNan/Feb 2015 2015 ★ county.org/magazine county.org/magazine 5353

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Caring for your neighbors Acadian is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation • Reliable responses of Ambulance Services. We are one of only eight ambulance services in • Clinical expertise Texas to hold this distinction. • A tradition of excellence

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We are one of only eight ambulance companies in Texas to have earned accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. You can trust Acadian to provide your community with the best in EMS. Acadian.com/Texas

11783_mag.indd 54 5/15/15 12:24 PM Since 1995

11783_mag.indd 55 5/15/15 12:24 PM MEMBERS CAN COUNT ON: • Toll-free Legal Hotline, (888) 275-8224 • First-rate training and continuing education programs • A strong voice representing county interests at the state and federal government levels • County news, issues and best practices online and in County magazine • Email and website hosting services Created by counties, • TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool • TAC Risk Management Pool • TAC Unemployment Compensation Group Account Fund • Cost-effective, comprehensive risk management services and programs • Healthy County customized employee wellness programs for counties.

(800) 456-5974 county.org

2015MemberServices Ad.indd 2-3 12/12/14 12:18 PM 11783_mag.indd 56 5/15/15 12:24 PM MEMBERS CAN COUNT ON: • Toll-free Legal Hotline, (888) 275-8224 • First-rate training and continuing education programs • A strong voice representing county interests at the state and federal government levels • County news, issues and best practices online and in County magazine • Email and website hosting services Created by counties, • TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool • TAC Risk Management Pool • TAC Unemployment Compensation Group Account Fund • Cost-effective, comprehensive risk management services and programs • Healthy County customized employee wellness programs for counties.

(800) 456-5974 county.org

2015MemberServices Ad.indd 2-3 12/12/14 12:18 PM 11783_mag.indd 57 5/15/15 12:24 PM Register now and save!

TCDRS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

JULY 20–22, 2015 H SHERATON AUSTIN HOTEL AT THE CAPITOL H AUSTIN, TEXAS

At the TCDRS Annual Conference you’ll learn about: Any new laws coming out of the 84th Legislative Session that will affect TCDRS. Our 2014 investment performance and how our investments are managed. How new GASB standards will impact your financial report.

11783_mag.indd2015AnnualConferenceFullPageAdMay.indd 58 1 5/15/154/7/15 12:24 10:59 PM Events and education for counties | Calendar of Events | ★

September Note: More information regarding events can be found online via the TAC Education Calendar, 3 — Fall Panhandle County Judges Register www.county.org/education/calendar. and Commissioners Conference, Amarillo. now and MAY 22-26 — 71st Annual Justices 14-17 — 67th Annual County 19 — Tuesday Morning Breakfast, of the Peace and Constables Treasurers’ Association of Texas Austin. Association Education Conference, Wichita Falls. Conference, South Padre Island. save! 20 — 2015 Probate Academy, 16-18 — Far West Texas Judges Lubbock. JUly and Commissioners Association Conference, Study Butte. 26 — Tuesday Morning Breakfast, 6-9 — North & East Texas Austin. County Judges & Commissioners 23-25 — Texas District and County Association 2015 Annual Attorneys Association Annual 27-28 — Texas District & County Education Conference & Business, Criminal and Civil Law Update, Attorneys Association Law Waco. Corpus Christi. Seminar, Dallas. October JUNE 10-13 — National Association of Counties Annual Conference, 5-8 — 93rd Annual County Judges 8-10 — 2015 Conference of the Charlotte, NC. and Commissioners Association of County Investment Academy, San Texas Conference, San Marcos. TCDRS ANNUAL Antonio. 18-21 — 137th Texas Sheriffs’ 20 — Auditor’s Annual Conference, 14-18 — 120th Annual County Association Annual Training Conroe. and District Clerks Association Conference, San Antonio. Conference, Houston. CONFERENCE August November 12-13 — Texas Public Funds 14-18 — Tax Assessor-Collectors 24-27 — Texas Jail Association’s Investment Conference, Houston. Annual Conference, Lubbock. Jail Management Issues 15-18 — South Texas County Conference, Galveston. 18-20 — Fall Judicial Education JULY 20–22, 2015 H SHERATON AUSTIN HOTEL AT THE CAPITOL H AUSTIN, TEXAS Session, Galveston. Judges & Commissioners 26-28 — 2015 TAC Legislative Conference, Beaumont. Conference, Austin. DECEMBER 2-4 — Texas District & County Register for the 2015 TCDRS Annual Conference Attorneys Association Elected by June 29 and save $50 with the early bird discount. Prosecutors Conference, San Antonio. Need help finding savings March 2016 At the TCDRS Annual Conference you’ll learn about: 28-April 1 — 2016 Spring Judicial in your county's budget? Education Session, Lubbock. Any new laws coming out of the 84th Legislative Session that will affect TCDRS. April 2016 Our 2014 investment performance and how our investments are managed. 18-21 — 44th Annual County More than 650 public agencies have chosen PARS for Treasurers’ Continuing Education How new GASB standards will impact your financial report. retirement solutions that help save money such as: Seminar, Austin. May 2016 • Texas-compliant trust to reduce OPEB liabilities; 16-19 — 2016 North and East county retains control to reduce/eliminate retiree medical County Judges and Commissioners Association Annual Conference & Register today and save! • Social Security alternatives for temporary employees to save 79% Business Meeting, Galveston. Contact PARS today for a complimentary analysis to see June 2016 www.tcdrs.org/employer 12-16 — 2016 Tax Assessor-Collectors how much your County could save. Association Annual Conference, Waco. 800.540.6369 x 116; [email protected] 20-22 — 2016 Conference of the www.pars.org County Investment Academy, Galveston. ©2015 Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS). All rights reserved.

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2015AnnualConferenceFullPageAdMay.indd 1 4/7/15 10:59 11783_mag.indd 59 5/15/15 12:24 PM Data about counties, by County Information ★ | Information Program | Project Senior Analyst Tim Brown County Jail Reports Show Pregnant Inmates, Jailer Turnover

he Texas Commission on Jail Number of Pregnant Inmates jails. Standards (TCJS) publishes (March 1, 2015) Each month, TCJS also produces Tseveral reports on county jails, the Licensed Jailer Turnover Report, including reports on the overall jail which provides information on population and on the number of how many licensed jailers have inmates with immigration detainers. left employment at county jails. These reports have been mentioned Given high-paying jobs that have in various TAC publications or in the been available up until recently media. However, TCJS also publishes in the petroleum industry due some data with which officials may to the fracking boom and the not be familiar: The Pregnant Female hundreds of state trooper jobs that Report provides information on the Legend will apparently be coming online number of pregnant females booked (assuming the related legislative bills 0 into jails as of the first of each month pass), loss of trained employees has 1 and the Licensed Jailer Turnover been and will remain a huge concern Report provides monthly data on the 2 - 3 for county sheriffs. turnover rate for licensed jailers over 4 - 26 The second map shows the turnover County Information Program, the prior month. No County Jail Texas Association of Counties rate for licensed jailers during the The first map shows the number of month of January 2015. As in the pregnant females booked in county previous map, grey indicates no jails for each county on March 1, county jail; counties shaded yellow 2015. The numbers include only those Licensed Jailer Turnover Rate had no turnover during January. in county jails – anyone in prison (As of Feb. 1, 2015) Unlike the previous map, this one or a private jail is not included. shows a rate or percentage, the Join TAC’s Core In addition, the map shows the impact of which is that many of the actual location of these inmates. counties in this map’s highest bracket For example, if someone residing (6.01 percent to 23.81 percent) are Legislative Group in Travis County is booked into the not the larger urban counties. This PRESERVE Harris County Jail, they are counted illustrates the difficulties that can As a member on the front lines, you’ll: in Harris — not their county of arise in a small county, where the • Contact your local legislators in person, residence. loss of a small number of employees LOCAL CONTROL by phone, email, Twitter or in writing; Counties that do not have their own or even a single individual can be a • Provide testimony (written or verbal) at jail or that only have a private jail are Legend hardship. committee hearings; shown in grey. Because the map shows 0.00% An example of this problem • Complete witness cards for or against the number of pregnant inmates by 0.01 - 3.00% occurred in Live Oak County, in legislation at committee hearings; and county — rather than the percent 3.01 - 6.00% the middle of the Eagle Ford Shale, of the population that is pregnant when five of 21 jailers departed • Supply TAC with your valuable opinions 6.01 - 23.81% — it is unsurprising that the larger County Information Program, during January, resulting in a loss of regarding legislation that could impact urban counties appear in the highest No County Jail Texas Association of Counties 23.81 percent of the county’s jailers county government. bracket, a dark red. What may be a in a single month! Not only can the IN YOUR surprise is that 158 counties reported number of departing jailers represent no pregnant inmates as of March 1. a significant percentage of the total Another 57 counties reported from number of jailers in a small county, one to three pregnant inmates. Only the small pool of potential applicants Join now. 27 counties reported more than three makes it difficult to find qualified Contact Legislative Group Coordinator pregnant inmates booked into their replacements. * COUNTY Rhita Koches at [email protected]

(800) 456-5974 county.org 60 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine

2015 Core Legis Ad.indd 2 12/12/14 8:41 AM 11783_mag.indd 60 5/15/15 12:24 PM Join TAC’s Core PRESERVE Legislative Group As a member on the front lines, you’ll: • Contact your local legislators in person, LOCAL CONTROL by phone, email, Twitter or in writing; • Provide testimony (written or verbal) at committee hearings; • Complete witness cards for or against legislation at committee hearings; and • Supply TAC with your valuable opinions regarding legislation that could impact IN YOUR county government. Join now. Contact Legislative Group Coordinator COUNTY Rhita Koches at [email protected]

(800) 456-5974 county.org

2015 Core Legis Ad.indd 2 12/12/14 8:41 AM 11783_mag.indd 61 5/15/15 12:24 PM ★ | Newsfeed | County Magazine

Favorite and informative postings from TAC’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TexasCounties, in case you missed them MENTAL HEALTH FACTS  Readings Research, articles, publications and websites

BORDER CONTRABAND: A HISTORY OF SMUGGLING ACROSS THE RIO GRANDE by George T. Díaz shows how illicit trade started back in 1848, when attempts by Mexico and the United States to tax commerce across the Rio Grande led to smuggling and evolved from a common practice of ordinary people into a professional, often violent, criminal activity. University of Texas Press.

A GUIDE TO THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS OF FREDERICKSBURG AND GILLESPIE An infographic and article shared on May 5 by the Meadows Mental COUNTY by Kenneth Hafertepe is a heavily Health Policy Institute via The Texas Tribune offered up some straight illustrated tracking of the evolution of this talk about mental illness and incarceration. The article, “Promoting smart German settlement. The guide features justice for the mentally ill,” was promoting SB 1777 and HB 2523, both buildings visible to vistors from the public seeking “to amend the Human Resource Code that suspends or terminates streets and sidewalks, lists which buildings Medicaid eligibility for certain individuals confined to a county jail ... to are open for tours and helps visitors see automatically reinstate the individual’s Medicaid eligibility within 48 the layers of Texas history on display in hours after being notified of the person’s release” so that counties and the popular tourist town. Texas A & M municipalities aren’t left footing future emergency room bills. University Press.

FLOODS OF IMAGES: MEDIA, MEMORY we <3 Courthouses AND HURRICANE KATRINA by Bernie Cook analyzes the surplus of TV news coverage and documentaries about the devastating hurricane and its aftermath and investigates how media representations have shaped our collective memories of Katrina. University of Texas Press.

DEATH ON BASE: THE FORT HOOD MASSACRE by Anita Belles Porterfield and John Porterfield is an in-depth look at the worst mass shooting on a United County Relations Officers Stan Reid stopped off in Palestine recently and States military base in our country’s history, sent back this photo of the beautiful Anderson County courthouse. The beginning with an investigation into Army courthouse was built in 1913 and underwent major restoration in 1986 and psychiatrist Nidal Hasan’s life in Virginia was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. until the events that took place on Nov. 5, 2009 and why the event has been classified as workplace violence instead of a terrorist CONDOLENCES attack. University of North Texas Press. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of longtime Grimes County Commissioner Pam Finke who passed away from a blood clot on March 3, and Newton County Judge Ronnie Boyette, who was fatally struck by a falling tree on May 9.

62 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine

11783_mag.indd 62 5/15/15 12:24 PM 800-456-5975 512-478-8753 county.org | Who To Call | ★

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Publications and Risk Consulting: Gene Terry, (512) 925-3263 County Magazine: Leah Mullikin Michael Shannon OFFICE, PHONE OR ADDRESS UPDATES: Risk Management Consultants ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Membership Coordinator: Frank Baca Northeast: Todd Kisel Rex Hall TAC Website Northwest: Mike Strawn Southeast: Robert Ruiz COUNTY RELATIONS OFFICERS Web Services Manager: Laura Westcott Southwest: Victor Uvalle Lonnie Hunt, Kim Joyce, Stan Reid, Rick Avery LEGAL Member Services Representatives Legal Hotline: (888) ASK-TAC4 or Northeast: Kathie Lopez ADMINISTRATION (888) 275-8224 Northwest: Justin Bedford Administration Director: Chris Munson Legal Fax: (512) 478-3573 Southeast: Lucia Espinoza Event Center: Melissa Dota, General Counsel: Karen Gladney Southwest: Sabrina Eisazadeh Pam Cervantez, Erin Crafton Associate General Counsel Underwriters LEGISLATIVE Jenny Gilchrist, Katherine Howard, Northeast & Southwest: Kelly Flores Paul Miles, Michael Pichinson Northwest & Southeast: Teril Moncivais Legislative Fax: (512) 478-3573 Legislative Director: Paul J. Sugg Paralegals RISK CONTROL SERVICES Deputy Legislative Director: Jamie Chandler, Kristi Shepperson Risk Control Services Fax: (512) 476-6231 Laura V. Garcia Assistant Director for Risk Control Operations Manager: Shelley Kamen COUNTY INFORMATION RESOURCES AGENCY (CIRA) Services: Ernesto Galindo Legislative Liaisons CIRA Fax: (512) 479-1807 Video Training Programs: Kristin Bryan Aurora Flores-Ortiz, Nanette Forbes, Laura CIRA Operations Manager: Online Training Programs: Nicholes, Ender Reed, Rick Thompson Brittany Lane Lee Bell-Hovland County Information Program Customer Service Representative: Elizabeth Sutherland Senior County Analyst: Tim Brown HEALTH AND BENEFITS SERVICES County G.I.S Analyst: Bruce Barr Heath and Benefits Services Director: Human Resources Consultants State Fiscal Analyst: Paul K. Emerson Quincy Quinlan Northeast: Diana Cecil Health and Benefits Services Manager: Liaisons to Affiliates Northwest: Michele Arseneau Bill Norwood COUNTY AUDITORS ASSOCIATION: Southeast: Mary Ann Saenz - Thompson Paul J. Sugg Operations Manager: Rob Ressmann DISTRICT & COUNTY ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION: Southwest: Rollie Ford Financial Consultant: Brian Naiser Laura V. Garcia Risk Control Consultants COUNTY JUDGES & COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION: Employee Benefits Specialists Northeast: Isaac Garcia Rick Thompson Northeast: Maria Castillo Northwest: Jack Coffey JUSTICES OF THE PEACE & CONSTABLES ASSOCIATION: Northwest: Melissa Lopez Southern: Larry Boccaccio Southeast: Lauren Henry Rick Thompson Law Enforcement Consultants TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR ASSOCIATION: Ender Reed Southwest: Jennifer Rehme Northeast: Thomas Kerss COUNTY TREASURERS’ ASSOCIATION: Aurora Flores Employee Benefits Consultants Northwest: Darren Jackson COUNTY & DISTRICT CLERKS ASSOCIATION: Northeast: Lisa McCaig Southern: James MacMillan Nanette Forbes Northwest: Kimberly Wilder SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION: Laura Nicholes Southeast: Charlotte Collins CLAIMS COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION SERVICES Southwest: Ernesto Martinez Claims hotline: (855) 47CLAIM or (855) 472-5246 Education Programs Fax: (512) 477-1324 Wellness Consultants Claims Manager: Evelyn Leach Communication and Education Northeast: Carrye Chen Administrative Assistant: Services Director: Leah Mullikin Northwest: Ashley Cureton Bianca Prado-Espinoza, (512) 478-8753 Associate Director: Lisa Garcia Southeast: Rosalinda DiTommaso Education Services Manager: Southwest: Mark Zollitsch Claims Adjusters Michele Mund Eligibility & Billing Supervisor: Automobile Physical Damage: Education Training Specialist: Lisa Linenberger Gloria Bryfogle, (512) 615-8960 Mark Warren Eligibility Specialist: Jerome Hill General Liability: Susann Honaker, (512) 615-8970 General Conferences & Events Billing and Financial Reporting Automobile Liability: Meeting Planners: Specialist: Stacey Jones Joe Copeland, (512) 615-8910 Michele Ewerz, Ashley Royer Unemployment Claims Administration: Equifax (formerly Property and Crime: Meeting Coordinators: TALX Corporation), (800) 848-0287 x3248 Kevin Yandell, (512) 615-8967 Amy Lawson, Sherry Wagner Unemployment Benefits Specialists: Public Officials and Law Enforcement: Debbie Bonner, (972) 567-9075 County Investment Academy Cynthia Brannen & Jennifer Rehme Stan Lewiecki, (512) 743-4426 Project Manager: Deanna Auert Claims Paralegal: Andrea Beard Project Coordinator: Denise Steusloff RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES Risk Management Services Director: Workers’ Compensation: Kevin Yandell Judicial Education Program Tracy L. Seiler York Services Risk Group: (800) 752- Judicial Hotline: (844) 265-8343 Operations Manager/Property 6301 Interim Judicial Program Manager: Appraisal: Jennifer Kolbasinski Jay Johnson Judicial Education Project Manager: UNDERWRITING AND RISK CONSULTING Maurice Whitfield Assistant Director for Underwriting

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11783_mag.indd 63 5/15/15 12:24 PM ★ | Last Look | County Magazine

Welcome to county government. ANY QUESTIONS? The answers might be just a click or a phone call away. If you have a legal issue related to your county, the legal team at the Texas Association of Counties is ready to help.

(888) ASK-TAC4 | county.org/legalhotline Online Legal Resources Call our toll-free legal hotline, County officials also have access to an online (888) ASK-TAC4 or (888) 275-8224, to get library of legal handbooks and publications assistance with legal research questions at www.county.org/legalpubs. These or for more detailed information on legal downloadable documents can help officials deadlines. Our legal specialists can help confidently navigate the often complex county officials research statutes, regulations, opinions demands of modern county government. and court cases relevant to situations in their county. Legal publications available online include: You can also reach out to the legal department online at • Official Oath and Bond Requirements; BLUEBONNET FIELDS FOREVER www.county.org/legalhotline and request to be contacted • The Open Meetings Act; by phone or email. • Financial Disclosure for Texas County Officials; ounty Editor Maria Sprow took this photo while mountain biking and County officials and employees (and anyone • Burn Ban, Regulation of Fireworks and Declaration of sight seeing at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Burnet County one else in a Texas county) are encouraged to Local Disaster; Saturday in April. The area received a lot of attention this spring for its C email their high-resolution photographs for • Short Answers to Common Questions; and vast fields of bluebonnets and wildflowers, but the mountain biking trails were • Many more. pretty noteworthy as well, Sprow said. * publication in Last Look to County writer Liz Carmack at [email protected]. Please make In addition, the TAC Legal Department provides many online legal resources, including (8a 00calendar) 456-59 74of upcoming legalcounty .org sure to write about the events behind the deadlines and links to state and federal statutes and courts. All this and more is available at www.county.org. photograph — why the picture was taken, what makes the moment or memory special, [The fine print] or what can’t be seen in the shot. The law prevents the Texas Association of Counties legal staff from providing a county official with a legal opinion -- that’s the role of the county or district attorney or an official’s own legal counsel. But, many times, there are issues for which officials can develop their own answers. The Association’s legal team will try to help point the way.

Also, be aware that if there is a potential controversy between county officials or offices, the same research assistance provided to one official will be provided to any other official who requests it. (800) 456-5974 county.org Keep in mind that the best answer to any legal question is a fully researched opinion from an attorney who is in a formal attorney-client relationship with the county or you, because ultimately, that’s the attorney who represents the county and its officials. Information received from the TAC legal team is not legal advice to you or your county and is not confidential.

(800) 456-5974 64 MaY/JUN 2015 ★ county.org/magazine county.org

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(800) 456-5974 county.org

(800) 456-5974 county.org Welcome to county government. ANY QUESTIONS? The answers might be just a click or a phone call away. If you have a legal issue related to your county, the legal team at the Texas Association of Counties is ready to help.

In addition, the TAC Legal Department provides many online legal resources, including (8a 00calendar) 456-59 74of upcoming legalcounty .org deadlines and links to state and federal statutes and courts. All this and more is available at www.county.org.

[The fine print] The law prevents the Texas Association of Counties legal staff from providing a county official with a legal opinion -- that’s the role of the county or district attorney or an official’s own legal counsel. But, many times, there are issues for which officials can develop their own answers. The Association’s legal team will try to help point the way.

(800) 456-5974 county.org

11783_mag.indd 3 5/15/15 12:24 PM

(800) 456-5974 county.org

(800) 456-5974 county.org Texas Association of Counties PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE 1210 San Antonio Street PAID AUSTIN, TEXAS Austin, Texas 78701-1806 PERMIT NO. 1183

TEXAS ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES Connect Legislative ★ 2015 Conference Texas Counties’ Connection to the Legislature Aug. 26-28 ★ JW Marriott Austin Hotel 110 E. Second St. ★ Austin, TX 78701

When the 84th Legislative Session is over... Let’s get together. Learn Registration is open now. Sign up today! The 2015 TAC Legislative Conference is a great opportunity ★ to get together with your peers from across the state to find out what the Texas Legislature did and didn’t do this session.

You’ll have the chance to speak with subject matter experts about the current legislative issues important to counties. Many county officials can also earn hours of required continuing education at the conference.

The Legislature’s Connection to Texas Counties Visit www.county.org/legconference today to register and book your room. Exchange ★

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