Winter 2020 Vol. 7, No. 3

Unreimbursed Property Taxes Spent on State Prisoners in OUR Jail from Oct. 1, 2019 through January 14, 2020 is $3,109,575 My New Year’s Resolution I have no idea where 2019 went. For those who argue we are over taxed, be aware the It seems like yesterday we were Tax Policy Center ranks Texas 37th among the 50 in Austin for the beginning of the states for total taxes collected as a percentage of per- legislative session. As we sus- sonal income. For the most part states and local gov-

Tarrant County Judge pected, several of those in state ernments provide similar services for their citizens. B. Glen Whitley leadership made it a priority to Texas and her local governments rank 37th in what it attack and weaken local decision making. costs the taxpayers for those services and I think that The discussion always starts by referencing the stag- is pretty darn good! gering property tax burden. What is rarely mentioned is the state mandates many of these services which • must be provided by counties and limits counties to • paying for these services with funds raised from prop- • erty taxes and some fines and fees. • Everyone agrees property taxes are bearing far • • too much of our state’s overall tax burden. Cur- rently, property owners pay over 50% of all taxes col- • • lected in our state. We must work to lessen the prop- • erty tax burden by diversifying the dollars local gov- • ernments collect. This would allow us to reduce the • property tax burden and still provide locally demand- • ed and state required services. We must never con- • sider adding a personal income tax to our options! • • Interested in having me come speak at your next meeting or event? State and Local General Revenue as a Percentage of Personal Income, 2016 - Tax Policy Center For Scheduling My New Year’s resolution is to work closely with Click Here our state legislature to find ways to reduce the proper- ty tax burden by giving local governments the flexibil- Or call my office at ity to diversify their sources of revenue which provide 817-884-1441 the services our state and citizens demand.

Winter 2020 County Judge Quarterly Volume 7, No. 3 REGISTER TODAY!! 8th Annual Title Sponsor

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817-884-1234 [email protected]

United Way of Tarrant County Names Leah King President and CEO United Way of Tarrant County Prior to being named President and CEO and as Chief named Leah King President and CEO Operating Officer, Ms. King was responsible for driving of the organization, effective Mon- the strategic direction of the organization in the areas of day, Nov. 11, 2019. Ms. King will workplace campaigns, donor relations, community in- report to United Way of Tarrant vestment and volunteer engagement. She was instru- County’s Board of Directors. She mental in creating the United Way of Tarrant County’s currently serves as Chief Operating Strategic Plan and oversaw the development and launch Officer. of the 2018-2019 Community Assessment. Leah King, President As President and CEO, Ms. King “It has been my pleasure to work alongside the talented and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County will provide leadership, set strategic and dedicated professionals here at United Way of Tar- direction and ensure operational ex- rant County,” Ms. King said. “I am honored to have cellence, in accordance with the values and mission of been chosen by the Board of Directors to lead this organ- United Way of Tarrant County. She will be responsible ization into our next chapter of service to Tarrant Coun- for all aspects of the organization including fiscal over- ty.” sight, growing financial support, developing processes Prior to joining the staff of United Way, Ms. King and policies, facilitating cross-departmental collabora- spent her career in the private sector as a public affairs, tion and promoting a positive, multi-cultural environ- community relations, investor relations and marketing ment. professional. She currently serves as a Director for “The Board of Directors is confident Leah will provide Cook Children’s Medical Center and on the Board of inspired leadership to propel United Way of Tarrant Governors for the Fort Worth Club. She is also an active County forward,” said James Powell, Chairman of the member of the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter of The Links, Board of Directors for United Way of Tarrant County. Incorporated. Ms. King is a founding member of the “As we look toward the future and assess the role of the United Way of Tarrant County’s Women United and has organization in the community, there is no one more served as its Women’s Fund development committee qualified than Leah to bring together resources and cre- chair. ate strong partnerships which confront complex social For more information about United Way of Tarrant issues and address systemic challenges.” County, visit www.unitedwaytarrant.org.

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Winter 2020 County Judge Quarterly Volume 7, No. 3 Asthma 411 Results In Lower Absenteeism What is Asthma? It is the most com- gram was conducted in two Fort Worth ISD schools. mon long-term disease in children. During the pilot, the absenteeism gap between children During an asthma attack, airways get with and without asthma dropped by 51%. In addition, smaller and produce mucus which only one call was made to 911 over a two year period. then clogs the airway making it hard Prior to the program, 19 calls were made in just one to breathe. While there is no cure, year. asthma can be controlled. Asthma 411 is an innovative, Tarrant County’s asthma rate is higher than the state evidence based program designed and national rates. By the age of fourteen, 19% of chil- to promote awareness and pro- dren in the county are diagnosed with asthma. By the vide education and resources to same age, 31% of African American children are diag- schools, students and families. nosed. Asthma-friendly schools are able The leading cause of absenteeism and 911 calls from to administer treatment to a child schools is due to a child being in respiratory distress. who is experiencing an asthma attack or breathing prob- While some students already have a diagnosis of asthma, lems while at school. others may not. Additionally, this can cause a parent to There are three steps to the asthma program. miss work in order to care for their child. A 911 call may also include significant medical expenses for the • Assure every child with asthma has access to rescue families. medication at school. Through a collaboration between UNT Health Science • Strengthen asthma education, awareness and asthma- Center, Cook Children’s Hospital, and JPS, a pilot pro- friendly schools. • Connect children and families with their local health care services. Currently 12 school districts within Tarrant County participate in the program. With the resources and train- ing provided, participating schools have seen significant decreases in absenteeism and calls to 911 due to asthma. To see if your school is a participant, contact your school nurse. For more information about Asthma 411 visit their website at www.asthma411.org.

Protect Yourself From The Flu Get vaccinated. This is an important first step toward fighting seasonal flu. It helps protect you and others. Vaccine is available for children [6 months and older] and adults. The flu shot takes about two weeks to become effective. Keep your hands clean. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Cover your cough and your sneeze. Use a tissue or cover your mouth with your sleeve when you sneeze or cough. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid close contact. Especially with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Stay at home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. For more information visit the Tarrant County Public Health Department website or call 817-321-4700.

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IMPORTANT DATES FOR UPCOMING PRIMARY ELECTIONS February 18 - 28, 2020 Primary Early Voting March 3, 2020 - Primary Election Day For more information regarding Early Voting, Election Day Polling Locations, and Sample Ballots contact the Tarrant County Elections Office at 817-831-8683; email: [email protected] or visit their website at www.tarrantcounty.com/elections. Voting Process Improved Ahead of 2020 Elections Since 2018, the Elections Department set out on a mis- Centers, the Texas Secretary of State has approved Tar- sion to find the best and most secure voting equipment rant County to permanently use Vote Centers. available. After a year of hard work, the Hart InterCivic With 2020 being a Presidential election year, voter Verity Voting System was implemented for the Novem- turnout is expected to be ber 2019 elections. The new equipment provided en- significantly higher. hanced digital security, a paper trail to ensure accuracy This made implementa- and better accessibility for voters with disabilities. For- tion of the new voting ty-five early voting locations were supplied with the system and Vote Centers new voting equipment and 332 locations on Election even more crucial for Day. this past election. While The November 2019 elections also saw a change from there were some hiccups, precinct voting to Vote Centers. Vote Centers allow the overall outcome was voters to vote at any voting location on Election Day very good. As is the instead of only being able to vote in their assigned vot- practice with every election, Elections Administrator, ing precinct. All of this was designed to make the vot- Heider Garcia, his staff, and county officials thoroughly ing experience more convenient for voters in Tarrant reviewed and addressed reported issues including feed- County. back from the public and each political party. This was to identify any changes which may be needed in the pro- cess to ensure future elections run smoothly. “We have worked very hard since 2018, and thanks to the support from the Commissioners Court, County staff and both political parties , we are entering 2020 in a much better position than our previous primary election. It has been a lot of hard work, but it has been worth it,” Voter turnout for the November 2019 elections was said Tarrant County Elections Administrator, Heider 134,231 out of over one million registered voters in Tar- Garcia. “Not only are we now using state-of-the-art technology, but from now on every voter will have a rant County. This is an 11.82% turnout compared to paper ballot and the ability to cast their ballot anywhere only 5% in 2017. Tarrant County has not experienced on Election Day. We have made our elections safer, ac- this large of a turnout in a non-presidential election year cess to the ballot easier and we did it in time for 2020.” since 2005. Over 50% of voters who cast ballots in the November 2019 election voted outside their home pre- cinct on Election Day. Due to the success of Vote

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Winter 2020 County Judge Quarterly Volume 7, No. 3

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE AROUND THE TCC and Tarleton University Celebrate Partnership COUNTY Undergraduate Degree Completion Programs Offered At Trinity River Campus Last year 20 percent of Tarrant County College stu- graduate degree in programs offered at our location in dents transferred to Tarleton State University making the Fort Worth Medical District as well as our new, per- them one of TCC’s top academic partners. On Decem- manent Fort Worth campus along Chisholm Trail Park- ber 11, 2019, TCC and Tarleton State University entered way.” into a 25-year partnership and celebrated the opening of Currently, Tarleton is using the shared space at TCC’s a shared space in Tarrant County College’s downtown Trinity River Campus to offer undergraduate degree Fort Worth campus. completion programs Tarleton State has provided educational opportunities through its College of for students for over 40 years. Beginning with eight Health Sciences and students on West Myrtle Street in 1978, Tarleton now Human Services. De- serves close to 2,000 students in Tarrant County. In the gree programs include summer of 2019, Tarleton moved into the first building a Bachelor’s degree in of their planned campus in southwest Fort Worth. Social Work and the With the help of an investment by Tarleton, improve- Registered Nurse to ments to the fifth floor of TCC’s Trinity River Campus Bachelor’s degree in Photo courtesy of TCC will provide upper-level classes continuing a long stand- Nursing. Accredited TCC Chancellor Dr. Giovannini and ing commitment by both schools to provide affordable, by the Commission of Tarleton State University President innovative and accessible education for students who Collegiate Nursing Hurley celebrate new partnership. want more than an associate degree. Education, the RN to BSN enables registered nurses “Four-year and graduate degrees provide additional with a two-year Associate degree and current state li- opportunities for students to fill the highly-skilled, high- cense to take their careers to the next level. demand professions which now make up a greater share “We greatly value our relationship with Tarleton and of our North Texas labor market,” said Tarleton Presi- believe this new milestone in our partnership will bring dent James Hurley. “Working with TCC, we offer spe- Tarrant County residents greater opportunities to fulfill cific, major-related transfer pathways which make it their academic dreams,” said TCC Chancellor Eugene more convenient for students to complete their under- Giovannini, Ed.D.

New Como Community Center Will Provide More For Residents The new Como Community rate wing from where the center’s youth programs will Center, located at 4660 Horne take place. St., will celebrate its grand The new facility will offer expanded space for the opening at 10 a.m. Saturday, Community Action Partners (CAP) program. Como Feb. 15, 2020. The new Community Center is the primary location for residents structure replaces the original to access CAP services in southwest Fort Worth, includ- center just down the street at ing utility assistance, job training, resources for veter- 4900 Horne St., which was ans, weatherization and HVAC assistance. The program originally built in 1970. helps theses individuals learn to become financially in- Como’s new building includes a full gymnasium, a dependent and reduce their reliance on social services. dedicated fitness area, multiple lounges and gaming are- But it’s the finishing touches which will really help as for youth and seniors alike, a library, a full-size make the center special for those who visit, including teaching kitchen, and several multipurpose areas which raised gardens where seniors and students alike can try will be used for the center’s robust After School Pro- their green thumbs and an inclusive sensory playground gram. which gives kids the opportunity to climb, make music, In addition to these improvements, the new facility and interact with play pieces that are specifically de- also has a dedicated wing for senior citizens, located signed to stimulate their senses. close to the parking lot for ease of access. Seniors at the center will enjoy their own kitchenette, game room, activity room and bathrooms, all in a sepa-

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Winter 2020 County Judge Quarterly Volume 7, No. 3

Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney District Attorney’s Office Celebrating 100 years On October 19, 1919, former teach- • Creation of the first comprehensive disclosure er Jesse Brown became Tarrant compliance policies with law enforcement and County’s first Criminal District At- laboratories in Texas; and torney, after the Legislature author- • The first open file policy, pre-dating the standard ized Tarrant County’s new Criminal -setting Michael Morton Act by three decades. District Attorney’s Office to handle The first female Criminal District Attorney in Tar- civil, misdemeanor and felony crimi- rant’s history, former District Judge Sharen Wilson, was nal cases. Since Brown, the office has elected in 2015 and is now serving her second term. Sharen Wilson grown to reflect what is now the na- The past half-decade has seen the creation of specially- Tarrant County tion’s 15th largest county, with more trained prosecution teams to combat Intimate Partner Criminal District than 340 attorneys, investigators and Violence, Elder Financial Fraud, and Adult Sexual As- Attorney support staff. Last year, 49,980 crim- sault, as well as the Tarrant County’s first Conviction inal cases were filed with the office. Integrity Unit, which has quickly become nationally re- The Office’s Centennial celebrates some of the most nowned for its expertise. forward-thinking advances in Texas criminal justice his- The office continues its goal of creating fair, transpar- tory, forged right here in Tarrant County. Among the ent and effective ways to meet the criminal justice needs milestones established include: of the present and the future. • The hiring of Eva Barnes in 1945, the first female prosecutor in Texas, who would later become the first elected female district judge in Texas; • The hiring of Ollice Malloy in 1957, the first Af- rican American assistant criminal district attor- ney south of St. Louis; • Creating the Deferred Prosecution Program in 1974, the first diversion program of its kind in the southwest;

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Tarrant Counts: How Tarrant County is preparing for the 2020 Census The next national Cen- Check out the 2020 Census website for a list of sus will take place in available positions in Tarrant County. April 2020. Wages for temporary workers in Tarrant County will All U.S. residents, re- be up to $22.50 an hour, according to the Census pay- gardless of citizenship rate map website. status, are required to be To apply for a U.S. Census Bureau job go to counted every 10 years. https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html. Tarrant County is work- To receive updates and reminders on the 2020 Cen- ing with area cities and sus, text TarrantCounts to 69310. local partners to ensure everyone, including those who live in hard-to-count areas, is included. Why is it important? The Census impacts federal Some Fun Facts About the U.S. Census funding, the number of Congressional seats in each • The United States was the first country in the world to state, redistricting, economic development and quality make a census a mandatory part of its constitution, of life (public services). Article 1, Section 2. It will take about 10 minutes to answer the Census, • The 1840 census, which counted a population of which can be filled out online using a unique code about 17 million people, was tabulated by hand by 28 which will be mailed to each residence in Tarrant clerks. County. • The 1890 census was the first to use a tabulating ma- The questions include: chine and took about 6 weeks to produce results com- • The number of people at a specific residence pared to 1880 which took 2 1/2 years by hand. on April 1, 2020 • The type of dwelling • The phone number at the residence • The name, sex, date of birth, origin and race of each person living at the residence The U.S. Census Bureau is legally bound by Title 13 of the United States Code. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to share any census or Tarrant Cares is a great way to access information about local survey information that identifies an individual or health and human services that you or business. your family may need. The Census will never ask for the following: Just go to the TarrantCares.org website on the Internet. It’s • Personal identification numbers quick and easy for individuals, families, caregivers and agencies to find relevant information online to make the most informed • Credit card/bank account information decisions regarding care in their lives. • Monetary donations • Politically-affiliated contributions On the website you’ll find faster and easier access to compre- hensive community services. The Census Bureau will be hiring part-time, tempo- Check it out !! rary census workers beginning in January.

Training for these positions will be conducted in www.TarrantCares.org March and April with visits to non-responding house- holds taking place from May through early July.

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TARRANT COUNTY CONTACTS County Administrator ...... 817-884-1267 Public Health ………………………………. 817-321-4700 County Clerk Resource Connection ...... 817-531-7600 Criminal / Misdemeanor Records ...... 817-884-1066 Sheriff's Office ...... 817-884-3009 Civil Records ……………………………………... 817-884-1101 Jail Information ...... 817-884-3116 Passports …………………………………………. 817-481-8190 Victim Identification ………………………. 817-884-8463 Probate Courts ...... 817-884-1770 Warrant Division ………………………….. 817-884-1320 Records Intake / Deeds ...... 817-884-1062 Tax Assessor-Collector Records Library ...... 817-884-1069 Auto Tag Renewal / Property Taxes 817-884-1100 Vital Records: Birth/Death Certificates, Marriage Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ...... 817-894-1945 Licenses, and Business Records/DBA's ...... 817-884-1550 Veterans Services ...... 817-531-5645 Criminal District Attorney ...... 817-884-1400 Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 10 am District Clerk Tarrant County Administration Building Civil Records ...... 817-884-1240 100 E. Weatherford Street, 5th Floor Criminal Records ...... 817-884-1342 County Judge, Glen Whitley ………………... 817-884-1441 Family Court / Divorce Records ...... 817-884-1265 Commissioner Roy C. Brooks, Precinct 1 … 817-370-4500 Jury Services ...... 817-884-3820 Commissioner Devan Allen, Precinct 2 …… 817-548-3900 Fire Marshal ...... 817-838-4660 Commissioner Gary Fickes, Precinct 3 ……. 817-581-3600 Human Services ...... 817-531-5620 Commissioner JD Johnson, Precinct 4 ……. 817-238-4400 GENERAL INFORMATION 817-884-1111 For additional information, visit: www.tarrantcounty.com

Tarrant County Legislative Delegation Texas House District 90 Representative: Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth ……… [email protected] ……... 512-463-0740 District 91 Representative: Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth ……… [email protected] …….... 512-463-0599

District 92 Representative: Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford ……... [email protected] …... 512-463-0522 District 93 Representative: Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth ………….. [email protected] ………….. 512-463-0562

District 94 Representative: , R-Arlington ………... [email protected] ……… 512-463-0624 District 95 Representative: , D-Fort Worth ………… [email protected] ………..... 512-463-0716

District 96 Representative: Bill Zedler, R-Arlington ………………. [email protected] …………….. 512-463-0374 District 97 Representative: , R-Fort Worth ………. [email protected] …….... 512-463-0608

District 98 Representative: , R-Southlake … [email protected] ... 512-463-0690 District 99 Representative: , R-Fort Worth ………... [email protected] ……….... 512-463-0610

District 101 Representative: Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie …….. [email protected] ……………. 512-463-0574

Texas Senate District 9 Senator: , R-Westlake ………………..…. [email protected] ……….. 512-463-0109 District 10 Senator: Beverly Powell, D-Fort Worth ……………….. [email protected] ……… 512-463-0110 District 12 Senator: Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound ……………… [email protected] …………. 512-463-0112

District 22 Senator: Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury ………………….. [email protected] ……….. 512-463-0122

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