A Publication of the Texas Association of Counties Volume 26, Number 4 JULY/AUGUST 2014

• TRASH DANCE • TROOP SUPPORT • FIRE DANGERS • SAFETY JOURNEY • TWITTER ALERTS • INTEGRITY

County Concerns for the Capitol

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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, is given to Texas Association of Counties’ County Magazine. Wherever public sector offices are working to serve the public, Tyler is there. We make ©2000, Texas Association of Counties. Published by the Texas Association of Counties, it our mission to improve the way local government and schools take care of business, P.O. Box 2131, Austin, Texas 78768-2131. Telephone: (512) 478-8753, Facsimile: (512) 478-0519. by increasing efficiency, improving information sharing, and making their jobs easier. World Wide Web site: http://www.county.org.

Articles in County magazine that refer to issues that could be considered by the Texas Legislature may be interpreted to be “legislative advertising” according to Texas Gov’t. Code Ann §305.027. Public access. Cloud-based solutions. Mobile computing. That’s empowerment. Disclosure of the name and address of the person who contracts with the printer to publish the legislative advertising in County magazine is required by that law: Gene Terry, 1210 San Antonio, Austin, Texas 78701.

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8130_mag.indd 2 7/11/14 3:41 PM VOLUME 26, NUMBER 4 JULY/AUGUST 2014

2014 Officers Features & Board of Directors 22 County Concerns for the Capitol PRESIDENT What we’ve heard from county Don Allred officials at the regional Legislative Oldham County Judge Exchanges held so far PRESIDENT ELECT Joyce Hudman Brazoria County Clerk 26 Twitter Alerts for Government Twitter launches an emergency VICE PRESIDENT Larry Gallardo communications system Hidalgo County Constable

MEMBERS 30 Courthouses in Danger p. 30 Maxey Cerliano Fire presents threat to historic Gregg County Sheriff Renee Couch courthouses Comal County Treasurer Making Trash Dance Edward Dion 34 El Paso County Auditor Award-winning choreographer, film Laurie English director talk benefits of community 112th District Attorney Diane Hoefling art projects in the workplace Moore County District Clerk Patti Jones 38 Making Connections Lubbock County Commissioner Moments from the 2014 County Teresa Kiel Guadalupe County Clerk Management Institute Jackie Miller, Jr. When Interests Conflict Ellis County Justice of the Peace 40 Scott Porter How to avoid acting in self-interest Johnson County Tax Assessor-Collector p. 34 Raul Ramirez 44 A Safety Journey Brooks County Judge Increased traffic means counties Joseph Rathmell Zapata County Judge must be more diligent than ever with Susan Redford roadside safety to decrease fatalities Ector County Judge Wes Suiter 48 Troop Support Angelina County Judge Military Veteran Peer Network Michael Truitt Denton County Constable supports veterans and counties

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Connie Hickman Immediate Past President Navarro County Justice of the Peace Departments Marc Hamlin Brazos County District Clerk 4 President’s Report / 5 Website Spotlight / 6 Clipboard / 15 Message For You / 16 Historical Highlights / 20 Voices / NACo Representative Who to Call / Calendar / Emergency Services / Information Program / Newsfeed / Last Look Ron Hickman 47 51 52 54 56 IBC Harris County Constable NACo Representative County Staff Gene Terry, Executive Director / Leah Mullikin, Communications Director / Maria Sprow, Editor Liz Carmack and Joel Nihlean, Contributing Writers / Ben Chomiak, Graphic Design

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8130_mag.indd 3 7/11/14 3:41 PM By Don Allred, Oldham County Judge president’sreport and President, Texas Association of Counties Summertime is Time for County Officials to Unite t’s getting hot outside and, as I’m writing this, county officials to get a handle on all the impor- the Fourth of July is fast approaching. It’s a tant issues facing counties and which legislative great holiday, one full of reminders about what issues officials would most like to see addressed. I itI is we are all working to serve and to strengthen as attended one of these sessions in Amarillo in April, public officials: not just our families and our com- and let me say, there is no shortage of topics to munities, but our democracy. discuss — county road damage, transparency, the Serving as an elected official is an honor and a severance tax, indigent defense costs, emergency privilege, but it is also a great responsibility not services, diverted funds. A good round-up of the to be taken lightly. As local government leaders, discussions had so far can be found in this maga- our neighbors and constituents have entrusted zine on page 22, though it is not all-encompassing. us with running a fair judicial system, protecting While the Legislature took many positive steps their families, keeping their records, ensuring a in 2013, such as with regards to roads and men- good quality of life and balancing the local budget, tal health funding, there will always be room for among many other important duties. Of course, improvement and things to fix. It’s important for with 254 counties and with each having its own county officials to come together now, hear each unique character, charm, resources, service needs, other out and unite on important topics so that challenges and solutions, one of our most impor- our voice is strong in January. The Legislative Ex- tant jobs is to work to ensure that decisions stay changes provide an important first step for prepar- made at the local level. ing for the future and ensuring that Texas county While the summer before a legislative session is government remains strong and that local deci- a great time for a vacation, a county official’s job is sions are made locally. never done. It’s almost time to head to Austin for If you have not yet had an opportunity to attend the annual TAC Legislative Conference, which this a Legislative Exchange, fear not! There are more year, like in past years, promises to address some of scheduled in September and October in DeWitt, the most significant issues in county government Tom Green, Bandera and El Paso counties. If none today and will offer county officials the tools and of those locations are convenient for you, TAC’s resources necessary to connect with legislators and legislative liaisons are available 24/7 to speak with make a difference in Austin come January. The you. Okay, maybe not 24/7, but if you have some- conference will take place Aug. 27-29 at the Re- thing to say, they do want — and need — to hear naissance Austin Hotel, and I am certainly looking from you. They can be reached at (800) 456-5974. forward to seeing everyone there. TAC’s Legislative Department is not the only Time is flying, and before we know it the 84th department working hard to meet the needs of Legislature will commence. For the past few counties and county officials. As always, if you months, TAC’s Legislative staff have been hold- have a need, TAC is here for you and wants to ing Legislative Exchange Regional Meetings with hear from you. ✯

The Legislative Exchanges provide an important first step for preparing for the future and ensuring that Texas county government and local decisions are made locally.

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8130_mag.indd 4 7/11/14 3:41 PM Helpful county and county-related websites websitespotlight

WHAT: The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium WHERE: www.ruraltraining.org

atastrophe can strike anywhere and emergency responders in rural Texas face a unique set of Cchallenges when it does. With an area of 268,820 square miles that covers coastal lowlands and high plains, oil- and gas-rich regions, mountain ranges and more, Texas offers emergency responders an unparalleled variety of potential challenges. Being prepared for those challenges means being properly trained. That’s where the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) comes in. In an effort to address the training needs of rural responders, Congress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the RDPC in 2005. The Consortium brings DHS-certified training courses to rural communities across the country. Already this year, RDPC has conducted onsite trainings in Jasper County on pipeline security and in McLennan County on mass fatality response. The RDPC’s easy-to-navigate website includes a training schedule map that shows upcoming courses throughout Texas and the United States, a course catalog that includes course overview videos, upcoming dates audience the course is best suited for, the core capabilities the for courses and a course request form to apply to host a training course will develop and links to required course materials. locally. All of the RDPC’s trainings, both onsite and online, are offered The Consortium also offers on-demand online courses. RDPC’s for free to a broad group of stakeholders, including traditional online trainings are free and self-paced. The online training course emergency responders, those who assist in emergency support catalog is set up with the same format as the onsite course catalog. functions, and critical infrastructure owners and operators. ✯ Both catalogs also include a sidebar of information that lists the

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8130_mag.indd 5 7/11/14 3:41 PM clipboard News you can use Worth the Wait Colorado County Celebrates Courthouse Renovations After four years of renovations, Colorado County residents, em- ployees and public officials descended upon the county’s historic courthouse on May 17 for its rededication ceremony. “I’m overwhelmed, frankly, with thoughts of appreciation and cel- ebration for today’s event and the tremendous amount of hard work that has gone into this day and the culmination of what we have accomplished as a county and as a state,” said Colorado County Judge Ty Prause at the event, while thanking the Texas Historical Commission (THC) for the grant funding that allowed renovations to take place. “Can you imagine in 1890 the people in this town and county planning such a great structure and such a grand room and such a great courthouse?” The courthouse’s history dates back to 1890. It was originally designed in classic revival-style, an architectural style known for its formal symmetrical design and columned fronts. But a tornado severely damaged the building in 1909, taking its roof and the bell from its clock tower. The county repaired the building in a newer architectural style and a stained glass dome, according to the The Colorado County Citizen newspaper. The county added onto the building in the 1950s and renovated it again in the 1980s. The $5 million in grant funding — from two separate funding cycles — helped pay for the demolition of the additions, masonry restoration, restoration of the exterior porch, a complete interior restoration and waterproofing, among other items that restored the building to its original architectural design. County departments were required to temporarily move out of the courthouse two years ago while work was being completed. Several TAC staff made it out to the event, including Risk Control Consultant Larry Boccaccio, who shared photographs with County.

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TxDOT, THC Holds Open Houses to Discuss Treatment Plan for Mid- 20th Century Bridges Friends of County The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in coop- eration with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and Historic Government Bridge Foundation (HBF), is conducting a series of open houses to discuss treatment plans for mid-20th century historic bridges in While the Texas Legis- Texas. lature isn’t currently in TxDOT, THC session, legislators are and HBF have been keeping busy in the in- working over the past terim with studies and several years to deter- discussions about im- mine which bridges in portant topics affecting Texas built between county government, and 1945 and 1965 are county officials are using the most significant. the time to reach out, dis- More than 100 of cuss regional and local these bridges have Sen. Carlos “Charlie” Uresti concerns and prepare for been determined eli- gible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) the next legislative session. for their historic and engineering significance. But while everyone is working for the future, county officials are also using the time to look back and give thanks and recogni- Treatment Plan. Through a Programmatic Agreement, TxDOT, tion to those state representatives and senators who showed THC, HBF and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) agreed to seek the public’s opinion regarding the proposed treatment commitment and steadfastness in protecting local control, plan for NRHP-eligible post-1945 bridges. The plan divides the stopping unfunded mandates and saving taxpayer dollars dur- bridges into three groups based on their relative historic and/or en- ing the challenging 83rd Legislature. TAC and county officials gineering significance. This approach would dictate the type of com- honor the most dedicated legislators with the Friends of Coun- pliance and mitigation that TxDOT would be required to complete ty Government title. if any future projects would result in adverse effects to the NRHP- “These legislators have proven themselves true friends of eligible post-1945 bridges. The three groups are detailed below: county government through their consistent support of issues • Group One: Bridges requiring TxDOT’s full compliance and mitigation under federal law important to counties, including decision-making at the local • Group Two: Bridges receiving programmatic mitigation under level,” said TAC Legislative Director Paul Sugg. “They under- this public involvement effort and no further mitigation is re- stand that property tax payers benefit from local control, in- quired under federal law stead of the state imposing a one-size fits all system on Texas’ • Group Three: Bridges for which existing documentation is suf- 254 diverse counties.” ficient mitigation for any future adverse effects County is spotlighting the Friends of County Government Get Involved. The purpose of the summer 2014 open houses is throughout the year. to provide information about how TxDOT determined NRHP eligi- TAC is honoring Sen. Carlos “Charlie” Uresti (D-San Antonio) bility for the post-1945 bridges and to gain feedback on the proposed as a Friend of County Government for his leadership through- treatment plan. If you cannot make an open house, please email a out the 83rd legislative session. Uresti authored SB 1747, the comment to [email protected]. legislation that created the $225 million Transportation Infra- The times and locations of scheduled open houses are: structure Fund to help maintain county roads in energy sector New Braunfels: Tuesday, July 29, from 4-6 p.m. at the Emmie Seele Faust Memorial Library Building regions of Texas. Uresti also played a key role in negotiating Grapevine: Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 4-6 p.m. at the Grapevine the 60-day moratorium allowing counties to seek alternatives Visitor Information Center for roads slated for gravel conversion. His efforts to review Galveston: Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4-6 p.m. at the Moody legislation for county impact and to preserve decision-making Mansion. authority at the county level help counties better service their For more information, contact TxDOT Environmental Consul- local property tax payers. tant Maryellen Russo at (512) 264-1095.

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8130_mag.indd 7 7/11/14 3:41 PM clipboard News you can use Employers Need to Start Affordable Care Act Measurement Periods It’s coming down to the wire for the next San Marcos last October. phase of implementation in health care Employers who meet the 100 full-time reform. The employer shared-responsibility employee threshold will have to offer provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), minimum essential coverage to at least 70 sometimes referred to as “pay-or-play” or the percent of their full-time employees in 2015 employer mandate, takes effect in less than and 95 percent in 2016 or pay penalties. five months. Employers with between 50 and 100 full- Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, all employers with time employees will also need to offer 100 or more full-time employees must offer coverage or face penalties, but they will have The calculations can become more health coverage to those full-time employees until 2016 to do so. complex when looking at employees who or face penalties. But, as with much of the In general, if the average number of are salaried, seasonal but working more than new health care law, it is more complicated people employed by an employer is less than 120 days during the year, working variable than it sounds. There are a number of 50, the employer has no obligation under hours, or are shared with other counties or calculations and caveats that must be taken the health care law in the following year. If municipalities. into account for employers to fully comply. the average number of employees is between “Have I mentioned that it’s complicated? “You’re going to have to change your 51 and 100, they have no obligation in It is. That’s why [TAC’s Health and payroll systems or find somebody to do it 2015, though they may have one in 2016. Employee Benefits Consultants] are available for you. Track the hours. If you’re going to If the employer’s average is more than 100, to talk with you as often as you want, to talk provide coverage in 2015, you need to know they will need to offer coverage to at least with the commissioners’ court and all other in 2014 how many hours employees worked, 70 percent of their full-time employees in interested parties to figure out on a county- and it’s not so simple as just adding up their 2015. But even here, there are exceptions for by-county basis these complexities and hours worked,” said Quincy Quinlan, TAC’s certain types of workers and lengths of time permutations. The answer is not the same director of Health and Benefits Services a company can cross a threshold. for every county,” Quinlan said. during a session on health care at TAC’s Which Employees Must Be Offered Which Measurement Method Should County Management Institute in April. Coverage? Counties Choose? Which Employers Must Offer Employers that are subject to the There are two ways the health care law Coverage? employer mandate must offer affordable provides for employers to figure out the Prior to the 2015 deadline to begin offering health coverage that meets a minimum value hours employees work. Employees’ hours coverage, counties will need to identify how as defined under the heath care law to all can be measured on a monthly basis or a many full-time equivalent (FTE) employees full-time employees. longer look-back period of between three they have, as well as how many hours each The Affordable Care Act defines full- and 12 months. part-time employee is working. Although time as an average of 30 hours a week— Under both the look-back measurement employers will not be required to offer significantly different than what employers method and the monthly measurement coverage to part-time employees, they do are used to thinking of. Under the law, method, the final regulations released by the count toward the 100-employee threshold employers must also count any hours of paid IRS set a standard of 130 hours of service per that determines if a county is affected by the leave, including vacation, holidays, paid sick calendar month for determining whether employer mandate. time, layoffs, jury duty or military leave. an employee is full-time. The 130 hours of “Anybody working 30 or more hours a week, they’re a full-time employee, so they count as a 1. All those other folks, basically Watchlist: Private Exchange Webinar you count the ratio of how much of a full- time employee they are. So if you’ve got To offer counties more flexibility and choice in the benefits they provide employees, TAC HEBP is somebody working 15 hours a week, they implementing a private exchange renewal option that might be of interest to counties. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all plan, the private exchange option provides as many as eight deduct- count as a half. If you have somebody ible/copay plans, two health savings account (HSA) options and two voluntary dental plans to working 10 hours a week, they count as a choose from. To learn more about the new private exchange options, please watch the webinar third,” explained Adam Eichstadt, health available on TAC’s YouTube channel, YouTube.com/TexasCountiesVideo, or on TAC’s website at and benefits group leader for the employee county.org by clicking on the “Pool & Risk Services” tab and scrolling over “Group Health & benefits consulting firm Towers Watson, Dental” to the “Private Exchange Webinar” option. while speaking at TAC’s Pool Symposium in

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service standard is equal to 30 hours of service per week multiplied by 52 weeks and divided by 12 calendar months. TAC Staff Earn Recognition for The final regulations from the IRS do offer some additional flexibility to reduce the administrative Excellence in Writing, Graphic Design burden and take into account employer’s actual The National Association of County payroll periods. Under this optional measurement Information Officers has once again method, full-time status would be determined over recognized County for its writing and coverage of topics important to a four-week period and in other months, over a county officials. County Editor Maria five-week period. The minimum hours required Sprow earned the Best of Class in would stretch and shrink accordingly between 120 Writing Award in the NACIO Awards of and 150 hours. Excellence Competition for an article Though counties can choose to measure an about how the state’s energy boom employee’s hours on a monthly basis, the option to is affecting county roads. The article, use a system of measurement and stability periods “The Poor Roads of the Oil Boom,” to determine full-time status is likely to prove easier was published in the March/April for most counties because the employment ranks 2013 edition of County. of counties often include variable-hour employees “That award wouldn’t have been and other more complicated arrangements. Under possible without the help of knowledgeable county officials who were working tirelessly on the this arrangement, a look-back measurement period issue during the legislative session,” Sprow said. of between three and 12 months is applied. If the In addition, TAC Copywriter/Editor Liz Carmack earned an employee works an average of at least 30 hours a Excellence Award for her news coverage of the impact of week during the defined period, they are considered the statewide drought and the importance of voting for a a full-time employee for at least the next six months constitutional amendment to create funds for future water — known as the stability period — and are entitled planning. The article, “Quenching the Thirst,” was published to be offered health coverage. in the Nov/Dec 2013 issue of County as part of its 2013 Many employers are using a longer measurement Legislative Conference coverage. The coverage as a whole period of up to 12 months, which could have the also earned a Meritorious Award in news writing. Finally, Sprow was recognized for Excellence in feature writing effect of reducing the number of employees who for an article on the Midland County Library titled “The qualify as full-time because average hours of service Midland Imagibrarium,” published in the Sept/Oct 2013 are determined over a longer period of time. edition of the magazine. While a county using the look-back measurement TAC Graphic Designer David Garcia was recognized method is not required to provide coverage during for Excellence in graphic design for his work on TAC’s a stability period to a person who averaged less than Connection 30 hours per week or 130 hours a month during Corner, a multi-window graphic at the 2013 TAC the measurement period, they are still free to do so Legislative Conference that helped promote a TAC if they so choose. booth set up to get county officials started with According the IRS’s preamble to the final Facebook and Twitter. rules, “The final regulations reiterate that the The NACIO Awards of Excellence Competition is de- requirements for use of the look-back measurement signed to recognize the work of public information method and the monthly measurement method officers and to showcase the importance of commu- prescribe minimum standards for the identification nications in the public sector. Judges looked at more of full-time employees. Employers may always than 325 submissions in treat additional employees as eligible for coverage, nine different communica- or otherwise offer coverage more expansively than tions categories, including would be required to avoid an assessable payment Annual Reports, Brochures, under section 4980H, subject to compliance Publication, Writing, Graphic with any nondiscrimination or other applicable Design, Photography, Vid- eos, Special Projects and requirements.” Electronic Communications. Look-back measurements, stability periods and Each category had his own other calculations will be a permanent fixture of Best of Class winner, with the future of health coverage in this country for the other top entries earning foreseeable future. Counties with questions about Superior, Excellence and the Affordable Care Act can contact their Employee Meritorious recognition. Benefits Consultant at (800) 456-5974.

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8130_mag.indd 9 7/11/14 3:41 PM clipboard News you can use TAC Legislative Conference Hot Topics Announced Legislators return to Austin in a few short effective strategies to help counties address months, and they’re bringing with them a these challenges, and discuss the potential for renewed focus on many hot-topic issues that additional state funding. affect counties. County officials and staff State Budget Overview: The County will be able to hear from experts about the Perspective — The state budget process opportunities and obstacles the 84th Legislative is increasingly important to county officials. Session may bring during TAC’s Legislative This session will feature an overview of how Conference in Austin, Aug. 27-29. the state writes its budget. It will also feature a TAC’s Legislative Department has been discussion of the Legislature’s use of dedicated tracking the hot topics expected to surface funds to balance its budget. In 2013, the during the legislative session and assembling a full slate of experts Legislature directed the Legislative Budget Board to come up with and Texas Capitol insiders for this year’s conference. Because there are ways to continue to reduce the Legislature’s use of these dedicated so many important issues on the horizon that could affect counties, funds, many of which have a direct impact on county government. they are planning more breakout sessions than ever before. The sessions selected for the 2014 TAC Legislative Conference are: Maintaining and Building our Transportation Infrastructure — Texas is currently experiencing record growth and with that comes Health Care Reform Update — Learn about the Patient increased pressure on our surface transportation infrastructure. This Protection and Affordable Care Act and how the new health care session will provide a discussion from both the county and state law affects your county. Also, hear what’s coming next with the perspectives on efforts made by the 83rd Texas Legislature to secure implementation of the Affordable Care Act and how your county road funding and discuss possible solutions to be vetted during the can prepare for the excise tax in 2018. 84th session. E-Filing: Are You Prepared? — In 2012, the Supreme Court of Planning and Preparing for Disasters — Emergency Texas mandated e-filing in all counties and appellate courts in civil preparedness and accident response is critical to reducing the matters. The 10 most populous counties began complying with the likelihood of damage, injury or death from natural and other e-filing mandate on Jan. 1, 2014, while other counties are required disasters. What role will local government play in prevention and to comply on a graduated schedule. Come join the panel of experts recovery operations across Texas? This session will explore ways to who will provide information on budget questions, implementation improve communication and identify resources needed to increase issues, technological infrastructure requirements and more. response capabilities and protect Texans’ safety. Planning for Water, Planning for Drought — Last year, the Mental Health Checkup — Get the latest developments in the Legislature and Texas voters passed Proposition 6. It provides $2 plan to improve the delivery of mental health crisis services and billion in Rainy Day Fund money to begin the process of funding outpatient services. The Mental Health Advisory Panel created by the State Water Plan, a necessary step to meet our water needs in the HB 3793 has been assisting the Department of State Health Services coming decades. Drought continues to grip most of the state with no in devising a plan for the separate allocation and funding of mental end in sight. In this session, experts will discuss how State Water Plan health hospital beds for criminal and civil purposes, identifying project prioritization and finance is progressing and how state and the gaps and needs around the state, and better using the resources local entities are responding to the drought crisis. and funding that have been put into the system during the last Identifying Services and Resources for Veterans — Many several legislative sessions. Counties have played a crucial role in the Texas veterans, including those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, development of the plan and panelists will provide you with the next require specific assistance and services for post-traumatic stress steps leading up to the legislative session. and traumatic brain injury. With limited funding and resources Bridging the Gap Between IT and Management Staff — This available, too many fail to receive much-needed services. Counties session will help county staff and officials and county information are constantly looking for ways to help veterans receive the assistance technology (IT) staff ask for the things they need while speaking the they deserve. In this session, panelists will review some of the other’s language. Learn how to connect IT and management, deal resources and programs available for this important population, with high turnover in IT departments by building in redundancy, as including veterans’ courts. well as other tips for success. Issues in Indigent Defense — The costs associated with As always, sessions will be repeated, allowing attendees to check in indigent defense for both criminal and civil cases, including Child on the topics most important to their office and county. Protective Services (CPS) court appointments, continue to rise for In addition, this year’s Opening General Session will include a county government. This session will address the challenges counties briefing from TAC Legislative Director Paul Sugg on some of the face with the appointment of counsel, review practices and cost- Article is continued on page 11 

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8130_mag.indd 10 7/11/14 3:41 PM News you can use clipboard

HEALTHY COUNTY Walker County Deputy EMC Loses Weight by Cutting out the Diet Coke

very journey begins with one small cause more health problems than the sugar. step in the right direction. Studies suggest that people who drink diet Just ask David Anderson, sodas versus regular sodas have a 43 percent Ethe deputy emergency management increase in vascular events such as stroke coordinator in Walker County. and heart attacks and a 30 percent decline His journey toward wellness began in kidney function. The artificial sweeteners Walker County with a trip to a county health fair, where are also thought to confuse the brain and Deputy EMC David he learned about the Blue Cross Blue body and actually cause weight gain, as the Anderson Shield of Texas health coaching available caloric intake doesn’t match the sweetness, via the TAC Healthy County program. A sending the regulatory system controlling registered nurse calls him once a month hunger and body weight into a tailspin. to discuss health-related issues, such as All the research caused Anderson to his blood pressure, exercise habits and rethink his daily habits, and he began nutrition. replacing his beloved Diet Cokes with water. During one of the conversations, the “In the morning, instead of stopping at nurse asked Anderson about how much the local store to get a large diet coke, I get water he drank each day. The answer? a large water,” he said, adding that he did Probably not enough, but he did drink a initially have some difficulties dropping “If you don’t put it in, it’s not going to lot of Diet Coke — somewhere around the drink. “I was used to sitting at the add on,” he said. five large Diet Cokes a day. office in front of the computer and I would Anderson also participates in Healthy The nurse sounded the alarms. Despite automatically reach for the Diet Coke County’s Sonic Boom walking program. the name, Diet Coke isn’t healthy, he told because I would have one there all day long. Despite the pain from having his left hip Anderson, who started hearing the same Now I don’t miss it at all.” and right knee replaced and needing his thing from his colleagues and family He does allow himself some flexibility, right hip replaced, he said he enjoys the members. But Anderson wanted to learn however — he doesn’t abide by a “no soda” walking. for himself what made the drink so bad, rule or “no sweetener” rule. Instead, he’s cut “In the back of your mind, when it so he began researching its ingredients. down to about one regular soda every other starts to hurt so much, you think ‘okay, Unlike regular Coke, which includes 26 day and sometimes will sweeten his waters I’m not going to walk.’ But I’ve found I grams of sugar in the form of high fructose with flavor packets. really can walk all day long. It may hurt corn syrup, Diet Coke doesn’t contain any He’s also made other simple changes to his and I may go through a little bit of pain, sugar. Instead, its ingredients include two nutrition, such as cutting bread out of his but I’m getting the exercise,” he said. “I chemicals not found in regular Coke: diet and making sure not to eat the whole think the real lesson I’ve learned is that as aspartame (an artificial sweetener) and plate when he dines out. Since making all far as your body is concerned, you can do potassium benzoate. Research is beginning the changes about seven months ago, he’s anything that you want to and that you to show that the chemical ingredients may lost 20 pounds. set your mind to. You can do it.”

t Continued from page 10 all have a set of core values and a sense of community we all share. issues counties can expect this session. John Daly, the University of Also, the new CommCube will be offering bite-sized sessions on Texas Liddell Professor of Communication and author of Advocacy, social media throughout the conference. The 20-minute overviews Championing Ideas and Influencing Others will talk about how to will take participants through the basics needed to effectively transform ideas into reality and practical steps to get buy-in from implement social media for their county offices and departments. members of the group, and futurist David Houle will give us a Attendees will come away with a better understanding of the glimpse at what may be just over the horizon for Texas and county technology, the benefits these channels of communication can government. Then, Chet Garner, creator, executive producer, writer, have on participants’ day-to-day responsibilities, and how to use it editor, and host of the five-time Emmy-award winning TV show effectively as a communications tool in their county. “The DayTripper” will take the stage. Chet’s show reminds viewers As more conference details are available, they will shared on TAC’s Texas is ever-changing; a growing and immensely diverse state but we website, Facebook page and Twitter account.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 11

8130_mag.indd 11 7/11/14 3:41 PM clipboard News you can use

Burnet County Human Resources Counties Earn Awards Coordinator Shirley Bullard for 2013 Safety Efforts accepts her county’s Safety Ten counties received a prestigious Gold Star award from TAC’s Safety Award Pro- Award from TAC gram for their continued efforts in promoting safe workplace cultures. Risk Control The Gold Star counties are Cochran, Denton, Floyd, Hardin, Hutchinson, Jim Consultant Larry Wells, Kerr, McLennan, Nueces and San Patricio. Boccaccio. TAC staff presented the awards during the County Management Institute in Austin.

Denton County In addition, 10 counties met the criteria to earn a Safety Award from the program. Assistant Human To earn a Safety Award, counties must have completed an application, adopted a Resources safety resolution, adopted a seat belt use policy, completed an in-depth analysis Director Gustavo of slip and fall injuries and maintained a loss ratio below 75 percent. Gold Star Hernandez accepts counties are those that have met the Safety Award criteria for consecutive years his county’s Gold and whose risk control programs have administrative and operational support. Star Award from Counties earning a 2013 Safety Award are Aransas, Bandera, Burnet, Cham- TAC Risk Control bers, Fisher, Goliad, Montague, Trinity, Val Verde and Williamson. Consultant Isaac The Safety Award Program also honored three individuals with Making A Differ- Garcia. ence Awards for their high levels of involvement in their counties’ workplace safety programs, showing a long-term commitment to workplace safety and contributing to their counties’ safety cultures. The individuals are: Floyd County Judge Penny • Burnet County Human Resources Assistant Connie Wofford for working over Golightly the last several years to resurrect the county’s safety program. Wofford writes accepts her a monthly newsletter for employees and helped bring TAC’s defensive driving county’s Gold training class and driver simulator to her county. The class is a value-added Star Award from service of the TAC Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP). TAC Risk Control • Scurry County Commissioner Chloanne Lindsey for providing her county’s Consultant Jack safety efforts with the leadership support necessary for a successful pro- Coffey. gram. Lindsey coordinates regular safety meetings in the courthouse and has achieved a high level of participation from all departments. • Johnson County Personnel Director Randy Gillespie for playing a key role in Representatives from San Patricio County accept their county’s Safety Award. the development of the county’s new wellness program and the creation of a RIGHT: Trinity gym for county workers. Gillespie is an adamant supporter of workplace safety County and return-to-work efforts, and his efforts have saved the county tax dollars commissioners and reduced its workers’ compensation costs. Tiger Worsham and Members of TAC RMP hoping to gain recognition for their 2014 safety efforts must Rich Chamberlin meet the 2013 criteria as well as have an active accident prevention plan and accept their adopt an incident review committee for law enforcement operations. county’s Safety Award. ABOVE: Representatives from Goliad County Hutchison County accept their county’s Fire Department Safety Award. Chief Deputy James LEFT: Debbie Qualls accepts his Mendisabal of county’s Gold Star Hardin County Award. accepts her county’s Gold Star Award.

12 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 12 7/11/14 3:41 PM News you can use clipboard

Jim Wells County Safety Officer Israel Lopez and commissioners Margie Gonzalez, Ventura Garcia and Richard Miller accept their county’s Gold Star Award. County Seeking Stories of Employees Going Above & Beyond, Public LEFT: Nueces County Risk Manager Lance Esswein accepts his county’s Gold Star Award. Thanks for Counties RIGHT: Kerr County Human Resources Director Dawn Lantz and Treasurer Tracy Soldan Whether protecting citizens’ lives and property accept their county’s Gold Star Award. or helping a resident obtain a passport, county employees are constantly interacting with residents to fix their most pressing concerns or help them access the services they need to live a quality life. In fact, helping residents lies at the heart of the county story — what counties do and why. That’s why the Texas Association of Counties and County magazine are soliciting praise given by residents or the media to county employees, whether in the form of a thank-you letter, a citizen Representatives from San Patricio County accept their county’s Safety Award. satisfaction survey or a voicemail message. If your employees have earned recognition from residents RIGHT: Trinity or the media for going above and beyond — or County deserve special recognition for the outstanding commissioners work they do — forward the praise on to County Tiger Worsham and magazine. County wants to spread the word about Rich Chamberlin county representatives who have gone above and accept their beyond their calls of duty and who have impacted county’s Safety residents’ lives in positive ways. Award. Elected officials, supervisors and managers who would like to share the positive feedback they have gotten from residents or who would like to give their own positive feedback can contact County Hutchison County Editor Maria Sprow at [email protected] or Fire Department (800) 456-5974, or go to the County magazine Chief Deputy James LEFT: Williamson County website at county.org/magazine. Praise and staffs may be featured in an upcoming edition of the Qualls accepts his commissioners Valerie Covey magazine. county’s Gold Star and Lisa Birkman accept Award. Above and Beyond nominations will be their county’s Safety Award. accepted year-round.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 13

8130_mag.indd 13 7/11/14 3:41 PM clipboard News you can use Sees the Day Board Members Visit TAC for Open House Approximately 40 county officials visited the TAC offices in Austin on June 17 for the 2014 TAC Board Open House and Dinner. It was a chance for members of TAC’s Board of Directors, Risk Management Pool Board, Health and Employee Benefits Pool Board and Unemployment Compensation Group Account Fund Board to meet with TAC staff face-to-face and get a behind-the-scenes look at TAC services and TAC Welcomes operations. Newly Appointed The Open House was the brainchild of a Think Up session, a new initiative within TAC designed to encourage creativity and support an idea-generating environment to Officials facilitate innovation from TAC employees and foster continuous improvement of TAC The following county officials were recently and its services to Texas counties. appointed to new offices. TAC welcomes Print Shop Manager them to their new positions and thanks Raul Martinez (in red) them for their service to county government shows Ector County and Texas residents. Judge Susan Redford and Lubbock County Jeneane Anderegg Commissioner Patty Andrews County Commissioner Jones the capabilities Alex Dominguez of TAC’s print shop, located in the Cameron County Commissioner basement of the TAC Laura Richard building. Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Mary Margaret Wright Henderson County Clerk J.E. Guerra Hidalgo County Sheriff Donieta O’Keefe Kinney County Auditor Guest Gina Ferguson, Johnson County Auditor Kirk Kirkpatrick, Guadalupe Jimmy Hodges County Clerk Teresa Kiel Moore County Lamar County Constable District Clerk Diane Hoefling smile for Domino Burchett the camera while on a tour of the TAC building. Loving County Treasurer Wayne L. Mack Montgomery County Justice of the Peace Julia Miller Runnels County Clerk Daryl Melton Sabine County Judge Gary Potts Wise County Commissioner Jerry Parker Wood County Justice of the Peace This list may be incomplete. Please submit new county official appointments to TAC County Services Specialist Madeleine Led by TAC Associate Director Rex Hall, Ellis County Justice of the Peace Jackie Miller Jr. Christiana at [email protected]. shakes hands with TAC Risk Management Services staff members Teril Moncivais, Kathie Lopez and Kelly Flores.

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8130_mag.indd 14 7/11/14 3:41 PM messageforyou Collaboration Between Counties, TxDOT Essential for Texas he mission of the Texas Department of planning organizations, transit agencies, private Transportation (TxDOT) is to work companies, the travelling public and other with others to provide safe and reliable stakeholders. Ttransportation solutions for Texas. The leaders Texas is growing rapidly, with more than of the 254 Texas counties serve as outstanding 400,000 people moving to our state each year. partners as we strive to preserve and expand the Such population growth creates enormous transportation system that our citizens deserve. economic opportunities but also significantly When I accepted my new role as TxDOT increases demands on Texas’ transportation Executive Director, I saw an opportunity to make system. Transportation is the engine powering an impact on this state that I hold so dear. Prior the economy of our state. With limited resources, to this new assignment, I served 36 years in the TxDOT and local governments must invest wisely Marine Corps, and then guided 57,000 students to keep Texans and the economy moving. as Vice President for Student Affairs at my alma Although we do not yet have a long-term funding Lt. Gen. Joe Weber, USMC mater, Texas A&M University. TxDOT seems solution for transportation, our Texas legislators (Ret) similar to my years of military service and my approved a proposed constitutional amendment Texas Department of time at A&M. In both my prior positions, we were that will be on the ballot this November. If Texas Transportation Executive mission-focused and employees all pulled together voters approve the amendment, a portion of the Director and took great pride in their organizations. At funds that would otherwise have been deposited in TxDOT, we have a crucial mission to serve both the Rainy Day Fund will be dedicated to the State professionally and selflessly our communities, our Highway Fund. The latest estimate on the amount state and our nation. that would be directed to the highway fund is Our history of collaboration with Texas county approximately $1.4 billion for the first year. governments runs deep. County governments I believe TxDOT and its employees are work with our 25 statewide TxDOT districts to doing a magnificent job, and I recently received identify and prioritize funding for important local confirmation of this from the Texas Legislative transportation projects to meet the needs of the Council, which surveyed 19 different TxDOT county highway systems. customer groups for their opinions about key The federal Highway Bridge Program is a areas including our staff performance, complaint great collaboration success story between TxDOT resolution, communications and facilities. The and counties across the state. TxDOT works department achieved a customer satisfaction rating with county governments to identify, recommend of 92 percent. Hearing other people brag about and prioritize bridges that need rehabilitation or TxDOT employees makes it that much more replacement. Counties leverage federal Highway special to me. Bridge Program funds and state funding to Safe and reliable transportation drives economic offset the cost of bridge maintenance, repair and development, especially at the local level, where replacement by 90 percent or more. improved transportation infrastructure empowers Currently, we are developing the 2040 Texas local business owners and attracts new companies. Transportation Plan (TTP), which will guide It drives the quality of life for Texas citizens as planning and programming decisions for the they travel to work, take their children to school statewide, multimodal transportation system and drive on vacation. Your continuous and over the next 25 years. County governments meaningful partnership with TxDOT is essential and officials are invited to participate in this to achieving the future you envision for your collaborative process along with metropolitan county and our great state. ✯

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 15

8130_mag.indd 15 7/11/14 3:41 PM historicalhighlights Interesting notes about Texas history, by Liz Carmack Historic Home 1897 Courthouse Houses Brazoria County Museum

he repository of Brazoria County’s history is in itself an artifact. Visitors to the Brazoria County THistorical Museum in Angleton might not realize the story behind its home. The 1897 two-story stucco building served as the county’s courthouse until the current Moderne style courthouse opened to its south in 1940. While the old courthouse continued to house various county offices, and for a time was home to the county library, by the late 1970s it sat in disrepair, slated for demolition. Persistent Brazoria County Historical Commission members lobbied the commissioners court to save it. Brazoria County, known as “The Cradle of Texas History,” needed a history museum and the group thought the old courthouse would be the perfect home. The county agreed. It signed The 1897 Victorian style Brazoria County on to let the commission use the Courthouse was stuccoed in the 1920s building for a museum if the group and had its bell tower and slate roof could open its doors by March 1981 removed. The deteriorating building escaped demolition around 1980 to — a tall order. The courthouse’s become home to the Brazoria County exterior was covered with mildew. Historical Museum. (Photos courtesy Its windows were broken, their Brazoria County Historical Museum.) frames rotten. Plaster fell off damp walls, and the roof leaked. But the determined group collected tens of thousands of dollars in donations from foundations, county doors open to visitors, care for its collections, and stage exhibits and businesses and residents — enough to ready the old building for educational outreach programs. “It just works,” she said. its new charge. The commissioners court later agreed to pay for museum Collections from the Cradle of Texas History staff and took on the cost of maintaining the building so staff More than 30 years after that initial commitment by the county, could concentrate on collections and exhibits. “If they had not, the museum holds more than 5,000 documents, maps and papers we would have operated in one small area of the building while in its archives; more than 11,000 images, 9,000 archive items the rest of it fell down around us,” said Jamie Murray, museum and more than 3,600 artifacts. The collections include everything research specialist. She knows the story of the museum well. from a 19th century Mexican cannonball and early Texas Masonic In 1978, Murray sat on the historical commission that helped relics to pacemakers manufactured here in the 1970s. Visitors can champion the museum’s creation. peruse two exhibits on the first floor that draw on this treasure Today, the county’s 2014 budget sets aside about $490,000 to trove for their displays and change roughly annually. fund salaries and benefits for eight full-time staff, and to pay for One of the current exhibits, “Austin’s Colony: Wealth and the structure’s maintenance and utilities. “Fortunately, we’re in a the Establishment of Texas,” presents details that inspired the position where we can support it,” County Judge Joe King said. county’s nickname. Through artifacts, photos and text, the exhibit “And we’re proud of it. I’m glad the previous court had the insight illustrates how Brazoria County’s past intertwines with Texas’ early to see that need to preserve our history.” settlement and development. The county began originally as a Museum Director Jackie Haynes said the combination of county Mexican municipality as early as 1826 and was one of the original support and help from the nonprofit fundraising group, the Brazoria 23 Texas counties when the Republic gained independence from County Historical Museum Inc., allows the destination to keep its Mexico in 1836.

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8130_mag.indd 16 7/11/14 3:41 PM Interesting notes about Texas history, by Liz Carmack historicalhighlights

The Brazos River bisects the returned to Brazoria County by other county, spilling out into the Gulf museums once the county established its of Mexico at Freeport, which own repository. These include artifacts today is a sprawling industrial retrieved from the Acadia, a River Clyde- complex home to Dow Chemical type steamship that spent a short time as Company. It was at the mouth of a blockade runner during the Civil War. this river in 1821 that Stephen F. She ran aground 10 miles northeast of Austin brought his first group of the mouth of the Brazos on her first American colonists to settle and voyage in 1865. Today, the wreck of the farm the flat, fertile land. More Acadia is a designated state archeological settlers followed up the river to landmark protected under the Texas make it their home. Eighty-nine of Antiquities Code. Austin’s colonists had land grants in Among the most fascinating pieces the county by 1824. in the museum’s collections are the Members of Austin’s colony and original court records from Brazoria others arriving here established County when it was a Mexican communities such as Velasco (once a municipality in the 1820s. “Some capital of the Republic of Texas and of the original district court records now the community of Surfside), are phenomenal,” Haynes said. “It’s Bell’s Landing (now East Columbia), amazing that they haven’t fallen apart, Columbia (now West Columbia) and especially being down here on the Brazoria. Quintana and Liverpool coast with the weather, the hurricanes, were also settled before 1832. the high humidity and the critters.” The commercial agricultureCommissioner Matt Sebesta visits the museum’s “Austin’s portion of the exhibit describes how Colony” exhibit, which illustrates how Brazoria County’s past Research Walk-ins Welcome large plantations, their slaves working intertwines with Texas’ early settlement. Sebesta(Photo serves by Lizas While the court records are too fields of cotton and sugar cane, the commissioners court liaison to the museum. delicate for public perusal, museum made agriculture a foundation of the Carmack.) staff upon request will fetch other items from county’s early economy. Between 1850 and 1860, 46 plantations its collection. Long-time area residents donated many of the produced an average of 7,000 to 8,000 hogsheads of sugar annually items. For instance, relatives to John Sweeny Jr. recently gave the in Brazoria County. In 1857 alone, it accounted for 75 percent of museum a dining table, a secretary desk, a chest and a four-poster the state’s output. (A hogshead is a large cask holding anywhere bed from Sweeny’s plantation at Old Ocean in the western part from 63 to 140 gallons.) of the county, Bailey said. The former cropland is now owned by Visitors can review many of the museum’s collections remotely Phillips 66, which has a nearby facility. through a searchable database available from the museum’s website, The most well-used resource at the museum is its jam-packed www.bchm.org. Cataloging the collection is an ongoing project, research library. The two large rooms burst with filing cabinets, curator Michael Bailey said. And while the website needs updating boxes and bookshelves holding clippings, photos, ephemera, and is a bit awkward to navigate in some areas, the persistent can old maps, yearbooks, rare books, microfilm, audio and video use the database to tap its holdings. Museum employees are happy recordings, electronic databases and more. to help guide search and navigation of the site at (979) 864-1208. “We’ve got great documents here,” Bailey said. “If a researcher Some of the more precious items in the collections were wants to look at Texas history we’ve got a good slice. It’s one of those things that a museum gets to do – put flesh on the bones of history.” Austin Town Event Re-Enacts Resources range from the county’s Freedman’s Bureau records generated during Reconstruction after the Civil Colonial Texas Nov. 7-8 War and plantation photos, to the collected histories Each fall, the Brazoria County Historical Museum’s stages “Austin of chemical companies and individual families. “We’re Town,” a living history re-enactment celebrating the lives of the really strong in genealogy research here,” Murray said. pioneers who settled Colonial Texas from 1821 to 1832. The two-day The library is an important asset to Brazoria County event, scheduled Nov. 7-8, is held just north of Angleton and features and the public, said Commissioner Matt Sebesta, who character interpreters, demonstrators, settlers, militia drill units and serves as the commissioners court liaison to the museum. period games. More than 1,000 school children will pour through the “We have a rich history here and a lot of the Austin Thegrounds roots of on Texas Nov. history 7. On are Nov.in its 8,counties the event and bind is openthe state to togetherthe general in its public.its history tocolony life to the descendants history-related newsuse affectingthat to Texas find counties. out Countytheir officials,family collective past. “Historical Highlights” features many aspects of Texas history, from details employees andhistory,” historical he commission said. members who would like to submit story ideas on a county’s little-known historical events and people, to how a particular county brings should email CountyScanning contributing the writerindex Liz ofCarmack the atlibrary’s [email protected]. topic files, which

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 17

8130_mag.indd 17 7/11/14 3:41 PM historicalhighlights Interesting notes about Texas history, by Liz Carmack TCPN CONTRACTS SHINE BRIGHT

Visitors Harry Burns (left), son Ray Burns, and grandson Nicholas Burns chat with Jamie Murray, Brazoria County Historical Museum research specialist, in the museum’s research library. Murray often IN THE LONE STAR STATE helps those researching family history and other subjects linked to the county. (Photo by Liz Carmack.)

Housing the museum in a 117-year-old building isn’t without its challenges. While a chair lift now aids folks who need it up to the second floor, it’s slow. An elevator stays on the museum’s wish list. Saving history also requires increasing amounts of storage. “We’re running out of space,” Murray said. “That’s one of our biggest problems.” The coastal climate’s driving rains and humidity can also be a constant issue. The county just installed a new parking lot on the touch some 900 subjects as diverse as fig production, Spanish moss museum’s north side to improve drainage. “With an older building and emigration to Texas, inspires additional research projects. you have more maintenance and one of the biggest problems has One hot Friday in June, Harry Burns trekked from Pasadena in been water infiltration,” Sebesta said. “We’ve tried our best to take search of a piece of his, and the region’s, past. In 1943, he poured care of that.” concrete to help construct a blimp hangar at the Hitchcock Naval Despite ongoing challenges, for more than three decades Air Station in adjacent Galveston County. Brazoria County has ensured a place for its history. As an added Burns and Murray talked for half an hour, looking over photos bonus, museum visitors immerse themselves in that past just she found of the air base and blimps stored there. He reminisced by walking through the doors. “This building pulls everything about his work and what life was like during World War II. together and gives it meaning,” Haynes said.” ✯ Murray and Bailey agreed later that Burns would make a good interview candidate for the museum’s oral history project, which already has collected 500 recordings. Murray said she spends a lot of her time helping casual, walk-in researchers such as Burns or dealing with requests from all over the United States and the world. Bailey said more serious researchers call or write the museum before they visit. If the person calls ahead, it gives museum staff more time to track down what they’re looking for, he added. TCPN saves you time and money. The two staff members get help from dedicated volunteers who help them tackle their ever-present to-do piles. Authors such as R. K. Sawyer, who wrote A Hundred Years of Texas Waterfowl Hunting, and Gregg J. Dimmick, who wrote Sea of Mud, researched their books here. Authors speak and sign books at the museum as part of Overseeing purchasing requires a lot of effort and planning. The Cooperative Purchasing the organization’s educational programs and its book Network (TCPN) helps simplify your steps and reduce your costs. TCPN’s contracts leverage store stocks their volumes. The museum schedules about the purchasing power of over 37,000 actively engaged government entities. All contracts are 10 presentations a year. Favorite topics – the Civil War, competitively bid and awarded by a single governmental entity – Region 4 Education Service plantations, the military, hurricanes – have been known Museum Curator Michael Bailey shows off an earthenware jug and other artifacts to draw a standing room only crowd on the first floor of retrieved from the Acadia steamship, a Civil War blockade runner that ran aground Center. TCPN monitors contracts through third party audits and regular reviews to ensure the old courthouse. in 1865 near the mouth of the Brazos River. (Photo by Liz Carmack.) vendor accountability. You can rely on TCPN’s lead agency’s ISO certifi ed processes, 100+ combined years of government purchasing experience and 50+ combined years of auditing Historic Home for History experience – we know what it takes to keep your organization running. The roots of Texas history are in its counties and bind the state together in its its history to life to the history-related news affecting Texas counties. County officials, collective past. “Historical Highlights” features many aspects of Texas history, from details employees and historical commission members who would like to submit story ideas Keep your purchasing on time and on budget. Go to www.tcpn.org and sign up today. on a county’s little-known historical events and people, to how a particular county brings should email County contributing writer Liz Carmack at [email protected].

18 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 18 7/11/14 3:41 PM

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8130_mag.indd 19 7/11/14 3:41 PM

TCPN-0318_February Ad Resize - Texas County Magazine.indd 1 2/12/14 3:01 PM 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 ROMANA HOBBS 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 UVALDE COUNTY CLERK strong. Here, county officials talk about their passion for public service.

SUSAN REDFORD ECTOR COUNTY JUDGE

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with as an elected official and what advice would you give your peers in other counties who are facing the same or similar challenges? When I first took office (in 2007), the economy in Ector County was improving, bordering on a mini-oil boom. Shortly thereafter, the oil industry saw a rather large decline, limiting county resources and necessitating that we make rather large budgetary cuts. Seven years later, we are in the midst of one of the largest oil booms this county has ever experienced. It has been a challenge to learn to find a balance with our budget and assets when we are prone to so many highs and lows economically. With the increased economic activity — being named as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation — we cannot manage with the manpower we have and within our brings about a whole new set of challenges, from roads and budget. infrastructure, to securing employees and dealing with excessive criminal dockets and an overcrowded jail. While we must meet How do you describe your job to people who may not be familiar the needs of our growing community, deciding how to do this with the day-to-day of what you do, the responsibilities of your without overgrowing our government is an issue we struggle with office, or with the way county government functions? Are there daily. any common misconceptions that you hear? I tell people that I wear two very distinct hats at work on What do you think makes county officials such important any given day. One hat is administrative, where I oversee the advocates for their communities? Commissioners Court, the day-to-day operations of the county, County officials are by far the best advocates for our emergency management duties and the budgetary process. The communities. We live in the community with the people we other hat is judicial, where I hear misdemeanor criminal cases, represent. I see them in the grocery store, restaurants, church probates, guardianships, mental health commitments, wine and and other places out and about town. This gives me an extra beer permits, Justice of the Peace appeals and anything else that sense of responsibility for the decision I make and the issues that might come across my bench. affect our county. The most common misconception I hear is that my duties are only administrative. Many do not realize that I handle all of What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since becoming the guardianships in Ector County and carry basically the same an elected official? caseload as the two County Courts at Law in my county, with the Patience! I have also learned to take the difficult times in stride. exception of family law cases. My first year in office I drank Pepto-Bismol by the bottle. Since then, a better understanding of the nature of county government When you’re not at work, what are you doing? Do you have any and the variety of issues and personalities it entails, combined hobbies or something interesting you do that may surprise your with patience, has led me to a Pepto-Bismol free office! colleagues? The role of county judge is 24 hours a day, seven days a week What legislative issues are most important to you right now? in my opinion. However, in the down time I have, I enjoy By far our biggest legislative issue is funding for our roads. The volunteering for the Permian Basin Fair and Expo. I’m a forklift level of traffic and the number of heavy trucks passing through operator for the Fair. I also love to cook, garden, read, travel and our county on a daily basis is tearing up our roads at a rate that scuba dive.

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8130_mag.indd 20 7/11/14 3:41 PM Is there anything else you’d like to add or talk about regarding your role as an elected official, your office or your county? Every day I am thankful for the opportunity to represent the great people of Ector County and to work with a great group of dedicated county officials not only here at home but also across the state. County government is truly where the heart and soul of elected officials lie. We do this job not for the glory or the pay, but to make a difference for our families and our neighbors. What could be better than that. ✯

ROMANA HOBBS UVALDE COUNTY CLERK

When did you first run for office and why? What drives you to stick with it and run again? In 2008, I returned to Uvalde County and was working for the Uvalde County Sheriff as a jailer. At the end of the year, I responded to an employment ad seeking an administrator for a compliance office to be created for Uvalde County in the County How do you make sure you’re hearing from your constituents and Clerk’s Office. communicating clearly to them? After being in the law enforcement field since 1992, this new I am involved in many civic organizations. I understand that venture gave me the opportunity to work with the State of Texas my constituents have busy schedules and may not be able to visit Attorney General and the Office of Court Administrators in the office, so I make sure I am available to them. I’m seen and am setting up the compliance office. That fueled my desire to learn available at Girl Scout gatherings, fundraisers and while working more about legislative issues and statutes in relation to county the concession stand at booster club events. I’m also available to government. When my predecessor announced her intent to the public while visiting with veterans or being a mentor in our retire in 2010, she encouraged me to run for this office. public schools, while participating with the Adult Activity Center My driving force is the desire to complete my ongoing archival and while making presentations at the community college and projects that I’ve initiated for the restoration and preservation Sul Ross University. I am able to reach different age groups and of the county’s birth and marriage records. I also want to be always hand out business cards with my cell and office numbers present to continue to fulfill my responsibility to the growth of listed, along with my email address. the compliance office I administered and continue my education Also, I have an outstanding staff that communicates daily with in the statutes and laws that affect the functions of a county me on issues presented at the office and we work together to clerk’s office. I want to continue growing the relationships I’ve reach a solution for all concerned. From criminal issues to civil established with other elected officials and be of service to my issues, we pride ourselves on researching our answers to be in constituents in Uvalde County. compliance with the State of Texas. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with as an What do you think makes county officials such important elected official and what advice would you give your peers in advocates for their communities? other counties who are facing the same or similar challenges? We represent our constituents and, by maintaining open com- Educating the public is the biggest challenge. munications, are aware of their concerns and ideas for their county. I offer transparency in all the duties the office provides. We Some concerns and ideas can be presented to the commissioners maintain a website with duties and fees of our services, updated court, but others require attention and funding from the state. We as the laws change. I inform the public of sealed and protected as county officials can communicate these needs to state officials records not available to the public and offer the statutes for this and advocate for the growth and needs of our counties. action. The staff attends continued education seminars and conferences in all aspects of their jobs. I post news releases in What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since becoming the local newspaper of any updated laws that affect our county an elected official? government. The primary responsibility of the county clerk is to be the re- I also make presentations during orientation classes at our local corder for the county. I am truly entrusted with the task of pre- college, Southwest Texas Junior College. serving the history of our county. In almost all aspects of your life, My advice to my peers is to educate yourself and your staff, you will visit the county clerk’s office for your significant events. too. Increase your knowledge and be able to provide the reference law to any issue that is presented to the office. The county clerk is What legislative issues are most important to you right now? often the front line of contact the general public has with county The most important issue we are dealing with is the unfunded government. Also, educate your staff to know the resources state mandated law of electronically filing documents. The courts, available at the county and state level, so they may direct the staff, attorneys and general public will be affected by this issue. The public in the right direction for the service they are seeking. costs and responsibilities for this process are still being interpreted and cause some concern for the filers and the clerks. ✯

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 21

8130_mag.indd 21 7/11/14 3:41 PM County Concerns for the Capitol

22 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 22 7/11/14 3:41 PM What we’ve heard from county officials at the regional Legislative Exchanges held so far

By Maria Sprow

AC Legislative staff recently compared notes taken from risdiction away from what it should be, Makeincreasing surethe tax rateyour and county’s voice is the Legislative Exchange Regional Meetings held with the burden on taxpayers whose homes or businesses didn’t increase county officials across the state so far. in value. heard at the Capitol The notes confirm that the meetings have proven to beT an important opportunity for county officials to come together Water Planning and discuss current county concerns and future legislative priori- County officials across the state are interestedTHREE in how the $2 bilEASY- STEPS ties, as well as repercussions from legislation passed in the 83rd lion dedicated to water planning and conservation thanks to the Legislature. November 2013 passage of Proposition 6 will be spent. Currently, Choose a date and location for a TAC Below is a non-comprehensive summary of the hot topics repeat- regional planning groups are looking at 1.their water plans to create edly discussed by county officials during the legislative exchanges their own lists of prioritized projects necessary toLegislative meet the needs Exchange of that’s convenient held already. their populations for the next 50 years. The listsfor must you: be submitted to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) by Sept. 1, and Revenue and Appraisal Caps the TWDB will adopt its rules relating to theStephenville allocation of funds ...... May 8 The issue that never seems to die is also the one most concern- for prioritizing projects in December. Officials Wichita would also Falls like the ...... June 19 ing for county officials worried about their county’s ability to serve Legislature to consider additional water conservationCuero measures ...... and Sept. 25 taxpayers and meet the mandates of the state. Already, counties work to make desalination more affordable and prevalent. abide by an 8 percent revenue San Angelo ...... Oct. 8 cap that limits increases in a County Bandera Transporta ...... - Oct. 16 county’s overall property tax tion ReinvestmentEl Paso ...... Oct. 22 levy and protects taxpayers Join us for a Zones from runaway local govern- County All meetingscommissioners are from 10 a.m. to noon, ment budgets. Lowering the courts are grateful for the cap restrict the flexibility of $225 million(except in state Wichita fund- Falls’, which is from local governments to respond LEGISLATIVE ing made9:30-11:30 available during a.m) and lunch is served. to changing community needs, the last legislative session to handle natural disasters, make help repair county roads torn room for state unfunded and EXCHANGE up 2.by overweight Pre-Register trucks and at www.county.org. underfunded mandates and di- energy productionIt’s FREE! activities. minish the power of local con- Preparing for the 84th Legislative Session The funding will help with trol and local voters to choose the morePre-registration than $1.1 billion is not required to representatives capable of in needs, asattend identified any by of191 the regional meetings but making educated and knowl- Upcoming Legislative Exchange Regional Meetings counties thatit is submitted encouraged. an ap- Onsite registration will edgeable decisions for the plication to receive the funds. community. And since prop- County officials who have not yet had an opportunity to attend a However, beofficials available. believe the erty taxes always lag one year Legislative Exchange can still do so. Four more meetings are sched- application and allocation behind population growth, processes should be simpli- uled in September and October: Bring your concerns and ideas. growing communities would • Sept. 25 in DeWitt County at the Cuero County Courthouse Annex; fied.3. Currently, the money have no way to meet expand- • Oct. 8 in Tom Green County at the Stephens Central Library; is allocated Show via a upreimburse ready- to voice your concerns ing service needs. Texas also • Oct. 16 in Bandera County at the Mansfield Park Recreation Hall; ment programand talkadministered about solutions for keeping local already abides by a 10 percent and by the Texas Department of appraisal cap on homesteads. • Oct. 22 in the El Paso County Courthouse. Transportationcontrol (TxDOT). and county government strong. Lowering the appraisal cap The meetings are all scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon, with lunch served The program requires the would make the homestead at noon. For more information, contact Jamie Chandler with the TAC commissionersFor more court information,to cre- contact appraisal process less fair and Legislative Department at (800) 456-5974. ate a County Energy Trans- uniform and would undermine portationJamie Reinvestment Chandler Zone at (800) 456-5974 the fair market value of homes for affectedor [email protected]. and hold a in an area. It would also reduce public hearing on the creation the total taxable value in a ju- and benefits of the zone. Each

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 23 (800) 456-5974 8130_mag.indd 23 7/11/14county.org 3:41 PM zone must have an approved advisory board of directors. Counties cost management systems necessary to reap the full benefits of elec- must also provide TxDOT with a road condition report, a list and tronic filing. Counties in rural areas might also struggle with having scope of transportation infrastructure projects and a percentage of a strong internet connection, computers for public use, electronic matching funds, among other requirements. Officials would like storage solutions and other needs. Legislative funding to help those the funding to be allocated via a more traditional grant program counties transition would be a big help, as would a statewide con- that would allow upfront access to the funds. tract for e-filing related technology and software that would work to make the tools more affordable for counties. In addition, county Diverted Funds and district clerks have already faced some challenges when it comes County officials said they would like to see legislators end the to raising public awareness and educating attorneys and other court practice of diverting approximately $5 billion in dedicated funds users about the mandate and would like to see more resources and to help balance the state budget. Of particular concern to coun- tutorials made available for court users. Many clerks have had to ties are funds dedicated to promoting interoperability between first take it upon themselves to create e-filing classes for their local at- responder agencies and monies collected from the 9-1-1 Emer- torneys — an easier task in areas where attorneys are more likely to gency Service Fee. During the last legislative session, legislators be technologically inclined. held $177.8 million from the 9-1-1 Service Fee Account despite an increasingly obsolete statewide 9-1-1 system that is not meet- Courthouse Preservation ing residents’ expectations. It also held almost the entirety of the During the last legislative session, legislators cut funding for the $45 million Emergency Radio Infrastructure Account, established Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program from $20 million in 2011 to be used for the planning and development and main- a biennium to just $4.2 million. While county officials are grateful tenance of a statewide emergency radio infrastructure so that local the program survived, it’s on life support — and so are some county and state law enforcement agencies can communicate with each courthouses. While several counties received program funding this other. Officials would like to see the money spent on a new digital year to help fix emergency repairs having to do with serious build- 9-1-1 service and on grants to assist local governments and regional ing deficiencies such as fire and electrical hazards, more than 75 planning commissions with infrastructure and maintenance needs. county courthouses still have restoration and preservation needs. In Other dedicated funds that were diverted away from their intend- many counties, the historic courthouse is a source of community ed purpose during the last session include $5.7 million from the pride, the center of activity and a tourist attraction that generates Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education Account to be dollars and commerce for local businesses. County officials would used for law enforcement officer training and $80.9 million from like the program’s previous level of funding restored so that the the Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Account to be used for historic buildings and their benefits don’t disappear. equipment and training. Crime Lab Funding Transparency Crime Lab Funding: Despite the edition of a new $6 million Continued initiatives by the Texas Comptroller of Public Ac- Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Lab last year — mark- counts and other state leaders to require more online information ing the 13th such lab in the state — and the infusion of $11 mil- from local governments are becoming more and more financially lion earmarked for rape kit testing, sheriffs and prosecutors say the cumbersome on counties. While county officials across the state backlog at state crime lab facilities continues to negatively impact participate in the Comptroller’s Leadership Circle that recognizes county jails and budgets. Sheriffs say more funding is needed to online financial transparency efforts, officials are concerned that help staff and expand the crime labs, as defendants in some areas the new Platinum Level continues to increase residents’ expecta- who are unable to post bail are waiting in jail for six to nine months tions of what local governments can make available online while or longer while prosecutors await lab results on evidence. At least ignoring the associated costs of that transparency. The majority of one West Texas county has had to triple its jail budget because of counties simply cannot afford the technology necessary to create problems associated with the backlog and the increased medical and maintain searchable and descriptive online check registers; a costs associated with caring for the pre-trial defendants. DPS has state initiative to make such technology more affordable or allocat- already taken drastic measures to address the situation, including ing state funding to offset the costs of county transparency initia- prioritizing drug and alcohol testing evidence in felony cases (creat- tives would improve the ability of local governments to meet the ing a longer wait for misdemeanor cases) and refusing to analyze increased expectations. some drug samples in misdemeanor cases.

Electronic Filing Juvenile Drug Trafficking So far, county and district clerks across the state have been fairly County juvenile facilities, especially those along the border in successful at following the Texas Supreme Court order to transi- South and West Texas, are increasingly overburdened with boys tion to electronic filing. But things are going to start getting harder and girls getting arrested for drug trafficking, as cartels and gangs as the mandate approaches for less populous counties that don’t strategically recruit juveniles to transport marijuana, methamphet- have the existing infrastructure or technological culture in place to amine and other drugs. County officials say more state or regional support such an initiative. By Jan. 1, 2016, the 56 counties with juvenile facility spaces are needed to house children and teenagers populations from 20,000-49,999 must be on board, and by July 1, found guilty of felonies and more public education about the con- 2016, the 136 counties with populations less than 20,000 must use sequences of drug trafficking is needed to ensure juveniles aren’t e-filing. Many of those counties are lacking the costly integrated manipulated into breaking the law.

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8130_mag.indd 24 7/11/14 3:41 PM Mental Health Services Open Records Requests and Bulk Data County officials noted that mental health is an increasing, long- Bulk public information requests continue to plague county offic- term problem that will require continued funding and attention es, with one county having received a reported 297,000 open records and are continuing to explore ways to improve their community- requests from a single individual. In addition, county officials are based mental health services. They are especially looking forward concerned about the practice of having public data collectors come to seeing the positive affects of Medicaid 1115 waiver funds and into offices, request to scan large amounts of public information and the increased state funding for community mental health services, then sell that information for a profit and against the public good. as well as the work of the statewide mental health advisory panel The practice can lead to fraud and essentially forces taxpayers to pay created by House Bill 3793. The Department of State Health Ser- for having their own information sold, as the fees collected often do vices (DSHS) is beginning implementation of the advisory panel’s not cover the expenses and time related to such requests. County initial plan for ensuring the appropriate and timely provision of officials said open records legislation is needed that strikes the bal- mental health services and the allocation of mental health hospi- ance between open government and public confidentiality and tal beds. According to the plan, DSHS will need to add 17 state public safety, as well as the balance between open government and mental health hospital beds per year just to keep up with its cur- a functioning government. For instance, many bulk requests require rent utilization and capacity, but that figure does not take into ac- employees to search through large amounts of email and redact con- count the number of individuals currently seeking beds that are fidential information inside emails, a time-consuming process that unavailable. The advisory panel estimates that it would take an ad- can effectively shut down small county offices. In previous sessions, ditional 879 hospital beds costing $176 million to meet the acute legislation that has attempted to resolve this issue has failed to pass. and long-term needs of the state’s mentally ill population, but also notes that many patients — 701 individuals in 2013 — stay in Indigent Defense state hospital beds for more than a year. The plan calls for those The amount of money counties are spending on indigent defense individuals to be treated through long-term residential alternatives is continuing to increase, especially due to the requirement to pay in the community. The advisory panel also recommends that com- for legal representation for parties in civil family law cases. In 2013, munity stakeholders implement jail diversion strategies using the total indigent defense costs surpassed $217 million, of which only Sequential Intercept Model, which notes fives points of diversion $26.5 million was paid for by the state, according to figures from the where individuals make contact with the criminal justice system Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC). During the last leg- and recommends strategies for each point on contact. islative session, the Legislature restored the commission’s appropria- tion authority and unexpended balance authority so that it could again spend all of its Fair Defense Account Funds, but more must be done to close the funding gap between counties and the state. ✯

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8130_mag.indd 25 7/11/14 3:41 PM Twitter Alerts for Government

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8130_mag.indd 26 7/11/14 3:41 PM Twitter launches an emergency communications system that can Twitter Alerts help spread critical information when other lines of communication are down for Government By Joel Nihlean evere weather, wild fires and other emergencies occur quickly and often with little warning. And when disaster strikes, traditional communications channels can become overloaded or altogether unavailable. Social networking Sgiant Twitter thinks it may have a solution. Twitter Alerts, a new Twitter program available to public institutions and other organizations involved in disaster response, will help get urgent information out to the public while taking advantage of the viral nature of social media. “We know from our users how important it is to be able to receive reliable information during these times,” Twitter product manager Gaby Pena said in a recent blog post. “Twitter Alerts is a new way to get accurate and important information when you need it most.” The social network took special care to emphasize that the Twitter Alerts are a complimentary channel for distributing critical information and not a replacement for other emergency notification systems. Tornado seen at Jasper & Lavaca, And while it will always be just one tool in the communications traveling east. Seek shelter. #alert toolbox, it is still important to note the increasing value of that tool. In response to near-paralysis of phone systems in the wake of natural disasters, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) now actively encourage citizens to turn to social media during disasters. Because the public is now regularly turning to social networks to communicate and find information in emergency situations, counties should provide disaster information on all major social media channels. When a Twitter user signs up to receive alerts from an organization they follow, urgent updates from that organization will be pushed to their phone as a text message. If the user has Twitter’s app on their phone, a push notification will also be sent. The alert will be featured prominently and marked with an orange bell when they open the app. When logged into their Twitter account, members of the Twitter Alerts program will see a unique

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 27

8130_mag.indd 27 7/11/14 3:41 PM Twitter Alerts icon on their management. Tweet composition interface. The following types of During an emergency, tapping organizations currently have LOOKING FOR EQUIPMENT TO or clicking on this icon priority access to the Twitter automatically adds the “#alert” Alerts feature: hashtag to the body of the • Law enforcement and public DIG OR MOW? Tweet and transforms it into a safety agencies; Twitter Alert. • Emergency management Organizations participating agencies; in the Twitter Alerts program • City and municipal BUYBOARD IS THE PLACE are also exempt from Twitter’s governments, as well as their spam rate limits and are able agencies and representatives; to tweet as many regular, • County and regional TO GO. non-alert tweets as often as a agencies, providing services to crisis situation might require. cities and municipalities; and Normal accounts are limited • Select state, federal, and to a total of 2,400 tweets, national agencies and non- retweets, replies and direct messages in a day, an amount that is governmental organizations. further broken down on a semi-hourly basis. Organizations that apply and qualify will need to agree to According to Twitter, the feature is currently available for free to increase the security of their organization’s Twitter account and local, national and international organizations that provide critical abide by a series of guidelines before gaining access to the feature. information to the general public. Organizations that want to use Whether a county is just now ready to begin using social media the program can request enrollment on Twitter’s website at https:// or is looking to expand its online presence and ramp up existing about.twitter.com/products/alerts/enroll. social media efforts, TAC has assembled several resource pages at Once approved by Twitter, an organization can use the alerts www.county.org/socialmedia to provide county officials with the feature to communicate warnings of imminent dangers; send information and resources they need. Officials with questions preventive instructions, evacuation directions, urgent safety alerts, about applying social media to their specific needs can contact information on access to essential resources, information on critical TAC communications staff at (800) 456-5974. ✯ transit and utility outages; and for crowd and misinformation

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28 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 29

8130_mag.indd 29 7/11/14 3:42 PM COURTHOUSES IN DANGER

Can’t Stand the Heat

8130_mag.indd 30 7/14/14 8:41 PM COURTHOUSES IN DANGER

Fire presents threat to historic courthouses By Liz Carmack

exas’ historic county courthouses project an air of stately permanence. But hidden fire dangers at some of these homes of county government could spark a disaster, similar Tto the fires that devastated the courthouses in Newton County in 2000 and Hill County in 1993. While courthouse fires aren’t as common today as they were in the 19th century, the threat still exists in those that have older fire detection and suppression systems (or none at all), need upgraded electrical systems or new lightning protection systems. Many courthouses contain decades-old wiring and circuitry that is easily overloaded, and expensive and difficult to maintain. Counties facing tight budgets can have trouble addressing these problems on their own.

Fire Dangers Addressed through THC Program Funding through the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program has helped restore 65 courthouses since its inception in 2000. Most of these received a new or updated fire suppression and fire detection A devastating electrical fire in the Newton County Courthouse left only its system during their restoration, said Sharon Fleming, brick masonry walls standing in 2000. With help from more than $4 million in THC Architecture Division and courthouse program grants from the Texas Historical Commission, the county was able to rebuild. In December 2012, County Judge Truman Dougharty stands before the newly director. “It’s often installed not only for the occupied reopened courthouse. (Copyright 2014, The Beaumont Enterprise. Reprinted with spaces but also for the attic to protect the structure in permission.) case of a fire,” she said. grant program to $4.2 million, a substantial reduction. In the The agency also ensures restored courthouses in the program have past, funding had been as high as $62 million a biennium, and proper lightning protection systems to reduce the likelihood of a more recently $20 million a biennium. There are still 76 county strike and, if lightning does strike, easily discharge it along a safe, courthouses with approved master plans waiting for more than direct path to the ground. New electrical systems are also almost $200 million in assistance from the program. always included as part of the restoration project. Jefferson County received one of the emergency grants from the Can’t Stand This year, the agency had much less preservation grant money to THC this year, which will help pay a portion of the $990,246 total allocate. It was only able to provide emergency grants of no more cost to upgrade its 14-story courthouse’s fire detection system and than $450,000 each to 18 recipients out of 24 applicants. install a fire suppression system in the 1932 building. In 2013, the 83rd Texas Legislature cut funding for the THC “We were extremely gratified that they saw fit to award us a $450,000 grant,” said Commissioner Eddie Arnold. “The fire  An electrical fire destroyed the Hill County Courthouse in 1993. Rebuilding and restoration took more than six years suppression system and fire alarm system had been a high priority. and $9 million in funds raised from donations, grants and other We’ve undertaken the restoration of this courthouse over the last funding sources. eight or nine years now. We’ve been doing it in phases and paying the Heat (Photo courtesy Arthur Mann/The Hillsborough Reporter.) JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 31

8130_mag.indd 31 7/11/14 3:42 PM has fire detection and suppression systems, an elevator and a geothermal heating/air conditioning system that Dougharty said has cut the county’s utility bill by 50 percent. Newton County could have rebuilt the courthouse in a modern architectural style, but chose a historically accurate reconstruction. “In a small rural community the courthouse is the center of attention in town,” Dougharty said. “In little counties you’ve got to have something to draw tourists.” Prior to the establishment of the THC’s courthouse preservation program, an electrical fire in 1993 also devastated the Hill County Courthouse. The courthouse rebuilding and restoration took more than six years Years Of Serving Texas Counties and $9 million raised from donations, grants and other funding sources. It was rededicated in 1999. The creation 1974-2014 Jefferson County recently received a $450,000 emergency grant from the Texas Historical Commission to help upgrade a fire detection system and of the THC’s courthouse preservation program was install a fire suppression system in its 14-story, 1932 courthouse. spurred by the Hill County Courthouse fire and the fact TEXAS ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES (Photo courtesy Jefferson County Historical Commission.) that Texas’ historic county courthouses made it on the RISK MANAGEMENT POOL National Trust’s List of Most Endangered Places in 1998, for it as best we can without taking on any debt.” Fleming said. Fire suppression systems, often called sprinkler systems, weren’t Electrical issues have also plagued Tyler, Navarro and San Saba introduced regularly into buildings until the late 20th century. county courthouses (the latter was written about in the Feb/March “Very few of the (now restored) courthouses had systems prior to 2014 issue of County). All have averted disaster after experiencing going into this program,” Fleming said. smoldering wiring and electrical outlets caused by overloaded circuits. Fire Risks Not Always Obvious “The source of all sorts of accidents are fires caused by faulty A leaking roof, cracking masonry or a flooded basement easily electrical systems that are essentially overloaded,” Fleming said. signal that a courthouse’s structure is being compromised and “Often the highest load comes during the holidays, when they Strength in Numbers needs repairs. But old circuitry and other fire risks may not be that decide to light up the courthouse for Christmas. But often it’s an apparent to those working in and visiting the courthouse, Fleming increasing load put on the electrical system by all the microwaves, said. These less-visible threats have the potential to cause major refrigerators and space heaters being used. And electric space heaters Four decades of providing unmatched value and protection damage. have sometimes been the source of accidental fires.” “A lot of these existing electrical systems don’t meet modern fire to Texas counties. More than 380 members relying upon codes or electric codes,” she said. “They’re hard to maintain because Future Courthouse Funding in Question they can no longer get the parts.” The number of the state’s historic courthouses that could receive that strength and stability when they need it most. No one In 2000, faulty electrical wiring in the bell tower of the Newton funding assistance to address fire dangers and other problems is County Courthouse caused a catastrophic fire that left only the now up in the air. “In the first decade of the courthouse program, brick masonry walls of the building standing. before state revenues slowed because of the economy, the average understands or protects Texas counties better than your Pool. A month earlier, Newton County officials had submitted a master appropriation was more than $20 million per year or $40 million plan to the THC seeking funding to help restore the 1902 Second per biennium,” Fleming said. “A similar amount would allow the Our longevity proves it. Empire style building, including upgrading the electrical system. state to once again make significant progress in the backlog of 76 After the fire, the county received two THC grants, one for counties waiting for funding.” $415,533 to stabilize the remaining building, and the second for The type of grants (if any) the THC can provide to counties $4,038,848 to go toward its $6 million full restoration. The rebuilt during its next round of funding – whether to address only particular courthouse was rededicated in December 2012. emergency needs or to help fund full courthouse restorations – all “The plain fact of it is there’re a lot of little counties like ours depends upon the amount of money budgeted to the preservation TEXAS ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES that are relatively poor, and this courthouse would have never been program by the legislature next year, she said. RISK MANAGEMENT POOL rebuilt if we had not received those THC grants,” said Newton Many of the 76 counties that await funding struggle to maintain County Judge Truman Dougharty. The county’s insurance coverage their courthouses sufficiently, Fleming said. Consequently, their also helped with construction costs, as well as with the cleaning and conditions can worsen each year that they’re not addressed and so preservation of historic documents that had been mostly protected the sooner those counties receive construction funding, the better. ✯ in the courthouse’s vaults. (800) 456 -5974 county.org The rebuilt Newton County Courthouse is now ADA compliant,

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8130_mag.indd 32 7/11/14 3:42 PM JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 33

8130_mag.indd 33 7/11/14 4:11 PM “Inspired and inspiring... —PASTE MAGAZINE MakingNot to be missed!” Art Work Award-winning choreographer, film y found d places ... Beaut SPECIAL JURY WINNER t unexpecte RECOGNITION AUDIENCE AWARD in the mos WINNER AFI/DISCOVERY CHANNEL Audience Award SILVERDOCS DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL 2012 director talk benefits of community art incredibly 2012 “Unbelievable, —BLA CKBOOK 2012 beautiful and moving.” projects in the workplace TRASH By Maria Sprow , one choreographer. r performers , twenty-fou ometimes a dance is just a dance, but some- trucks sixtee n times it’s a lesson in leadership, collaboration, pride, creativity and community. That was the case in “Trash Dance,” an award-winning documentary about city of Austin solid DANCEa documentary by andrew garrison S waste workers who go outside of their comfort zones to take part in a crazy proposal by choreographer Allison Orr to turn their dirty, back-breaking jobs into a pub- lic performance piece utilizing the department’s many different tools and trucks. But it’s also about how one idea can grow into something much more, how creativ-

or of photog raphy ela k. pires direct ds edited by ang graham reynol by music by produced and directed ity and collaboration can improve lives and how much sound desig n by cer executi ve produ ovie.com trashdancem a community wants to support those who work for it.

Getting the Green Light “I have a background in anthropology and when I went back to or Orr, and for viewers, the whole thing started with a man grad school in choreography, I began to study choreography in com- picking up the trash — watching his movements and the munities where people don’t ordinarily consider themselves dancers,” rhythm to his work. Orr told members of the 2014 Executive Leadership Class during a FOrr isn’t a traditional choreographer. She teaches contemporary question-and-answer session with director and cinematographer An- dance, which, as she explains to solid waste workers in the documen- drew Garrison following a screening of the movie. “I just began to tary, is dance where “you don’t wear shoes.” But her main interest is continue with this idea of movement from life.” in the everyday movements people make already. Her company, Fork Orr’s previous projects have included dances with maintenance Lift Danceworks, teamed up with VSA Texas (an organization dedi- workers, Venetian gondoliers, firefighters, a police officer directing cated to arts and disability) to create one of the nation’s only ongoing traffic and guide dogs and their owners. But the Trash Dance project mixed-ability dance programs. was by far the largest, and she said she was especially drawn to sanita-

34 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 34 7/11/14 3:42 PM tion workers from early on for a few different reasons. ing with potential participants, engaging with them so they’d want to “I knew there would be really beautiful movement to showcase be involved and educating herself for inspiration. Then she’d create and I knew there would be stories that would be compelling. And I a dance and hold practices leading up to a one-night performance. particularly like working with groups of people who are doing work Orr would raise funds to pay for the project’s artistic costs, such as the that sustains a community, and that idea of converting the invisible cost of the composer who made the music for the dance. The city was or the mundane and elevating it is really exciting to me,” she said. “I asked to compensate for the time employees spent rehearsing and to just wanted to make something that I thought would be really beau- pay for the fuel used by the trucks. tiful, to get to see something that I wouldn’t get to see any other way “I said I could deliver a product that I think is going to improve and, as a choreographer, to get to have this pallet of trash trucks and morale, going to really bond the employees together, that is going to equipment — you just can’t make that in a dance studio.” improve the way the public sees your employees and kind deepen the Of course, convincing the city of Austin to support the project understanding of the work that you all do — basically a great, posi- wasn’t as simple as having an artistic vision. Garrison, who didn’t tive PR campaign for the department,” Orr said. “I tried to say, let’s know Orr at the time, didn’t start following Orr until after she’d al- not get too bogged down in the details, let’s just try to get to know ready spent two years working through bureaucratic red tape waiting each other, let me hang out, we’ll solve the problems together, you’re and hoping for the green light. not going to be signing off on everything right now.” “As you all can probably imagine, if I had walked into your office She also made sure to incorporate all the department’s own objec- and said I am wanting to make a dance with your employees, what tives and needs into the project as well. “There are five divisions and you might have said to me,” Orr told Leadership Class attendees, I was charged by the department to work with everybody,” she said. adding that she’s discovered some effective strategies for negating The project was finally a go. other’s skepticism. To get city officials to the table, she reached out Just the dance itself would have had benefits for the department. to someone she had worked with at the fire department who was But then Garrison, an independent filmmaker and an associate pro- neighbors with someone in the solid waste department. “I sent him fessor at The University of Texas Moody College of Communication, over to her house on my behalf to say, ‘this lady isn’t crazy, talk to met Orr’s husband at a fundraiser one night and happened to talk to her, she did a good thing with us at the fire department, I think you him about what he’d like his next project to be. The meeting might’ve should answer her email.’ … In general, I am going to call whoever is been kismet. warmest to that person that can talk on my behalf about the benefits “I was looking for an opportunity to shoot a choreographer be- of the project.” cause I wanted to practice movement. It was an exercise for me,” Once the lines of communication began to open up and the solid Garrison said, adding that he had read about Orr’s work and her waste department began considering her proposal, she took things process in the local paper but didn’t really know if it would be com- slowly and put her artistic vision into business mode. The proposal pelling enough for a movie. “All I had at stake was my time. I already was for Orr to spend six to nine months shadowing employees at had the equipment so if I could get up at 5 a.m. in the morning and their jobs, getting to know their routines and their movements, talk- keep shooting I could just see if there was a story there. I didn’t know how she would treat people, I didn’t know how people would receiver her. It was kind of up in the air.”

Trash Dance: The Final Product week later, the two began doing ride-alongs and Orr began the process of integrating herself in with the solid waste department’s staff. The film depicts the smallA cultural differences between the artist and the solid waste workers and their initial reactions through a series of small moments: Orr bringing in donuts on one of her first days and the guys asking if they’re organic — she says yes and they laugh; Orr jumping into a garbage truck to save a lizard from getting dumped on, then later squealing in disgust after having to pick up a cat carcass from the side of the road. “I thought it was crazy, how are we going to make trucks dance? Trucks don’t dance,” one eventual stand-out, Don Anderson, tells Garrison on-camera. The ‘crazy’ sentiment is echoed by other eventual participants, who admit they started off as non-believers. “I was like, ‘Man, I can’t do it. This is a little too cheesy. It’s not me,” says another stand-out, single father Lee Houston, who is employed by the department’s recycling division. Anderson, we learn, does bulky item collection. Over “Trash Dance” cinematographer and director Andrew Garrison and smoked barbeque from his backyard, viewers learn that he’s choreographer Allison Orr met with members of TAC’s Executive one of the first employees to rally behind Orr and her vision. Leadership Class for a screening of the movie and a discussion on leadership. “A lot of times being a trash man, a garbage collector, we’re

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 35

8130_mag.indd 35 7/11/14 3:42 PM taken for granted because they think that’s all we are. But a lot of us daughter. … It really showed her that giving back to the community are smart people,” Anderson says, showing off trophies he has won should be something on her priority list.” at truck rodeo competitions. “We are not just these dirty people that Through the ride-a-longs, Orr takes the time to get to know the pick up garbage. There is some grace to what we do. You have to be workers and their passions — their skills, their motivations, their per- a professional to do what we do.” sonalities — and incorporates them into the final dance. She learns Early on, viewers are hard-hit with the realization that solid waste that one employee, Anthony Phillips, competes in national dance work is hard, thankless work. Employees get to their trucks at 2:30 skating competitions — he breakdances on roller skates and wants in the morning, drive all day, lift all day, and then go to their second to open up a jam skate studio — and Orr encourages him to show- jobs at daycare centers and convenience stores on their off time. And case one of his signature moves after he begins joking around during while they are proud of how hard they work, they express a certain rehearsal one day. Another employee, Ivory Jackson, likes to rap, so amount of shame at how the job is perceived, as one crew leader says she asks him to write and perform a rap song about his job for the his young daughter thinks it’s cool that he drives a big truck but isn’t performance, which he does. old enough yet to understand he just picks up the garbage. “My grandmother actually sat out in the rain and watched the “I really thought about the importance of it … not only to Allison, show,” Jackson says after it’s all over. “I heard she got a little cranky at but the way it would shed light on what we do here,” Anderson adds. some people when they got in her way.” Later, Anderson becomes one of the stars of the dance, operating a Others are empowered just by showing Orr what they know about crane to music during a solo performance. “I really and truly believe their jobs, by her insistence that she needs their skills in her dance that I am the person to make that crane solo as good as it can be,” he and by her reliance on them for their ideas when it comes to making says, proudly. a routine that will work for them. And anyone who says they can’t It’s not just Anderson that becomes empowered by the creative dance, she informs otherwise. and collaborative process. Many of the employees who participate are “That’s dancing to me right there. You’re coordinating space, time shown in the actual act of being empowered by Orr and her vision, and energy,” she tells one employee while he talks about how to use and are interviewed about what it means to them and their families. a machine. “God put me on earth to do something and I think (being a single Though the documentary depicts some challenges — Orr is shown father) is what he put me on Earth to do. It’s not easy, but it’s fair,” at one point frustrated by all the ‘nos’ she hears; she requested 28 ve- says Houston, adding that he joined on to be a role model for his hicles but only got 16; it’s 100 degrees outside by the time rehearsals young daughter. “The more (Orr) educated me about what she does, begin; speculative media reports around budget time suggested the the more I thought, ‘I’m interested,’ and I could do something for my project may be a waste of taxpayer dollars — once performance day

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36 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 36 7/11/14 3:42 PM finally arrives, it’s clear that something special has happened. Even ing that the community aspect of the art is rewarding for her. “At with pouring rain, 2,000 people line up with umbrellas and rain these performances, people see people who maybe have never min- coats to watch the solid waste workers dance with their trucks, many gled in a situation before coming and experiencing art together. ... sitting on wet cement just to do so. That’s when I feel like I am most successful, that’s when I know I am “What did all these people come for? What do they want? Who hitting the mark is when I see that kind of convergence of people invited all these people?” asks Houston, clearly amazed and proud; and it’s resonating with people of all different kinds of backgrounds.” his daughter sat in the front row, clapping her hands the whole time. But neither the movie or the dance would have been successful without Orr’s genuine approach to leadership and collaboration with Art + Business the solid waste employees she worked with. She credits dance and art rash Dance” has won critical acclaim for both its dance with giving her many of her leadership skills. and its storytelling. It received Special Jury Recognita- “Artists are really good at budgeting, because it’s all we do. We tion at the 2012 SXSW Film Festival, the Audience know how to make it happen. We can make something out of any- “TAward for Best Feature at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival thing and we are very good at strategic thinking and problem solving. and Best of Fest at the Rockport International Film Festival, among It’s all that we do, is solve problems. And we are great at bringing a other accolades. But perhaps more importantly, it’s a film that’s found team together,” Orr said. both a wide audience and a wide purpose. It’s become a tool for lead- “My process when I go into a community is to not ask for any ership groups, management groups, city departments, environmental commitment. We don’t talk about the show. I just say, ‘tell me every- sustainability groups, arts groups and education groups. thing about your jobs. Tell me how to be an expert at your job.’ And “People are seeing its applications in these different initiatives, I work along side them,” she added. “That was really imporatnt to which is so interesting to me,” said Garrison, adding that he didn’t gain respect and to be seen as real, especially by this group. ... It takes go into the production of the film with the intent to make it about a lot of time.” anything more than Orr and the project. “I don’t know of any other Besides her focus on listening and empowering those she works film that reaches dancers, laborer, government and sustainability.” with, Orr said she also makes a personal commitment to herself to Within the city’s solid waste department, the project has boosted stay positive and recognize her duty to others. employee morale, increased employee creativity and improved com- “When I was doing the project with the gondoliers in Italy, that munity relations, among other benefits. was challenging on multiple levels,” she said, adding that she got into “Citizens really responded to this work. They came out in droves. an argument with one of the performers that taught her a lot. “I real- “I think people want a way to appreciate each other,” Orr said, add- ized — he’s not my dancer. Like, I have a dance company where I have dancers, but this wasn’t that. ... I’m the leader and he should not have to listen to me complain. There’s other people I can go com- plain to, but the performers in this situation with these community members are not that.” Before you dig, She added that she hopes the success of “Trash Dance” opens doors for other com- munity art collaborations between artists and public service groups. dig this. She offered some insight for determining Pipeline safety starts from the ground up. whether a project is a good fit for a depart- ment or the county: Vet the artist by asking for references or reaching out to leaders in the local artistic community; ask about the art- ist’s values to see if they match values of the organization; consider the project’s feasibil- ity, costs and timelines; give the artist a set of challenges to solve. Always call 811 before you dig. It’s the law. If the artist or idea is intriguing, just re- member: all creative endeavors are risky, but Get more pipeline safety information at pipelinesafetyinformation.com. they might turn out even better than imag- ined. “When that artist pops in your office for a few minutes, take a deep breath. ... Just con- sider the possibility,” she said. ✯

Editor’s Note: For more information and how

Know what’s below. to watch, go to www.trashdancemovie.com. Call before you dig.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 37

8130_mag.indd 37 7/11/14 3:42 PM Photographs from TAC’s County Management Institute, which focused on leadership, human resources, communication and technology.

 Steve Harper of Ripple Coaching & Consulting discusses “The Ripple Effect” and how one positive change or interaction can affect others.

t Williamson County Commissioner Valerie Covey shares her table’s thoughts after an exercise in which  Wilson County Treasurer Jan Hartl participants were gets to know her neighbors while asked to share little talking about achievements they known facts about accomplished before high school themselves during during “The Ripple Effect.” Harper’s “The Ripple Effect.” exercises helped demonstrate ways in which people can connect through telling their stories.  Rodney Klein, a training manager with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, discusses issues in human resources, including how veterans might be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury and what employers can do to help.

38 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 38 7/11/14 3:42 PM  Attorney Steve Mierl discusses current trends and issues with social media and employees, including how use of social media might create an open meeting.

 Attendees were asked to consider the similarities between wood carving and leadership during the Opening General Session.

 TAC Wellness Coordinator Carrye Chen discusses health benefits offered through the TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool, including Benefits Value Advisors, which can help with out-of-pocket cost estimates and appointment scheduling; Blue Care Advisors, which are registered nurses, counselors and other advisors available to help employees monitor their health; and the 24/7 Nurseline, available to help employees with immediate and long-term health concerns.

 Johnson County Personnel Director Randy Gillespie receives his Making a Difference Award from Risk Control Consultant Isaac Garcia. For more information about the 2013 Safety Awards and other Making a Difference Award winners, see page 12.

 Tony Vasquez with Bexar County and Carole Ellis with Burnet  Jeff Davis County Commissioner Lawrence Francell and other County discuss the programs for which their counties earned attendees catch up with TAC County Relations Officer Stan Reid Best Practices Awards. during a break.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 39

8130_mag.indd 39 7/11/14 3:42 PM WHEN INTERESTS CONFLICT 40 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 40 7/11/14 3:42 PM Speaker discusses the differences between ethics and integrity and how to avoid acting in self-interest By Maria Sprow

very day, county officials are “Assuming that we have it as this per- confronted with decisions manent feature of our character leads to in which they must weigh a certain kind of smugness about our conflicting interests and de- ability, rather than an openness about cideE which one is more important. Is our vulnerability to not being certain it more important to keep dinner plans all the time, to making mistakes,” he with a campaign contributor to discuss said. a project he would like the commis- And everyone does make mistakes. sioners court to support or to attend Ethics rules attempt to help alleviate a fund-raising event for a sick child in the damage that might be done if a the community? Is it more important CONFERENCE COVERAGE public official chooses self-interest over to speak truthfully about the budget the public good, but they can’t cover and why a program shouldn’t get fund- every decision or situation. People have ed in the future, or is it better to avoid the conversation until budget many different duties and responsibilities — to themselves, their time when it will be just one of many news stories to come out of families and friends, their supporters, their constituents and their commissioners court? government. Many people, when confronted with these conflicting interests, “Ethics is the art of crafting rules that eliminate conflicts of inter- might act in their own self-interest. They might go to the dinner est so that your single-minded focus will be on the public good,” with the campaign contributor because he’s a friend and they might Brody said, adding that integrity comes into play when two separate put off the budget conversation because it’s a Friday and who wants duties or reasonable expectations collide with each other. “There is to attract negative media attention sooner than necessary? a duty of loyalty to the person who has supported you, given you But unlike the Average Joe, public officials have a certain duty money, enabled you to run and to fulfill your vision… (but) if you to act in the public’s interest — sometimes even against their own are a member of the public, you don’t want your elected official self-interest. That can be easier said than done, as self-interest can be to owe anybody anything. The conflict of interest is inherent. The difficult for a person to see. person with integrity is going to know how to balance those two du- That’s why political advisor and ethics professor Stuart Brody ties. And there is no codebook telling them how to do it and there started the company Integrity Intensive, which provides tools, work- are no sanctions if you make a mistake. You just have to learn how shops, seminars and speeches to help people make decisions with to balance it.” integrity. Denying that the duty one feels to supporters, friends, family and “Being truthful often conflicts with the urgency of something we themselves exists is unrealistic and dishonest, Brody said, adding really want to have. Think about some of the conflicts that are in- that when a person holds public office, being truthful and honest to herent in our profession, the conflict between political allegiances taxpayers and constituents is a primary responsibility and a necessity and the public good, or the loyalty to supporters and contributors and the duty of truthfulness,” Brody said while speaking at TAC’s County Management Institute in April. “Sometimes it’s hard. We don’t know how to do it. And the idea that integrity is something that is obvious … may be wrong. It’s not helpful to look at integrity that way, because integrity is hard.” The ability to act morally and make decisions that might be against one’s own self-interest when there isn’t a clear-cut script or policy to follow isn’t something a person is born with, nor is it something a person just happens to possess all the time, he added. Instead, it’s something that is demonstrated. “Everybody in this room possesses integrity, but all around us we see the breakdown of it. We see the breaches of integrity in ev- ery field of endeavor, from business to academia to sports, politics, advertising, law, medicine, even the clergy,” Brody said. “It’s not a permanent fixture of your character… It’s created in moments of decision-making.” Ethics professor and political consultant Stuart Brody discusses Thinking in terms of possession could lead good people to ignore how to make decisions with integrity during the Opening General the existence of a self-interest, he added. Session of the 2014 County Management Institute.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 41

8130_mag.indd 41 7/11/14 3:42 PM Integrity is a strenuous path up a mountain. It’s a path that avoids the easy adulation from others and notoriety and egotism that’s so common. It’s this hard path of looking inward to ask these serious questions. It’s a path up a mountain that has no summit. You never have integrity, you just get better at practicing it, and success is never certain and failure is never final STRONGER CONNECTIONS,

for the success of democracy. we see them in Washington, too, where one party claims to be the STRONGER COUNTIES. But self-interest is a powerful thing, and sometimes people deny repository of political virtue and right policy action, and that can’t that one exists because they really can’t see it — it’s invisible to them, be true, but their self-interest is such that they deny that somebody the gift hidden by the wrapping paper of another interest. An in- else could be right.” visible self-interest might cause someone to act unethically, as is The best way to identify self-interest is to practice, Brody said, generally the case with negative campaigning, Brody said, when a and to consider integrity a continuous journey. facebook.com/TexasCounties candidate might view winning as something that needs to be done “Integrity is a strenuous path up a mountain. It’s a path that for the public good. avoids the easy adulation from others and notoriety and egotism “In order to get elected to represent people, where the most im- that’s so common,” Brody said. “It’s this hard path of looking inward portant quality you could possibly exhibit is truthfulness, (a person) to ask these serious questions. It’s a path up a mountain that has no twitter.com/TexasCounties denigrates truthfulness,” Brody said. “Winning is a self-interest. The summit. You never have integrity, you just get better at practicing it, fate of western civilization doesn’t hang on you winning. I know, be- and success is never certain and failure is never final.” ✯ cause I ran for Congress and lost, and someone told me that. … And youtube.com/TexasCountiesVideo

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8130_mag.indd 42 7/11/14 3:42 PM STRONGER CONNECTIONS, STRONGER COUNTIES.

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 43

8130_mag.indd 43 7/11/14 3:42 PM A SAFETY JOURNEY Increased traffic means counties must be more diligent than ever with roadside safety to decrease roadway fatalities

By Maria Sprow

ot a day went by in 2013 that a person did not die on But energy sector areas aren’t the only places experiencing fatal Texas roads and highways. conditions on roads. More than 55 percent of 3,377 roadway deaths On average, a person died in a vehicle crash on Texas that occurred last year occurred in rural parts of the state. County roads and highways every 2 hours and 36 minutes in roads saw 251 fatal crashes resulting in 268 deaths. That number N2013, and every 2 minutes and 16 seconds, someone sustained an pales in comparison to farm-to-market roads, which saw 429 crashes injury from a traffic accident, according to reportable crash data col- resulting in 478 deaths. lected by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The good news, however, is that overall, fewer people died in ve- Energy sector areas of the state in particular are facing a roadway hicular crashes last year than in the year before, despite an increase crisis, according to collected data. The 26 counties in the Eagle Ford in the number of miles traveled in Texas. The 2013 death toll of Shale saw 3,430 fatal and serious injury crashes last year, a 7 percent 3,377 did not reach the 3,413 deaths recorded in 2012, even though increase over 2012, while the 59 counties of the Permian Basin saw Texans and visitors traveled an additional 3 billion miles. 43,371 serious crashes resulting in 358 deaths, a 13 percent increase Still, the increased presence of cars and traffic on all kinds of road- in roadway fatalities. ways means that it’s more important than ever for commissioners The spike in fatalities led to TxDOT, the Department of Public and others to be diligent about roadside maintenance and safety, Safety and other stakeholders launching the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” said Don Bonifay, an instructor with the Texas A&M Engineering public awareness campaign in energy sector areas. Extension Service, while speaking at breakout sessions during TAC’s

8130_mag.indd 44 7/11/14 3:42 PM County Management Institute earlier this year. make the roadways safe for public travel. … Pursuant to this au- “Crashes have multiple causes,” Bonifay said, adding that though thority, we have previously concluded that a commissioners court some causes can’t be controlled or influenced by anyone except the may remove or order the removal of objects in the county road right driver, other causes can be fixed or alleviated by safety-conscious of way that create a safety hazard to the public.” road maintenance. “In 93 percent of all crashes, the driver is at least But some trees are so enjoyed by the community that they can’t be partially at fault. In 12 percent of accidents or crashes, the vehicle cut down. A road might need to curve around a tree, in which case has some fault. In 34 percent, the road has some fault. That’s the signage or lighting alerting drivers about the curve and obstruction physical road, the right-of-way, the things in the right-of-way, the might save a life or help prevent an accident. signage, all the traffic control devices that we have and everything Other objects, else associated with the road.” such as power Counties can’t prevent accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions, poles, can’t just be but they can help drivers be aware of possible dangers and work to removed or disap- reduce dangerous roadway elements, Bonifay said. pear. In that case, “We don’t really have any control over the driver, except we can officials should communicate with him or her. We can give them information. ask the following … Of course, you can’t make them do what you tell them to do,” questions: Can he said, adding that even the control counties have over the roads it be relocated? themselves is limited. “No road is completely safe. We cannot make If not, can it be a perfectly safe road. … But we do know how to make them safer.” cushioned? And if not, can the Common Right-of-Way Hazards and Solutions county create a It’s the county’s responsibility to maintain a reasonably safe road- barrier that’s safer CONFERENCE COVERAGE way or to warn the public about potential dangers, as some dangers than the object? — such as tight curves or certain sight distances — may be impos- Some counties sible or too difficult to eliminate. That’s when signage becomes a have come up with creative solutions for getting mailboxes relocated county’s best tool, but knowing where to place the signage so that it’s to safer spaces, said Bonifay, who spent 20 years working as Ector easily viewable, understandable and gives the driver time to adjust County’s county engineer and in its public works department prior can get complicated. to starting his own engineering company and taking on his position Bonifay said he recommends following a type of hierarchy when it at TEEX. comes to solving the puzzle of whether to eliminate a hazard or put “Driving down the road, you don’t have to get very far off the up signage regarding it, as some hazards are realistically permanent edge to hit a mailbox, and obviously you can do some damage to while others are easily removable, relocatable or softened. the mailbox, but you can do some significant damage to your ve- “Roadside hazards are anything out there that could cause an ac- hicle, especially if you’ve got some speeding going on,” Bonifay said. cident. It could be a tree, a power pole, a bridge abutment, a steel “Throughout our state, for the most part, counties have resisted A SAFETY JOURNEY dumpster, a mailbox,” he said. “The best solution is to get rid of it. dealing with mailboxes, as far as a policy goes, but it’s still your right- If you have a tree out there that people keep running into, if you cut of-way. ... There are some counties that have addressed this. TxDOT the tree down, you don’t have a problem anymore. That’s the best has addressed it. They basically say, if you are going to put a mailbox Increased traffic means counties must be more diligent than ever solution, the top-of-the-line.” in our right-of-way, you’ve got to do it our way.” with roadside safety to decrease roadway fatalities There are several Attorney General opinions that support the Bonifay described one county policy in which the county requires commissioners court’s right to remove objects from the right-of- homeowners to put mailboxes on top of moveable concrete bases way, so long as the object is a proven safety hazard. The opinions with 4X4 wood posts that easily breakaway from the bases. By Maria Sprow include JM-1241 from 1990, about the removal of tress and shrubs; “If the county is working on one side of the road, and they want GA-0430 in 2006, about the to do quite a bit of work, they removal of mobile homes; can just pick those up and and GA-0693 in 2009, about move them over to the other mailboxes. side of the road for a day or “The Legislature has grant- two, do their work and move ed commissioners courts them back,” Bonifay said. authority to ‘exercise gen- But often, the answer to eral control over all roads, the questions of moving or highways, and bridges in the cushioning is no — it’s just county,’” states GA-0693, not in a county’s budget to af- referencing Section 251 of ford an object’s relocation or the Texas Transportation cushioning. Code. “By granting commis- “When I worked in Ector sioners courts general control County, I could call TXU En- over the roads, the Legislature ergy and ask them to move the imposed on them a duty to power pole, and they actually

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 45

8130_mag.indd 45 7/11/14 3:42 PM did it on their nickel. That the sign is high up and eas- time is long since gone. You ily seen from a distance. Or, can get them to move one, they could put the sign on but it’s going to be on your the bridge end itself, which nickel,” he said. “If we can’t makes it clear what the spe- relocate it, can we soften it? cific danger is but doesn’t give TxDOT has this option, they the driver advanced warning. have some things that they do The first scenario might be to cushion, but counties don’t better on high-speed roads, normally have much in the whereas the second might be way of cushions. We do have better for low speed roads. breakway-type signs that we If neither or both of those can put up that make them are effective, commissioners safer. If we can’t do that, can might be able to add traffic we shield it, can we put up a delineators or edge striping to barrier? Once again, counties the area to force vehicles away don’t generally have that as an from the danger. option. We don’t have those in our inventory that we can use, like Edge drop-offs and steep ditches are two more potential hazards TxDOT does.” that drivers need to be warned about. However, there are some rules and regulations that might help Of course, not all hazards are found in right-of-ways. Many haz- counties in their pursuits to make safer roads, Bonifay said, includ- ards are found in the roads themselves, especially in energy sector ing regulations found in the Texas Utilities Code that require utili- areas in which county roads have been torn up by the insurgence of ties companies to give commissioners courts notice if they want to heavy trucks — a story county officials know well. put something in a county right-of-way. “The county roads we built were just fine for pick ups, cars, “I got a call on a Friday night from a judge, she said, we’ve got a maybe an occasional trailer or an occasional big truck to bring in problem on one of our county roads. … They had two power poles produce or move livestock. Many of them were one-lane roads, very on either side of the county road, it was out in the far north part of narrow, 12-, 14-, 16-feet wide. If somebody comes by in the other the county, there were no lights or ambient lighting from anything, direction, you just pull over and let them get by and move on and it it’s really dark, and when they put them in, one was about three feet wasn’t a problem,” Bonifay said. “Those times are gone. Now these from the edge of the pavement and the other side was even closer. same roads are carrying drilling rigs, tractor-trailers, water transports … On Monday, the judge sent a registered letter saying you didn’t and other support trucks, plus hundreds of thousands more pickup give us notification, you didn’t ask us permission, you didn’t ask us trucks than they are used to. … It’s a day and night problem. In where to put them. The commissioners court can designate the loca- Glasscock County, they have 40 wells being drilled in that county at tion in the right-of-ways of where to put those power poles, so since any given time and the traffic at 2 a.m. is almost as bad as it is in the you didn’t do that now you have created a potential liability here daytime, because they are still running.” because it’s dangerous, it’s our opinion that if something happens Repairing or rebuilding roads is incredibly costly, but Bonifay said out here, it’s going to be you that’s responsible,” Bonifay said. “By there may be some policies and statutes counties can look at and Wednesday, they had these power poles pulled out and replaced. So rules counties can make that will help protect roads in the future. they did move them. … You do have some hammer there that you One of those statutes is Chapter 242 of the Local Government can work with.” Code, which gives counties and cities rights to regulate subdivisions If there aren’t any policies or statutes counties can turn to for help, in and outside a municipality’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, Bonifay that often leads to the final solution: signage. “If we can’t do any of said. And Chapter 251 of the Transportation Code relates to general those other things, we can at least warn the public,” Bonifay said. county authority over roads and bridges; it broadly states that “the “You can tell them that we have a curve ahead and that the reason- commissioners court of a county may make and enforce all neces- able speed around this curve is 30 miles an hour as opposed to 45, sary rules and orders for the construction and maintenance of public which is the speed limit. That is our responsibility. That is our duty.” roads.” And Chapter 255 of the Transportation Code gives counties But there are several things to consider when it comes to sign place- the authority to regulate sight distances for intersections that involve ment: visibility, reflectivity, proximity to the road, clarity, whether to a county road and are located outside city limits, which Bonifay said use an arm and possible obstructions. There are also multiple types has been used to establish driveway permits. of signs to consider: hanging signs, traffic cones, stripes. “My premise is that one of the ways that you can help yourself For instance, if a commissioner wants to warn drivers about a as a county is to look at policy and policy changes,” Bonifay said. bridge abutment that has been hit multiple times, they have the Commissioners courts should consult their county attorney before option of putting the sign on a post ahead of the bridge, so that making policy changes. ✯ More than 55 percent of 3,377 roadway deaths that occurred last year occurred in rural parts of the state. County roads saw 251 fatal crashes resulting in 268 deaths. That number pales in comparison to farm-to-market roads, which saw 429 crashes resulting in 478 deaths.

46 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 46 7/11/14 3:42 PM Who to Call at TAC ★ (800) 456-5974 ★ (512) 478-8753 ★ county.org whotocall

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Publications Administrative Assistants: Gene Terry, (512) 925-3263 County Magazine Editor: Maria Sprow Linda Wingo, (512) 615-8904 TAC Website Bianca Prado-Espinoza, (512) 478-8753 ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Web Services Manager: Laura Westcott Claims Adjusters Rex Hall Automobile Physical Damage: Gloria LEGAL COUNTY RELATIONS OFFICERS Bryfogle, (512) 615-8960 Legal Hotline: (888) ASK-TAC4 or Lonnie Hunt, Kim Joyce, Stan Reid, General Liability: Susann Honaker, (888) 275-8224 Rick Avery (512) 615-8970 Legal Fax: (512) 478-3573 Automobile Liability: Joe Copeland, ADMINISTRATION General Counsel: Karen Gladney (512) 615-8910 Administration Director: Chris Munson Associate General Counsel Property and Crime: Kevin Yandell, Event Center: Melissa Dota, Pam Cervantez, Jenny Gilchrist, Katherine Howard, (512) 615-8967 Kathleen McCann Paul Miles, Michael Pichinson Public Officials and Law Enforcement: Debbie Bonner, (972) 567-9075 LEGISLATIVE COUNTY INFORMATION RESOURCES AGENCY Stan Lewiecki, (512) 743-4426 Legislative Fax: (512) 478-3573 (CIRA) Workers’ Compensation: Kevin Yandell Legislative Director: Paul J. Sugg CIRA Fax: (512) 479-1807 JI Specialty Services, (800) 752-6301 Deputy Legislative Director: Laura V. Garcia Manager: Joel Green Legislative Operations Manager: CIRA Coordinator: Brittany Lane POOL COVERAGE SERVICES Jamie Chandler Workers’ Compensation, Property, Liability OFFICE, PHONE OR ADDRESS UPDATES & Auto Legislative Liaisons County Services Specialist: Manager of Risk Consulting: Aurora Flores-Ortiz, Nanette Forbes, Laura Madeleine Christiana Michael Shannon Nicholes, Ender Reed, Rick Thompson Risk Management Consultants County Information Program HEALTH AND BENEFITS SERVICES Northeast: Todd Kisel Senior County Analyst: Tim Brown Director: Quincy Quinlan Northwest: Mike Strawn County G.I.S Analyst: Bruce Barr Health and Benefits Services Manager: Southeast: Vacant State Fiscal Analyst: Paul K. Emerson Bill Norwood Southwest: Victor Uvalle Liaisons to Affiliates Operations Manager: Rob Ressmann Financial Consultant: Brian Naiser Member Services Representatives COUNTY AUDITORS ASSOCIATION: Paul J. Sugg DISTRICT & COUNTY ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION: Employee Benefits Specialists Northeast: Kathie Lopez Northwest: Renie Ralston Laura V. Garcia Maria Castillo, Lauren Henry, Melissa Lopez, Southeast: Lucia Espinoza COUNTY JUDGES & COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION: Jennifer Rehme Southwest: Sabrina Eisazadeh Rick Thompson Employee Benefits Consultants JUSTICES OF THE PEACE & CONSTABLES ASSOCIATION: Underwriters Northeast: Lisa McCaig Northeast & Southwest: Kelly Flores Rick Thompson Northwest: Kimberly Wilder TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR ASSOCIATION: Northwest & Southeast: Teril Moncivais Ender Reed Southeast: Charlotte Collins COUNTY TREASURERS’ ASSOCIATION: Aurora Flores Southwest: Ernesto Martinez COUNTY & DISTRICT CLERKS ASSOCIATION: RISK CONTROL SERVICES Eligibility & Billing Supervisor: Risk Control Services Fax: (512) 476-6231 Nanette Forbes Lisa Linenberger SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION: Video Training Programs: Lori Sanchez Laura Nicholes Eligibility Specialist: Jerome Hill Online Training Programs: Lee Bell-Hovland Billing and Financial Reporting Specialist: COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION SERVICES Customer Service Rep: Elizabeth Sutherland Education Programs Fax: (512) 477-1324 Stacey Jones Wellness Consultants: Carrye Chen, Ashley Human Resources Consultants Director: Leah Mullikin Cureton, Rosalinda DiTommaso, Mark Northeast: Diana Cecil Education Services Manager: Michele Mund Zollitsch Northwest: Michele Arseneau Education Training Specialist: Mark Warren Unemployment Claims Administration: Southeast: Mary Ann Saenz - Thompson General Conferences & Events Equifax (formerly TALX Corporation), Southwest: Rollie Ford Meeting Planners: Amy Lawson, Ashley Royer, (800) 848-0287 x3248 Risk Control Consultants Sherry Wagner Northeast: Isaac Garcia County Investment Academy RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES Northwest: Jack Coffey Project Manager: Risk Management Services Director: Deanna Auert Southern: Larry Boccaccio Judicial Education Program Tracy Seiler Risk Management Services Associate Law Enforcement Consultants Judicial Program Manager & Judicial Director: Lisa Garcia Northeast: Thomas Kerss Resource Liaison: David Hodges Assistant Director for Risk Control Services: Northwest: Darren Jackson Judicial Education Project Manager: Ernesto Galindo Southern: James MacMillan Joyce Francis Judicial Meeting Planner: Michele Ewerz Claims Simulator & Training Specialist Claims Manager: David Overbeck Don Courtney

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 47

8130_mag.indd 47 7/11/14 3:42 PM Military Veteran Peer Network provides support for veterans and counties

By Maria Sprow

eave no soldier behind. That’s the principle followed by sol- diers in war, and it’s the principle fol- lowed by Priscilla Cruz here at home as Lthe Corpus Christi Volunteer Coordinator for the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN): Leave no soldier behind.

48 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 48 7/11/14 3:42 PM “Those who work with veterans in this type of work are normally veterans themselves,” said Cruz, who spent years serving in the U.S. This is the first in a series on counties and veterans Navy as a sonar technician. “My big thing is, don’t forget that. No services and resources. Check back next time for matter what position you are in now, we were all in the same position information on county veteran services officers and at one point in time.” the Texas Veterans Portal. But the dangers Cruz fights in her work today aren’t as visible as the dangers soldiers face in war. Those dangers are evident when a ployment and go to school and supporting them in these transitional soldier is left bleeding and shocked in the immediate aftermath of experiences. So it goes beyond just having a veteran have another vet an explosion. At home, the threats are anxiety, depression, isola- to talk to, but that is the foundation of it — having trusting relation- tion, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and other killers. ships.” Those masked dangers have contributed to an alarming stat released Community and special events held by regional MVPN groups earlier this year by the Department of Veterans Affairs: an average of have included everything from creating a suicide awareness exhibit 22 veterans a day commit suicide. in Dallas and welcome home salutes to fishing trips and adaptive That stat is alarming for a number of reasons. It’s an increase from sports games, such as wheelchair basketball. Activities vary from area 2009 figures, when 18 veterans a day were committing suicide. In to area, but the volunteer coordinators try to be as involved as pos- 2011, younger veterans, aged 18-24, were killing themselves at a rate sible in local communities while also trying to meet the needs of their of 80 per 100,000 — up from a rate of 46 per 100,000 in 2009. And veterans. the stats were only based off the data the agency collected from only “We do a lot of partnering. I think you have a better chance of suc- 21 states — Texas not included. cess and of reaching more veterans when you partner with as many In addition, soldiers who intentionally overdose or die in a single- organizations as you can,” said Ginger Simonson, the MVPN volun- vehicle wreck and don’t leave a note may not be counted, either, ac- teer coordinator for Denton County. cording to an in-depth investigation by The Austin American-States- The MVPN also works to support local veterans courts by offering man in 2012. The investigation analyzed the cause of death of 266 its peer-to-peer mentorship services to justice-involved veterans. Texas Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who had received veterans “In the areas where there aren’t veterans courts, if the judges and benefits. It found that more than 33 percent of the veterans who died the prosecutors want to do something similar to the drug treatment between 2003 and 2011 died from a drug overdose and 20 percent court or drug dockets, our coordinators and volunteers would more died in a vehicle crash. The vast majority of drug-related deaths in- than happy and able to assist them,” Hanna said. “That’s what we are volved prescription drugs; only three of 47 drug-related deaths were here for. … Our job is to support all of your members, the judges, ruled suicides, the paper found. the sheriffs, the commissioners, the public works guys — it doesn’t So Cruz faces a tough challenge. As one of 40 volunteer coordina- matter. We are the state team to support you guys in anything that tors working for the MVPN statewide, much of her time is spent could be related to veterans mental health, whether it be continuing tirelessly reaching out to community members, county officials education or coming in and doing training with employers.” and employees, local employers, veterans groups and others to help The state first began actively supporting peer-to-peer mentorship spread the word about the MVPN and its peer-to-peer and support initiatives for veterans in 2009 to help address the suicide crisis. The group services — and how its services are available to all veterans, not 81st Legislature passed Senate Bill 1325, which gave the Department just to those honorably discharged. of State Health Services (DSHS) $1.2 million to develop a mental “I spent all day long today with car dealerships because I know that health intervention program providing peer-to-peer counseling for dealerships employ quite a number of veterans,” Cruz said during an veterans. After Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, killed interview in June. “I spoke with them and I just introduced them to 13 soldiers and wounded 32 more later that year in what was and still our service and told them my services are free of charge, if somebody is the largest such mass murder at a military installation in American needs to talk or if they need to find a resource or if they need some- history, efforts to focus on veterans mental health issues increased one to refer to, they can contact me.” even more: Gov. Rick Perry and the Legislature secured $5 million to MVPN WORKS WITH COUNTIES expand mental health treatment and support programs for veterans. Peer-to-peer mentorship and raising awareness of its services is Those working on the issue found that while local support groups only part of what the MVPN does, and its services and strength are and peer-to-peer counselors were effective, a statewide network growing. would be even more helpful, as groups and counselors would often The peer network is focused on not just recruiting and training receive calls from veterans in other areas. veterans for peer-to-peer support and group support facilitation, but “The people that were doing this work decided we all needed to also on collaborating with all local veterans groups. The volunteer know each other,” Hanna said. “We created the peer network and it coordinators often work closely with county veteran services officers was working so well that the (2011) Legislature took notice and de- and host events designed to both bring veterans together and to con- cided to put $3 million a year into it through DSHS to create these nect veterans to their communities. volunteer coordinator positions.” “It’s not just peer-to-peer counseling. It’s better described more as The $3 million was enough to bring 15 regional volunteer coor- peer mentorship and community building, because the whole idea dinators on board. During the last legislative session in 2013, the is not to get veterans in isolation with other veterans,” said MVPN Legislature increased funding from $3 to $5 million, and there are Statewide Coordinator Sean Hanna. “The idea is to assist veterans now 40 volunteer coordinators working statewide. A list of coordina- and their families with getting integrated into their local communi- tors and the regions they cover can be found on the MVPN website ties, so being involved in community projects, helping them find em- at www.milvetpeer.net.

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8130_mag.indd 49 7/11/14 3:42 PM “We are out in the community networking with mental health care and the drugs the VA prescribes for post-traumatic stress, so we professionals, networking with the VA, with the traditional veterans brought in a psychiatrist from the local MHMR and she explained organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American all the various prescription drugs that are prescribed, how they work, Legions, just letting them know that we are here and that we can and how veterans can deal with the whole process of taking prescrip- help,” Hanna said. “We are trying to be that safety net that when tions, when they may be really adverse to it or they may be having someone gets completely frustrated with the services system, they can bad reactions to them,” she said. always call and we’ll have a cup of coffee and figure out another way Homelessness is another challenge, but again, the MVPN volun- to tackle the problem.” teer coordinators work hard to create collaborative partnerships with other local veterans groups and charities to address the problem. And Understanding Veterans Mental Health anyone — veteran or not — can volunteer with the MVPN and One of the biggest missions of the MVPN is to educate others put their personal skills to use. Volunteers not providing peer-to-peer about veterans mental health issues so that any stigmas against veter- support or group facilitation go through an 8-hour basic training ans in the workplace and in social settings begin to disappear. course. “We see a lot of folks that face homelessness and we connect “It’s nice that people put yellow ribbons on their cars and say ‘I them with Catholic charities and an organization that has the grant support the troops,’ but it takes more than lip service,” Hanna said. to help end veterans homelessness in Denton County,” Simonson “It takes employers working with folks and helping them deal with said. “We have just a wide variety of volunteers with various back- personality conflicts that come up, just like in any workplace, helping grounds. Some of our volunteers have backgrounds in marketing and them assimilate and learn a new cultural way of interacting.” management, some have fundraising, some in information technol- Though many people might think that veterans suffering from ogy.” post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and other mental health Veterans wanting to provide peer mentorship or support group issues might hurt others, Hanna said most veterans are more likely facilitation go through additional training, such as training provided to hurt themselves. by the non-profit Bring Everyone in the Zone. Its basic facilitator “The portrayal of the war veteran kind of gets summed up in course includes 40 hours of classroom instruction, participation in ‘Rambo: First Blood’ — chip on the shoulder, a short fuse, ready to classroom exercises and role-playing scenarios and a written exam. It snap, flashbacks all the time. It’s just inaccurate. The veterans that also offers additional online training in anger management, manag- are really struggling, what we have to worry about with them is self- ing family conflicts and mental health first aide. harm,” Hanna said. “They have a tendency to isolate, not reach out to services, disengage from friends and family because they feel like Exponential Potential nobody else understands them, and they are right. Nobody else is Though volunteer coordinators focus on their local areas, the Mili- going to understand them. It’s an individual experience when some- tary Veterans Peer Network considers itself one large team that works body goes to work. They have their own perception of it, depending to give individualized help to the veterans who ask for it. And though on their worldview, how they were brought up, the culture that they many of the national statistics relating to veterans mental health is- come from — that all plays a part in how they judge their war experi- sues are getting worse — such as the suicide rate — MVPN coordi- ences.” nators see the benefits of their services every day, veteran by veteran. The stigmas and misunderstandings associated with mental ill- Veterans who are helped often become the most helpful to others. nesses and veterans’ issues often cause veterans to have a difficulties “One of the earliest veterans I met, I was at MHMR in Denton finding and keeping jobs. County and working with another peer specialist and we were re- Part of the issue is that veterans don’t know how to translate their ferred to a female veteran who had served in Iraq, and she was just military service into civilian skills and aren’t used to having to sell really in a bad way. She was isolating, she rarely went out, she was themselves as part of a competitive employment market. They might very depressed, she had lots of nightmares. She had been a gunner also experience difficulties relating to coworkers. But MVPN works on a main supply route in Iraq, so she had seen some things, had closely with the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Veterans experienced some mortar attacks,” Simonson said, adding that the Commission and other volunteers to help veterans sharpen their re- woman started coming to support group meetings and then began sumes. “I guess this goes back to being in a military environment taking facilitator training courses. Now, she works with a therapeutic or being in a combat environment where you are always stressing equestrian program that serves veterans. “She is giving back to vet- sacrifice, selflessness, loyalty, teamwork, and as you reenter the civil- erans every single day. She is working with one of my veterans from ian sector, you see in there is more emphasis on competition, on self- veterans court who wasn’t communicating much, and with her guid- promotion,” Simonson said. ance and with a horse, he has made remarkable strides in the last four The realities of the chronic mental illnesses veterans face also con- months, so I consider that another success story.” tribute to the unemployment problem, she added. For Simonson, veterans helping veterans is an important duty and “I worked with a gentleman, he served in the Army back in the purpose that might disappear when they try to transition back to ci- 80s, and he’s a very smart man, he’s brilliant in information technol- vilian life. Restoring that purpose is just as helpful for the volunteers ogy, but he suffers from chronic depression and some post-traumatic as it is for the veterans they serve. stress. When he’s in a good frame of mind, he works and he makes a “It’s a chance to continue serving,” she said. “I was in the Army for lot of money, but then he hits those low points with depression and 24 years, my husband served for 30 in the active and in the reserves, he can’t hold a job. He finds it hard to get out of the house,” she said. and when you do that, when you’re used to leading soldiers and help- Veterans also need education about mental health and employ- ing soldiers, it’s hard to let that go. This gives me a great opportunity ment issues, so Simonson has held presentations on financial plan- to continue to serve and work with these heroes.” ✯ ning and prescription drugs. “We had some issues related to health

50 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 50 7/11/14 3:42 PM Events and education for counties calendarofevents

SEPTEMBER 8 — Legislative Exchange Regional, San Note: More information regarding 4 — Panhandle Judges & Angelo. events can be found online via the Commissioners Association Fall Session. TAC Education Calendar, www. 16 — Legislative Exchange Regional, county.org/education/calendar. 4-6 — Texas College of Probate Judges, Bandera. San Antonio. JULY NOVEMBER 17-19 — Far West Texas Judges and 26-29 — 136th Texas Sheriff’s 6-7 — 2014 Texas Public Funds Commissioners Association Conference, Association Annual Training Investment Conference, Houston. Study Butte. Conference, San Antonio. 19-21 — 2014 Fall Judicial Education 17-19 — Texas District and County 28-Aug 1 — Mid-Management Session, Corpus Christi. Attorneys Association Annual Criminal Leadership Training, Austin. and Civil Law Update, South Padre DECEMBER AUGUST Island. 2 — Preparing to Take Office Regional 4-7 — 66th Annual County Treasurers’ 29-Oct 2 — 92nd Annual County Workshop, Abilene & Tyler. Association Conference, Amarillo. Judges & Commissioners Association of 9 — Preparing to Take Office Regional 25-28 — Texas Jail Association – Jail Texas Conference, Lubbock. Workshop, Lubbock & Livingston. Management Issues , Galveston. OCTOBER 11 — Preparing to Take Office Regional 27-29 — 2014 TAC Legislative 7-10 — Auditors Conference, Waco. Workshop, Waco & Midland. Conference, Austin. 15-18 — New Treasurers Seminar, San Marcos. 16 — Preparing to Take Office Regional AuctioneerExpress.com Workshop, San Antonio & McAllen. Online Auctions GOvernmentAl - municipAlity - privAte pArty FEBRUARY 2015 2-6 — 2015 New Judges Orientation, ★ Specialties: ★ Our goal: to get you ★ Reasonable reserve on Lubbock. Online & Live Auctions the HIGHEST RETURN items allowed, if desired for Counties-Cities- FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT & ★ 17-20 — Basics of County Investments SURPLUS Also, bid on other counties’ Governmental surplus equipment on our Course, San Marcos. Entities ★ Sold at your location online site APRIL 2015 www.AuctioneerExpress.com 20-23 — 43rd Annual County 903-572-4975 Treasurers’ Continuing Education Texas Auctioneer Lic. # 13801 Seminar, San Marcos. 27-May 1 — West Texas County Judges & Commissioners Conference, Wichita Falls. Looking for budget balancing tools? MAY 2015 6-8 — Court Assistants Training More than 600 public agencies have chosen PARS for Conference, San Marcos. JUNE 2015 retirement solutions that help save money such as: 8-10 — Conference of the County Investment Academy, San Antonio. • OPEB pre-funding trust to reduce liabilities 15-18 — South Texas County Judges & • Social Security alternatives for part-timers to save 79% Commissioners Conference, Beaumont. JULY 2015 800.540.6369 x 116; [email protected] 6-9 — North & East Texas County Judges & Commissioners Conference, www.pars.org Waco.

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTY 51

8130_mag.indd 51 7/11/14 3:42 PM emergencyservices By Bruce Barr, TAC GIS Analyst Decoding the Components and Curriculum of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

he National Incident Management System (NIMS) can to HSPD-5, “establishes policies to strengthen the preparedness of conjure up different images for the indoctrinated and the the United States to prevent and respond to threatened or actual newly elected county official. domestic terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies by TBorn in response to a number of events including the down- requiring a national domestic all-hazards preparedness goal, estab- ing of the Twin Towers on 9/11, Homeland Security Presidential lishing mechanisms for improved delivery of federal preparedness Directive (HSPD)-5 on “Management of Domestic Incidents” and assistance to state and local governments, and outlining actions to HSPD-8 on “National Preparedness” lay the foundation for the strengthen preparedness capabilities of federal, state and local enti- NIMS to work to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from ties.” It tasked the Secretary of Homeland Security with the devel- terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies that occur opment of a “national preparedness goal” to “establish measureable domestically. readiness priorities and targets that appropriately balance the poten- tial threat and magnitude of terrorist attacks, major disasters, and The Directives other emergencies with the resources required to prevent, respond Released Feb. 28, 2003, by President George W. Bush, HSPD-5 to, and recover from them.” tasked the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and administer the NIMS. NIMS Definition According to the directive, the goal of the NIMS is to “provide a The NIMS provides the template and guidance for the manage- consistent nationwide approach for federal, state and local govern- ment of emergency events regardless of size or scope. The system ments to work effectively and efficiently together to prepare for, re- works along with the National Response Framework (NRF) — spond to and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, which provides the structure and mechanisms for response at the size or complexity.” The directive indentifies a core set of concepts national level — for a seamless, multi-level response. to ensure interagency cooperation that include “principles, ter- minology and tech- NIMS Components nologies covering the in Brief incident command Key elements of system; multi-agency the NIMS include coordination systems; incident command, unified command; multiagency coor- training; identifica- dination and public tion and management information systems. of resources (including The standardiza- systems for classifying tion of these core types of resources); concepts across orga- qualifications and nizational and gov- certification; and the ernmental structures collection, tracking, provides consistency and reporting of inci- in terminology, di- dent information and rection and goals incident resources.” through a flexible, HSPD-5 also in- but defined, incident cludes language that management struc- describes the develop- ture. ment of the National Response Plan (NRP), which lays out how federal agencies must Implementing the NIMS into the County Management Plan collaborate in order to better work together. — Grayson County Style HSPD-5 also required that, beginning in Fiscal Year 2005, federal As iterated in the FEMA “NIMS: What it is and What its not” departments and agencies make adoption of the NIMS mandatory, info-graphic, the NIMS is not a plan; it is a framework. And to the extent permitted by law, for providing federal preparedness even though the specifics of NIMS compliance are documented assistance through grants, contracts or other activities. in HSPD-5 and other DHS rules, implementation of the NIMS Meanwhile, HSPD-8, released Dec. 17, 2003, as a companion framework and training varies from county to county.

52 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 52 7/11/14 3:42 PM By Bruce Barr, TAC GIS Analyst emergencyservices

Grayson County, with a 2013 IS-700, 701, 702 and 800; population of 122,353 and home • Health Department Direc- to 16 incorporated cities, is located tor: ICS-100, 200, 300, 400 and due north of Dallas along the Red IS-700 and 800; River. • Human Resources Director: Led by County Judge Drue By- ICS-100 and 200 and IS-700 and num, a West Point graduate, and 800; Director Sarah Somers, the Gray- • Information Technology son County Office of Emergency Director: ICS-100, 200, 300, and Management aggressively focuses 400, and IS-700 and 800; on ensuring the necessary county • Emergency Operations staff and elected officials are up to Center Director: ICS-100, 200, speed on NIMS education and training. 300, and 400, and IS-700 and 800; and Grayson County strongly encourages all Grayson County cities • Sheriff: ICS-100, 200, 300, 400, and IS-700 and 800. and response agencies to implement the NIMS. Additionally, any The Plan also states that IS-700 is required for all first respond- response agency contracted with Grayson County is required to ers, Emergency Operations Center personnel and volunteers work- maintain NIMS compliance. ing in an Incident Command System environment. The plan also puts the onus on each elected official, department head or jurisdic- NIMS Requirements for Grayson County Elected Officials tion supervisor to review the training guidance and identify the and Department Directors appropriate positions in their department or organizations that The NIMS training program offers a core curriculum that in- should receive NIMS training and the courses appropriate for that cludes: position or duty. • Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS-100); “Some folks don’t agree with our interpretation on who must • Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial have what training, but this training in particular has served us well Action Incidents (ICS-200); through many incidents,” Somers said. • Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding A listing and description of the NIMS and ICS courses can be Indidents (ICS-300); found online at training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp. The Texas Divi- • Advanced Incident Command System (ICS-400); sion of Emergency Management also provides NIMS and other • National Incident Managemetn System, An Introduction emergency management training at www.preparingtexas.org. (IS-700); • NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (IS-701); It’s Not Just about the Class Room • NIMS Publication Information Systems (IS-702); and Understanding the NIMs structure through classroom training • National Response Framework, An Introduction (IS-800), is just the first step to being ready to respond to a disaster or emer- among other titles and courses. gency. While the whole system is based on knowledge, implemen- The Grayson County NIMS Implementation and Compliance tation of the cycle includes practicing and exercising processes and Plan requires that the identified elected officials and staff, or their procedures to do with incident command, interageancy coordina- designees, take the following NIMS training classes: tion and public information, as well as follow up analysis of the • County Judge: ICS 100, 200, 300, and 400 and IS 700 exercises. and 800; “We are also called to ensure we are implementing all NIMS • County Commissioners: IS-700; components – not just training,” Somers said. ✯ • Counsel to Commissioners Court/ District Attorney: ICS 100, 200, 300, 400 and IS 700 and 800; • County Treasurer: ICS-100 and IS 700 and 800; • Facilities Manager: ICS 100 and IS-700 and 800; • Health Authority: ICS 100, 200, 300, and 400 and

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8130_mag.indd 53 7/11/14 3:42 PM informationprogram Data about counties, by County Information Project Senior Analyst Tim Brown Electric Generation Capacity by County n June 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency covers the smallest area within Texas, extending from El Paso (EPA) proposed a rule that would cut carbon dioxide County east through Hudspeth into the western portions of emissions from existing coal power plants by as much Culberson, Jeff Davis and Presidio. The Midcontinent Independent Oas 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. It’d be natural, given System Operator (MISO) covers counties from the southern the proposed rule, to want to know where coal power plants are Texas-Louisiana border westward to Milam County. SPP covers a located in Texas and how much of our electricity comes from them. large chunk of the Panhandle and also many of the far north-east Luckily, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) makes that counties. ERCOT manages the grid in the remainder of the state information available, as well as data on the locations of all other – approximately 85 percent of the state’s electric load, according to electric power plants used by the different power grids in the state. the ERCOT website. The accompanying map indicates the presence of coal power Renewable fuels have become very important sources for plants by county with black pins as of December 31, 2013. The generating electricity in Texas; solar and wind power plants provide map shows data for completed, active power plants only; it does not the state with 12,348 MW of capacity. Counties with solar and include data for plants that were mothballed, retired or announced wind plants are symbolized by the yellow sun (though whether but not completed as of the end of 2013. it is a solar plant or a wind plant isn’t indicated). Plants in Taylor The larger the pin, the more total completed coal powered County currently have the largest generating capacity, at a fraction generating capacity exists in the county. These facilities, with a under 1,474 MW. Like Taylor, most of these counties are located total generating capacity of 4,193 megawatts (MW), are found in in the western half of the state, particularly in the area north of San only seven counties. Of these, Robertson County has the greatest Angelo. However, Kenedy, San Patricio and Willacy counties, all capacity at 1,710 MW. Fort Bend and Freestone have capacity of located along the South Texas coast, have considerable wind and only 17 MW and 20 MW, respectively. solar generating capacities of 687 MW, 378 MW and 608 MW, Several of the counties with coal power plants also have natural respectively. Located among those three, Nueces County is another gas power plans for producing electricity. Counties with natural coastal county with some generating capacity of this type, but at gas power plants are symbolized by an oil rig with gas can. Natural only 9 MW it doesn’t reach the level of the other three. gas is the most common type of fuel for power plants in the state, All other types of electric generating power plants — biomass counting by the number of counties that have such plants, as well (plant/animal material), distillate fuel oil, hydro, nuclear, petroleum as by individual plants. As might be expected, Harris County, with coke (a byproduct of the oil refining process), and storage — its petrochemical infrastructure, maintains the greatest natural combine for a total generating capacity of 816 MW in 10 counties. gas fueled capacity of any That subtotal includes 200 county at 4,132 MW. An Generating Capacity Coal Wind & Solar NG Other MW and 86 MW from additional 47 counties nuclear power plants in Total 4,193.0 12,348.1 37,410.3 816.0 with natural gas power Matagorda and Somervell plants combine for 33,278 1,710.0 1,473.7 4,132.0 300.0 counties, respectively. All MW of electric generating Max in Single County counties with these other Robertson Taylor Harris Calhoun capacity – that’s 37,410 types of power plants are MW for all 48 counties. shown with blue lines Another 1,220 MW are available from the Tenaska Kiamichi running through them. Generating Station near Kiowa in Pittsburg County, Okla., as it Interestingly, other types of power plants include 40 MW of is tied into the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), where the plant is “storage.” The 36 MW energy storage and power management located, and to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). system at Notrees Windpower Project in Winkler County stores SPP and ERCOT are two of the four electricity grids covering energy generated from wind and solar plants for later use when Texas. The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) the plants are not generating power, according to Duke Energy

Renewable fuels have become very important sources for generating electricity in Texas; solar and wind power plants provide the state with 12,348 MW of capacity.

54 COUNTY • JULY/AUGUST 2014

8130_mag.indd 54 7/11/14 3:42 PM Data about counties, by County Information Project Senior Analyst Tim Brown informationprogram

Natural gas is the most common type of fuel for power plants in the state, counting by the number of counties that have such plants, as well as by individual plants. As might be expected, Harris County, with its petrochemical infrastructure, maintains the greatest natural gas fueled capacity of any county, at 4,132 MW.

Renewables, which owns the project. A smaller 4 MW storage planning phase – as previously mentioned, however, the map shows system in Presidio County addresses voltage fluctuations and data only for completed, active electric generating capacity in Texas. other electricity issues in the region. (An article in The Texas The announced list includes a single coal powered facility, in Ector Tribune written by Kate Galbraith titled “Texas Tackles Electricity County, with a generating capacity of 240 MW. It should enter Storage” provides more information about the state’s energy storage service in January 2016. However, the majority of the announced initiatives.) capacity — 18,958 MW — will be from natural gas. Renewable Only one county, Bexar, has power plants using all of the fuels (solar and wind) make up most of the remaining announced discussed fuel types – coal, natural gas, solar & wind, and other. capacity at 8,501 MW. ✯ As a final note, the PUC lists a total of 28,681 MW of generating capacity, including various types of storage, in the construction or

Electric Generating Capacity, 2013

Capacity (MW) SPP Other Sources 8-25 26-100 101-300 Coal SPP 17-100 WECC

101-800

MISO 801-1,710

Natural Gas ERCOT 20-300

301-900

901-4,132 Solar and Wind 1-100 101-250 251-1,474 County Information Program, Texas Information of Counties

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8130_mag.indd 55 7/11/14 3:42 PM newsfeed Favorite updates from TAC’s Facebook feed and other items worth sharing Research, articles, T.A. VINES AWARD publications readings and Web sites A Guadalupe County lawman with a long history of public service is this PREPARE TO DEFEND YOURSELF: HOW TO year’s recipient of the most prestigious NAVIGATE THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND award the Justice of the Peace & ESCAPE WITH YOUR LIFE by Matthew Minson, Constables Association of Texas MD., uses cartoons and other visual aids bestows. to help patients understand the world of Precinct 4 Constable Gene Mayes modern healthcare, including everything has been awarded the T.A. Vines award — considered the highest honor from which hospitals can most effectively of the state association of Texas’ 760 treat a stroke, heart attack or trauma to how constables and 820 justice courts and to negotiate and appeal hospital charges. as a lifetime achievement award with Texas A & M University Press. more prestige than its “officer of the year” recognition, which Mayes has ACTING UP AND GETTING DOWN: PLAYS BY HAPPY 4TH received in the past. AFRICAN AMERICAN TEXANS by Sandra M. This shot from Wimberly’s VFW Rodeo — The Seguin Gazette, as shared on Mayo and Elvin Holt includes seven plays in Hays County was a popular one among Facebook by the Justices of the Peace and about intergenerational struggles, cultural TAC’s Facebook fans. Constables Association of Texas triumphs and historic turning points by — Shared by the Texas Association of award-winning Texas writers. University of Counties Texas Press.

SHARING THE COMMON POOL: WATER RIGHTS IN THE EVERYDAY LIVES OF TEXANS by water rights expert Charles Porter discusses in layman’s terms who has rights to the water in Texas and the future of water use, including new demands and innovative technologies. Texas A & M University Press.

CHANGING TEXAS: IMPLICATIONS OF ANSWERING OR IGNORING THE TEXAS ALL CLEANED UP CHALLENGE by Steve H. Murdock, Michael E. Sea Rim State Park on the upper Texas Cline, Mary Zey, P. Wilner Jeanty and Deborah coast has been reborn after being battered Perez draws on 30 years of analysis of growth, and inundated by two hurricanes in aging and diversity in Texas populations and the past decade and now sports a host discusses how to keep Texas strong in 2050. of improvements to enhance the visitor experience. Texas A & M University Press. State and local officials gathered on THE SMALLEST TREASURER? June 20 to celebrate the grand reopening THE WRONG CARLOS: ANATOMY OF A Meet Charley Lockhart. of the 4,100-acre state park that has WRONGFUL EXECUTION by James S. Liebman He was first elected Scurry County, Texas been rebuilt and revitalized with the and the Columbia DeLuna Project examines treasurer in 1900. And was re-elected to the construction of a new dune boardwalk with the 1989 execution of Carlos DeLuna, a county office eight times. rinse showers, a beachside campground poor Hispanic man accused of killing a In 1930 he was elected state treasurer. In with vault restrooms, new day-use area convenience store clerk. Columbia University 1931, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! featured and a six-person cabin overlooking the Press. a drawing of Lockhart under the caption marsh. The improvements mark the “Texas, the largest state in the Union, has completion of Phase I of Sea Rim State the smallest treasurer, Charley Lockhart, 45 Park’s redevelopment funded in part by $2 inches tall.” million approved by the 81st Legislature to — Shared by the Texas Association of aid in its recovery. Counties — Shared by Texas Parks and Wildlife

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8130_mag.indd 56 7/11/14 3:42 PM lastlook

harton County Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Paul Shannon loves photographing the sunrise from his view on the Wharton County Courthouse roof, where he goes once a week to wind the courthouse’s historicW tower clock. This sunrise was captured on June 4. ✯

County officials and employees (and anyone else in a Texas county) are encouraged the photograph — why the picture was taken, what makes the moment or memory to email their high-resolution photographs for publication in Last Look to County Editor special, or what can’t be seen in the shot. Maria Sprow at [email protected]. Please make sure to write about the events behind

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8130_mag.indd 3 7/11/14 3:42 PM PRSRT STD Texas Association of Counties U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1210 San Antonio Street AUSTIN, TEXAS Austin, Texas 78701-1806 PERMIT NO. 1183

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