Throughout June’s four-day South Texas Conference, County Judges and Commissioners were applauded for their dedication and given even more tools to prepare them for continued public service.
Some 300 officials convened on South Padre Island June 24-27, 2024, where education topics included county roads and right of way authority, subdivision regulations, grant seeking for flood infrastructure and water funding, county investment policies, critical incident response, cybersecurity, and emergency management.
From the early-bird budget workshop with a full crowd to the closing class on legislative issues, also packed with participants, officials gleaned vital information on how to best prepare for the challenges of grassroots government.
Bob Phillips, “Texas Country Reporter” and “On the Road with Kelli and Bob” – Everyday Heroes
“Real heroes of our time are the 10 percent who do the 90 percent of the work that keeps our world moving,” Phillips told county officials at the Opening General Session. “You people in this room are part of that 10 percent. The very fact that you signed up to do what you’re doing in the first place…in my mind, that makes you the heroes of our time. You are in the middle of making history.”
Robert Ruiz, Associate Director, Risk Management Services, TAC: Strengthening Cybersecurity Initiatives
“Cyber is one type of threat that is 24/7, 365,” Ruiz emphasized during his presentation. “It does not discriminate.” Texas received $40 million to be spread over four years to support both state and local efforts to address cyber risks as part of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. The application deadline for year 1, 2024, was March 18. The Cybersecurity Planning Committee received 386 Requests for Applications, Ruiz reported, and 66 came from counties; 38 applied, with 10 counties submitting more than one application. Thirty-four percent of the 62 counties that make up the South Texas Association were among the applicants. During the first quarter of 2025, the application window will open once again, Ruiz stated.
“Will your county be submitting an application?” he asked. To learn more about the program, go to https://bit.ly/cybsecgrant.
Ricardo Garcia, Chief of Police, City of Premont: Critical Incident Response
After describing past tragedies and reviewing methods of response, Garcia focused on the critical need for preparedness.
“What happens if we replace our fear with planning? Our fear with preparation?” he asked the audience. Garcia encouraged officials to examine their security plans and pursue training if necessary.
Brandon Wood, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS): Commissions and Committees
After recapping the jail inspection process, Wood addressed the number of inmates in county jails with mental health issues, estimated at 35 percent of the overall population, and updated officials on paper ready inmates, death in custody investigations, and two important TCJS committees.
In 2021, the Texas Legislature required the TCJS to establish a committee to advise on issues related to inmates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The IDD Advisory Committee gathers and reviews data and provides recommendations and guidelines to sheriffs and counties regarding the confinement of those with IDD. With regard to rules and jail standards, the TCJS works with an Administrative Rules Advisory Committee; Bee County Commissioner Sammy Farias and Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe are both current members.
“You need to have skin in the game when it comes to jail standards,” Wood emphasized. “I need your input.” Wood encouraged officials to reach out if they would like to serve on either committee by calling 512-771-5283.
Texas State Sen. Morgan LaMantia: Working With the Legislature
When it comes to communicating with legislators, LaMantia urged officials to connect with as many different lawmakers as possible.
“Your personal perspective, your voice, is so important,” LaMantia underscored during the Closing General Session. “Personal stories that come from you make the biggest impact when it comes to a bill.”