Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum at Meetings of the County Commissioners Court

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All Regular, Special, Emergency and Executive Session Meetings of the __________ County Commissioners Court will be called and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code.

Regular, Special and Emergency Meetings of the _________ County Commissioners Court are open to the public and to representatives of the press and media. Executive Sessions of the Commissioners Court are not open to the public, the press or the media and only those individuals expressly requested or ordered to be present are allowed to attend Executive Sessions.

The ______________ County Commissioners Court meets in Regular Session on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. In order for a matter or issue to appear as an agenda item on the Agenda of any Regular Meeting of the Commissioners Court, a request must be filed with and approved by at least one member of the Commissioners Court and/or the County Judge by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the Wednesday immediately preceding the next Regular Meeting of the Commissioners Court.

The business of __________ County is conducted by and between the members of the ___________ County Commissioners Court and by those members of the county staff, elected officials, department heads, consultants, experts and/or members of the public requested to be present and participate. While the public is invited to attend all meetings of the Commissioners Court (except Executive Sessions) the public’s participation therein is limited to that of observees unless a member (or members) of the public is requested to address the Commissioners Court on a particular issue (or issues) or unless the member (or members) of the public completes a Public Participation Form and submits same to the county clerk prior to the time the agenda item (or items) is addressed by the Court. A sample of the _______________ County Commissioners Court Public Participation Form is attached hereto as Exhibit “A.”

Each member of the public who appears before the Commissioners Court shall be limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes to make his/her remarks. Time for each speaker shall be maintained by the County Clerk or such other designated representative of the Commissioners Court.

Maximum discussion on any agenda item, regardless of the number of members of the public wishing to address the Commissioners Court on such agenda item (or items) shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes. In the event that more than six (6) members of the public wish to address a particular agenda item (or items), then only the first six (6) members of the public recognized to speak shall be divided equally between those members of the public wishing to speak for the agenda item (or items) and those members of the public wishing to speak against the agenda item (or items).

In matters of exceptional interest, the Court may, by the majority vote of the members of the Court in attendance at the meeting, either shorten or lengthen the time allocated for a particular member of the public, all members of the public and/or the amount of time allocated for all agenda items and/or a specific agenda item.

It is the intention of the Court to provide an open access to the citizens of __________ County to address the Commissioners Court and to express themselves on issues of county government. Members of the public are reminded that the ________________ County Commissioners Court is a Constitutional Court, with both judicial and legislative powers, created under Article V, Section 1 and Section 18 of the Texas Constitution. As a Constitutional Court, the ______________ County Commissioners Court also possesses the power to issue a Contempt of Court Citation under Section 81.024 of the Texas Local Government Code. Accordingly, all members of the public in attendance at any Regular, Special and/or Emergency meeting of the Court shall conduct themselves with proper respect and decorum in speaking to, and/or addressing the Court; in participating in public discussions before the Court; and in all actions in the presence of the Court. Proper attire for men, women and children is mandatory. Those members of the public who are inappropriately attired and/or who do not conduct themselves in an orderly and appropriate manner will be ordered to leave the meeting. Refusal to abide by the Court’s order and/or continued disruption of the meeting may result in a Contempt of Court Citation.

It is not the intention of the ________________ County Commissioners Court to provide a public forum for the demeaning of any individual or group. Neither is it the intention of the Court to allow a member (or members) of the public to insult the honesty and/or integrity of the Court, as a body, or any member or members of the Court, individually or collectively. Accordingly, profane, insulting or threatening language directed toward the Court and/or any person in the Court’s presence and/or racial, ethnic, or gender slurs or epithets will not be tolerated. Violation of these rules may result in the following sanctions:

cancellation of a speaker’s remaining time;
removal from the Commissioners Courtroom;
a Contempt Citation; and/or
such other civil and/or criminal sanctions as may be authorized under the Constitution, Statutes and Codes of the State of Texas.

The County Judge is the presiding officer of the _____________ County Commissioners Court and is a fully participating member thereof. In the event of the absence of the County Judge, the senior member of the Commissioners Court (in terms of total number of years as an elected representative) present at the Regular, Special, Emergency meeting or Executive Session, shall serve as the Judge Pro-Tem of the Court. However, nothing herein shall prevent the senior member of this Commissioners Court from delegating this duty to another member of the Commissioners Court.

The County Judge (or the designated Judge Pro-Tem of the Commissioners Court), as presiding officer of the Commissioners Court, is responsible for conducting all meetings and members of the public who have properly completed a Public Participation Form and submitted same to the County Clerk must wait to be recognized before they will be allowed to address the Court.

Special rules for the press and media:

No media personnel or equipment, including lights, cameras or microphones will be located on the Commissioners Court bench nor closer than five (5′) feet in front of the Commissioners Court bench.

Reporters and media technicians are required to structure their movements, equipment setup and take-down and adjustments, etc., in such a manner as to not disrupt the Commissioners Court deliberations or the ability of the public to see, hear, and participate in the proceedings.

Interview shall not be conducted inside the Commissioners Courtroom during the time the Court is in session.

Media interviews which are conducted outside the Commissioners Courtroom should be conducted in such a manner that the interview does not disturb, impede or disrupt the proceedings of any regular, special, or emergency and/or executive session of the court.

The Sheriff of ______________ County, Texas, or his designated deputy, shall serve as the bailiff at all regular, special, and emergency meetings of the Court. However, in the event of the absence of the sheriff, or in the event that there exists a conflict of interest between the sheriff, any member of the sheriff’s department, and the Commissioners Court, or in the event of an Executive session of the Court in which the Sheriff is not an authorized participant, then in such event, the Court shall appoint such other commissioned peace officers to serve as bailiff as may be necessary.
From time to time, the Commissioners Court shall conduct town meetings and public hearings. These rules of procedure, conduct and decorum shall also apply to such town meetings and public hearings; however, the Commissioners Court may adopt such additional and supplemental rules for such meetings as may be necessary and appropriate to conduct such meetings in an orderly, efficient and proper manner.

These Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum at Meetings of the _____________ County Commissioners Court shall be effective immediately upon adoption by the Court and shall remain in full force and effect until amended or repealed by a majority vote of the Commissioners Court.

Highlights From Galveston County

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By Julie Anderson

Editor

“Counties of Texas: Locally Strong”

The theme of the 94th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference could not have come at a more important time considering the upcoming legislative session. In fact, the opening day of the Oct. 10-13 conference saw members of the Texas Legislature issuing words of caution to some 200 officials gathered in Galveston County’s Moody Gardens.

Sen. Sylvia R. Garcia, a former Harris County Commissioner, told officials she “has never before seen” such a predisposition against local control among state lawmakers and urged the audience to organize, engage and “make sure you are heard.”

This is where “County Strong” comes in.

 

Past Presidents
Past Presidents

 

Strength in Numbers

  • 254 Counties
  • 1,270 County Judges and County Commissioners 

While no one denies the diversity of the Lone Star State, members of Texas County Commissioners Courts face common challenges, several of which have the potential to impact every budget in every county including appraisal caps and revenue caps. In the months leading up to the 85th Legislature, a third issue has been deemed crucial – the burgeoning costs of indigent defense.

Lest officials doubt their collective influence on state lawmakers, let’s glance backward some six years ago leading up to the 2011 Legislative Session; experts predicted the Session would be defined by two issues: redistricting and the state budget deficit, and they were right. Because of the $20 billion-plus deficit, “we will be bombarded with all types of unfunded mandates,” predicted then-CJCAT Second Vice President Roger Harmon, Johnson County Judge. “All I can say is to batten down the hatches and be willing to fight like we have never had to in the past.”

County Judges and County Commissioners tag-teamed one another, accompanying CJCAT officers and general counsel Jim Allison to the Capitol to present a united message. Facing cut after cut, local elected officials showed up both literally and figuratively, sending emails and faxes, making phone calls, and putting in personal appearances to safeguard their county, their community, and their taxpayers.

When the 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature adjourned sine die, Commissioners Courts breathed a collective sigh of relief, as the adopted version of the state budget partially restored funding to most county programs. In addition, revenue caps and most unfunded mandates were defeated.

When the 85th Session of the Texas Legislature adjourns, officials are hoping for the same thing. As part of the necessary prep work, the CJCAT leadership team is being proactive and asking counties to consider the local passage of resolutions addressing the trio of issues: unfunded mandates, appraisal and revenue caps and indigent defense. The Association passed a total of 23 resolutions, listed on pages 29-34 of this issue; unfunded mandates, appraisal and revenue caps and indigent defense are numbers 4, 5 and 8, respectively.

Once again, it’s a matter of strength in numbers: 254 Texas Counties, 31 State Senators, 150 State Representatives. Every Senator and Representative receives a copy of the State Association Resolutions, Allison confirmed.  If every Texas county also passes local resolutions and sends them to their lawmakers, the message is that much stronger.

“Your communication is vitally important,” Allison emphasized. “Use these resolutions as the beginning of your conversation with your members.”

past-president2
Past Presidents

 

County Strong: Strength in Study

This year’s Association conference offered 17 hours of continuing education credit for County Commissioners and four hours of judicial education for County Judges, with topics spanning key issues from juvenile law, records management, public information act requests and leadership to working with the Legislature, road workplace safety and personnel policy. The program included Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum modules, allowing for dozens of officials to work toward or achieve their Advanced Curriculum Certification (see page 24).

In 2014, the CJCAT, in partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s V.G. Young Institute of County Government, launched the County Improvement Project, a fellowship program meant to stimulate ideas and encourage thoughtful answers to shared challenges. The 2014 Fellowship was awarded to Dr. Morgan Russell, assistant professor of Rangeland Ecology with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at the Research and Extension Center in San Angelo. Russell’s presentation, titled “Texas Fire Exchange,” focused on wildfires and prescribed burns. The 2015 Fellowship went to Mike Yawn, who opened this year’s conference with his presentation “Developing a Social Media Program for Local Government: What You Need to Know” (see opposite page).

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Bonus Activities

While the mission of the conference was educational, a variety of other special events allowed participants and guests to discuss common issues and forge friendships among their peers from across the state. Host Court Night took place in the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramids where participants enjoyed a delicious buffet and took in 3D and 4D Theater features. The Spouses’ Program offered a culinary adventure topped by poolside relaxation. Golfers enjoyed beautiful weather during the Bobby Smith Memorial Golf Tournament, and fishermen reeled in some hefty catches while out on the Gulf. Friendly rivalry was in full swing at the shuffleboard showdown and traditional domino tournament.

The conference closed with the Installation Banquet, where the membership applauded outgoing President Grover “Tiger” Worsham, Trinity County Commissioner, for his years of dedication and service and welcomed incoming President Woodrow W. “Woody” Gossom Jr., Wichita County Judge.

The 95th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference will take place Sept. 25-28, 2017, in Corpus Christi-Nueces County. Please see the County Progress Conference Calendar on page 61 for additional details.

Editor’s Note: Many of the State Conference presentations are available at http://www.county.org/member-services/education-and-training/presentations/Pages/2016-CJCA.aspx.

 

 

Far West Texas 2016

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FAR WEST TEXAS

County Judges and Commissioners Association Annual Conference

  Sept. 14-16, 2016

J.W. “Red” Pattillo Community Center

Study Butte – Terlingua

 

OVERVIEW

           The Annual Conference of the Far West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association will bring together County Judges and County Commissioners from the region to review and discuss critical issues facing their counties. This year’s conference will present the latest updates on legislative actions, the oil and gas industry, responsibilities of the court in handling emergencies and more.

 

EDUCATIONAL CO-SPONSOR

           Special thanks to the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, for serving as the education program co-sponsor for this conference.

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

           An application is pending approval for nine hours of continuing education for County Commissioners. The judicial education session on Wednesday afternoon is approved for four hours of continuing education for County Judges.

 

MEETING REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The most convenient way to register for the conference is online at county.org. Click on “Ready to Register” near the middle of the page, scroll down to find the Far West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Conference, and complete the registration form. You will receive a confirmation and invoice within seven to 10 business days. You may also fax the accompanying form to 512-477-1324 or mail to TAC, P.O. Box 2131, Austin 78768.

Conference fees are listed on the registration form; the registration fee includes spouse attendance for all events.

Registration forms must be received by Sept. 8. After Sept. 8, please register onsite at the registration desk.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations and all refund requests must be received in writing (fax or email acceptable) by Aug. 31. No refunds will be given after August 31.

Please email cancellations to Allyssa Lee at allyssal@county.org or fax to 512-477-1324.

 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

The Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa and the Big Bend Resort & Adventures are the host hotels. Request the “Far West Texas County Judges and Commissioners” room block when reserving your sleeping room. The deadline to reserve rooms at the special rate is Aug. 1, so please make your reservations early. All reservations received after this date will be accepted on a space-available-basis only and at the prevailing hotel rates.

Reservations must be guaranteed by a major credit card and the first night’s full deposit. Lajitas Resort requires seven days before date of arrival as notice of a cancellation to receive a full refund of the deposit taken. Reservations not cancelled prior to the expected arrival date will be assessed the room rate and tax for one night.

 

Conference Agenda

 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 13

6:30–9 p.m. Pre-Conference Reception

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14

10 a.m.–5 p.m.        Registration

Noon                       Pre-Conference Lunch

12:45 p.m.               Welcome and Introductions

 

Commissioners Education Session

1–2 p.m.                  Benefits of Co-Op Purchasing: Handling the Bidding Process

2–2:30 p.m.             Break

2:30–3:30 p.m.        TxLTAP

3:30–4 p.m.             Break

4–5 p.m.                  Ethics

5 p.m.                      Adjourn

 

Judicial Education Session

1–2 p.m.                  Juvenile Magistrations

2–3 p.m.                  Ethics

3–3:15 p.m.             Break

3:15–4:15 p.m.        Inquests

4:15–5:15 p.m.        Roundtable Discussion of DWI, Creative Bonds and Probation Conditions, and Interlock Laws

5:15 p.m.                 Adjourn

6:30–10 p.m.           Fajita Reception

 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15

7:30 a.m.                                 Burrito Breakfast

 

General Session

8–9 a.m.                  Responsibilities of Commissioners Court when Handling Emergencies

9–10 a.m.                Developing Rural Subdivision Regulations

10–10:15 a.m.         Break

10:15–11:15 a.m.    Oil and Gas Industry: Mineral Valuations, Forecast and Budget Effects

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.   Health Promotion as a Long-term Benefits Strategy: Can You Really Afford to Ignore It?

12:15 p.m.               Association Business Meeting

12:30 p.m.               Grab-and-Go Lunch

1:15 p.m.                 Golf Tournament

1:30 p.m.                 Horseshoe Tournament

7 p.m.                      Dinner and Dance

 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16

8:15–8:30 a.m.        Announcements

8:30–9:30 a.m.        Legislative Actions

9:30–10 a.m.           Break

10–10:45 a.m.         Area Legislators: Moderated Discussion

10:45–11:30 a.m.    Legislative Update

11:30 a.m.               Adjourn

 

 

 

REGISTRATION

Click here to download the registration form.

April 2016 National County Government Month

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Safe and Secure Counties

National County Government Month (NCGM) is an annual celebration of county government held each April. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties to actively promote the services and programs they offer. Counties can schedule activities any time during the month. This year’s theme is Safe and Secure Counties.

Here are a few ideas on how to get started:

Establish a Planning Committee

The committee will plan, organize and coordinate all activities relating to NCGM. Committee members should include representatives from the County Commissioners Court and each county department. In addition, a public information officer or county official experienced in media relations should be included. Consider including a county extension service representative. This could be a staff member, 4-H volunteer or 4-H member. All areas of county government and schools should be involved in the planning process.

Decide How Extensive Your Activities Will Be

Plan activities throughout the month or organize just a few featured events. Hold fun, interactive and informative activities to reach different segments of your community including students, educators, senior citizens, young families, business leaders and community organizations. Activities should be designed to bring residents to county facilities such as the courthouse, parks, public safety building and recycling/waste transfer station. Activities can be planned to deploy county officials to locations where residents are already assembled.

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Involve the Media

Be sure members of the local news media are aware of NCGM and the activities your committee has planned. Consider involving a member of the news media in the planning process.

As part of NCGM, prepare and distribute county fact sheets. Some counties roll out a “County Fact of the Day” or distribute fact sheets representing key county departments, such as public safety, parks and recreation, public works and health. Tell them things many residents do not know about county services, but need to know.

Send the fact sheets to the media, post them on the county website and distribute via social media. Fact sheets can highlight county services and programs provided by your county:

Emergency Response, Public Safety and Justice

  • How many trained emergency responders are employed by the county?
  • How many trained volunteer emergency responders serve the county?
  • How many emergency calls were responded to last year?
  • How many bookings were processed at the county jail last year?
  • What is the daily average jail population?

 

Health & Hospitals

  • How many patients were served last year at county hospitals and clinics?
  • How many health department inspections were conducted last year?
  • How many vaccinations were administered last year?
  • How many emergency room visits were made last year?
  • How many nursing homes are in the county?
  • How many county residents have health insurance?

 

Children and Families

  • How many senior citizens or veterans received county services last year?
  • How is your county protecting children from abuse and neglect?
  • How is your county supporting domestic violence survivors?

 

Economy & Employment

  • How many people are unemployed in the county?
  • What is the average county wage?
  • How many residents received direct job training or unemployment services last year?
  • How many businesses have been added to the county? How many new jobs have they brought in?

Presentations in Schools

Plan visits to schools by various elected and appointed county officials. Discuss interesting historic facts about the county, such as famous residents or important events. Discuss how county government is structured and define its roles and responsibilities. Explain how the county works in conjunction with the state and federal government. Consider organizing a panel discussion with residents who have been positively affected by county programs. Make information on county government available to teachers to use in presentations or as part of their lesson plans.

Career Day

Plan career days at local high schools. Share information about various occupations within county government such as sheriff’s deputies, police officers, social workers, nurses, court clerks, tax collectors, elections officials, parks and recreation employees, transportation department workers, librarians, corrections officers, firefighters and emergency dispatchers. Emphasize the essential services that these public servants provide each day to the community.

Tours of County Facilities

Encourage schools to set up tours of county offices and facilities. The approach should be part of a class lesson plan on government structure, the legislative process, public safety, health care and other services.

County Official for a Day

This is a popular activity for many students. High school students interested in government could be part of a program to become a county official for a day (i.e.: “shadow” a county official) and share the experience with other students.

Contests

For younger students, sponsor a poster, essay or coloring contest involving the “Safe and Secure Counties” theme or other county government theme.

Lectures

Offer to teach a class at the community college or give a lecture. The topics could include health care, green government, economic development, technology, public safety, disaster preparedness, infrastructure and transportation or careers in county government.

Debates

Encourage college and high school students to address issues affecting local government through debates. Hold the debates in classrooms or as part of a high school assembly.

Social Media Strategies

Social media provides tremendous opportunities to promote your NCGM events. If you already have a Facebook or Twitter account, use it to promote county government month activities. Coordinate a county government month “social media team” to plan social media outreach efforts.

For more information on how to celebrate NCGM in your county, go to http://www.naco.org/resources/national-county-government-month.

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