The diversity of the Lone Star State is one of its most defining qualities. However, when it comes to county government, commissioners courts from across the state have demonstrated a unity of purpose that is attracting the attention of their state partners.
“Believe me, I know how you feel about those unfunded mandates,” Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, told an audience of county officials.
West joined a panel of lawmakers for the Opening General Session of the 87th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) Conference Oct. 5-8 in Nueces County where some 300 county judges and commissioners were on hand to discuss the latest issues affecting grassroots government.
Throughout the educational seminar visiting legislators and representatives from several state offices continued to validate the collective power of Texas county commissioners courts.
“You are a strong force,” said Deborah Cartwright, director of the Property Tax Assistance Division for the Office of the Texas Comptroller. Cartwright referred to the powerful, united presence of officials who urged the 81st Texas Legislature to address the comptroller’s interpretation of Texas Tax Code Sec. 23.175 and its effect on the oil and gas values in counties in the State of Texas. The comptroller’s current interpretation uses the state severance tax revenue estimate methodology to estimate the future values of oil and gas properties, instead of a more appropriate market-based estimate.
Adjusting this flawed method of appraisal came within one step of going to the governor, said Jim Allison, general counsel to the CJCAT.
Cartwright encouraged officials to continue to press for change and offered the following possibilities: repeal Section 23.175; amend the statute to eliminate the “market condition factor” requirement; or grant another committee or group the authority to determine the pricing.
“You need to e-mail or call us with your suggestions,” Cartwright said. “We’ve got to do something about this before the next legislative session.”
Rep. Joe Heflin, D-Crosbyton, urged county judges and commissioners to come to Austin and visit “not only the people who like you, but those who don’t like you, as well. Tell them your side of the story.”
Heflin described commissioners court members as “a powerful force” and said legislators should “give you the tools you need to do your job and quit directing you from Austin.”
Some 90 percent of bills filed are “morphed into something else,” said Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, “and that’s where you come in.” County officials help shape these bills by communicating with committee chairmen and their representatives and senators.
“We rely on our county judges and commissioners,” Uresti maintained.
Rep. Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville, urged county officials to keep their state counterparts accountable, especially when it comes to proposed revenue caps and appraisal caps.
“Do it now, in the interim,” Oliveira stressed. “I’ve never seen such unity and organization. If county officials continue in this manner, I just don’t see how caps will be able to pass.”
Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, highlighted the importance of the interim period and urged judges and commissioners to be active in the interim study process.
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” said Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi. “Analyze lawmakers. Pick up that phone and don’t be hesitant.”
The CJCAT honored these legislators for their support of county government, presenting Coleman, Heflin, Hunter, West and Uresti with the Outstanding Service Award, and Oliveira with the Legislator of the Year Award.
Hunter closed the Opening General Session legislative panel with a special presentation to CJCAT 2009 President Terry Simpson, San Patricio County judge, honoring the Association and its leadership.
The four-day educational conference continued with a comprehensive array of classes on key issues including subdivision regulations, the probate code, redistricting, bonds and certificates of obligation, and regional economic development.
Educational sessions were complemented by a host of social activities, as hundreds of officials, exhibitors and guests turned out for Exhibitor Appreciation Night at the Omni Bayfront and Host Court Night at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. The coastal weather was ideal for both the Bobby Smith Memorial Golf Tournament conducted at the North Shore Country Club, and the fishing tournament on Corpus Christi Bay. The top floor of the Omni Bayfront with its beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico provided a unique setting for the traditional domino tournament.
While gathered in Corpus the membership took care of vital Association business including the passage of 26 resolutions and the election of its 2009-10 slate of officers: President Ray Meadows, McLennan County commissioner; First Vice President Don Allred, Oldham County judge; Second Vice President Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Hays County commissioner; and Immediate Past President Terry Simpson, San Patricio County judge.
During the Installation Banquet, CJCAT members applauded Simpson for stepping in mid-term to take up the reins of leadership in the midst of a legislative session.
“Judge Simpson provided extraordinary leadership and service to the CJCAT and our citizens during this year,” Allison said. “Filling a vacancy during a legislative session is a difficult task; we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Simpson then passed the traditional gavel to incoming President Meadows, who encouraged officials to remain committed to their yearly continuing education and to mentor one another through the challenges and opportunities ahead.
By Julie Anderson