Highlights From South Texas Conference – Galveston

Be prepared to give your answer. When it comes to local governing, members of commissioners courts are continually queried. Some questions are easily answered, while others require careful forethought.
South Texas officials were given the tools to answer many of the tough questions during the 72nd Annual South Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Conference.
Some 250 officials convened in Galveston at the Moody Gardens Hotel June 26-29 to study a variety of topics pertinent to local government including strategic planning, interlocal agreements, prescribed burns, and juvenile law.
With the next regular session of the Texas Legislature fast approaching, officials were advised to be prepared, especially on the hot topic of revenue caps.
When legislators ask, “What’s your alternative to revenue caps,” be ready to give them an answer, said Jim Allison, general counsel to the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas.
County officials need to tell lawmakers, “We’re not raising taxes because we like to but because our costs are going up,” Allison said at the conference’s Closing General Session. First and foremost, the state needs to stop sending down unfunded mandates.
Tell them, “Every mandate you send us is a tax increase,” Allison said.
Rep. Wayne Smith, R-Baytown, agreed.
“If we’re going to ask you to do things, then we need to find a way for you to pay for them,” Smith told officials.
Dependence on the property tax became a focal point during the restructure of the school finance system. As it is, counties currently claim only 14 percent or so of the property tax. However, if the state wants counties to steer clear of the property tax, then the state needs to open up other revenues, Allison said.
Legislators will ask, “What new revenue sources?” Allison said. Be prepared to tell them what counties in other states use, such as a hotel/motel tax, utilities tax, or a car rental tax.
Remember, be at the table, Smith said. Come with suggestions and ideas.
This also pertains to the controversial issue of appraisal caps, Allison said. Legislators need to understand that an increase in appraisals doesn’t mean an increase in taxes, unless costs increase.
Along with gearing up for the next legislative session, the South Texas members used conference time to prepare for another year of Association activity, passing 16 resolutions and electing a new slate of officers: President Miguel “Mike” Acosta, Zavala County commissioner; First Vice President Evan Gonzales, Lee County judge; and Second Vice President Debbie Ingalsbe, Hays County commissioner.
The South Texas conference was not all business, with participants and families taking advantage of the beautiful coastline, Moody Gardens, and the county’s other popular attractions. In addition, the Association hosted several events giving attendees a chance to meet and greet old friends and make new acquaintances. The Exhibitor Appreciation Reception was well attended, as was Vendor Appreciation Night featuring an Island Luau.
The Installation Banquet gave officials a chance to thank 2005-2006 South Texas President Nina Trevino, San Patricio County commissioner, for her years of service and leadership. Before concluding the conference, Trevino announced next year’s annual meeting, slated for June 18-21, 2007, at the Omni Bayfront Corpus Christi Hotel.
Julie Anderson, Editor