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Highlights From San Marcos
The County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas makes for a good audience. Generally speaking, we listen attentively, ask questions respectfully, and thank our panels politely.
But every now and then we interrupt – with applause, that is. Speakers at the 90th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference hit the proverbial nail on the head several times, addressing crucial issues such as diversion of state funds, prompting county officials in attendance to offer spontaneous, aggressive, approving applause.
Some 285 judges and commissioners gathered in San Marcos Oct. 1-4, where the membership earned continuing education hours and conducted Association business including the election of the 2012-13 slate of officers and the passage of 12 resolutions. Interestingly, the moments of applause were directly related to several of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) 2012 Resolutions.
- Applause: Rep. Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels: “The Speaker has said we will stop the diversion of funds. People are willing to pay for something if people know the money is going where it is supposed to go.”
- Resolution: “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas expresses its opposition to any state diversion of dedicated funds and supports the state leadership’s commitment to end this practice.” (See page ? for full text of resolutions.)
- Applause: Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville: “We turn things over to you and at the same time cap how much you receive. I don’t think we should do that.”
- Applause: Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio: “It is quite arrogant of us to say we don’t trust you to set your local budget and determine what you need.”
- Resolution: “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas does hereby express its opposition to efforts to limit local control and does hereby oppose any attempts to impose revenue caps or appraisal caps upon Texas counties, and the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas expresses its deep appreciation to all legislators who oppose these unsound measures.”
- Applause: Van de Putte: “We are worried about the next election when we should be worried about our children’s future by securing water.”
- Addendum to resolutions/special legislative directive: “Support funding for water supply projects.”
These sentiments were not limited to the session featuring state lawmakers. In fact, later in the conference Chambers County District Clerk Patti Henry referred to the diversion of funds as problematic when it comes to preserving historical county records.
“Allow us (clerks) to use the funds collected by fees for their intended purpose,” she insisted.
Henry also referenced another topic addressed in the resolutions: unfunded mandates.
“The possibility of unfunded mandates keeps me up at night,” Henry confessed. “As judges and commissioners, we need your help.”
Literally two hours later at its business meeting, the CJCAT passed a related resolution with the following call: “NOW, THEREFORE, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas and its 254 current member counties do hereby resolve that…it is in the best interests of Texas counties and their taxpayers to support and favor the passage of legislation in the form of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Texas that would expressly prohibit the imposition of a mandatory governmental program on Texas counties, whether by an act of the Texas Legislature or a state agency or by executive order, unless the State of Texas has fully funded and disbursed all necessary funds to enable Texas counties to operate said governmental program.” (See full text of resolution, page ?.)
During the business meeting Jim Allison, CJCAT general counsel, encouraged county judges and commissioners to read these resolutions in full, determine how the specific issues affect their county, and communicate these findings to their senators and representatives.
Educating lawmakers on local concerns is especially important considering the number of newcomers, cautioned Lucio earlier in the meeting.
“Give us a true picture of what your concerns and needs are so we can address them,” Lucio emphasized.
The senator credited 2011-12 CJCAT President and Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe with demonstrating outstanding leadership when it comes to communication with legislators. Throughout her year as president, Ingalsbe spoke on and wrote of the importance of taking county concerns to the capitol. At the close of the class on Working with the Legislature, Lucio presented Ingalsbe with a special gavel, recognizing her distinguished service.
Ingalsbe was honored once again at the Luncheon Banquet and Installation of Officers. Incoming President and Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon presented her with a special plaque and cited her special brand of leadership, at which time the audience responded with a standing ovation.
The Association welcomed Harmon as the new president, along with First Vice President and Lubbock County Commissioner Patti Jones, and Second Vice President and Brooks County Judge Raul Ramirez. Ingalsbe also took her oath of office as immediate past president.
The 91st Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference will take place Oct. 7-10, 2013, at the Moody Gardens Hotel & Spa in Galveston County. County Progress will publish registration details as they become available. H – By Julie Anderson
