February 01, 2013, Number 4

Reverse Intergovernmental Aid Revisited, Again
Regular readers of the Legislative Update will recognize this article.  It first ran in 2008, and the updated 2012 state fiscal year numbers show that cities are still net donors of...
 

Comptroller's Debt Article Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
On January 19, the Wall Street Journal published an article authored by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs titled "Susan Combs: Debt Excess Even Lives in Texas."  In the...

 

Update: Open Meetings Act Challenge
As reported previously in the Legislative Update, the ongoing lawsuit commonly referred to as "TOMA II" is now at the U.S. Supreme Court.  (TOMA II is the second challenge...
 

EPA Confirms Electronic Delivery Option for Water Utility Consumer Confidence Report Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a memorandum earlier this month interpreting its current rule related to the delivery of a water utility's Consumer...

 

ADA Pool Rules Now in Effect
In previous issues of the Legislative Update, the League reported on the approaching deadline for city compliance with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)...
 

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa to Chair Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee
The Senate Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) committee will convene under new leadership this session.  Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst appointed...
 

What's Going on at the Capitol?
On Tuesday Governor Perry delivered his seventh "State of the State" address to a joint session of the Texas House and Senate.  While much of the speech centered on... 

 

2013 Legislative Training Series
The League is pleased to offer live and online seminars regarding the 2013 legislative session.  Please go to www.tml.org and click on "Training" for more detailed information... 

 

What's Your Area of Expertise or Interest? Join Your Favorite E-List
The TML staff has been gathering e-mail addresses from city officials (elected or appointed) who are willing to provide testimony during the 2013 legislative session, want to be kept... 

 

Significant Committee Actions
S.B. 234 (Eltife), relating to county park beautification.  This is the so-called "blocker bill" in the Senate.  It is typically placed at the head of the Senate's daily calendar, and requires...

City-Related Bills Filed

 

                      

A Guide to Becoming a City Official - 2013 Edition Now Available

Effective service as an elected official requires dedication, knowledge, and a substantial commitment in time. This booklet is designed to familiarize candidates with the responsibilities of city elected office.

 

Order updated copies of the booklet by e-mailing the TML Member Services Department. Please include your mailing address and the number of booklets you would like to receive. The booklets are available at no charge to TML member cities.

 

Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI)

Now is the time for elected officials to set the goal of obtaining certification through the Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI). TMLI is a voluntary certification program for elected officials in TML member cities and is sponsored by the Texas Municipal League and the Association of Mayors, Councilmembers and Commissioners (AMCC). The highest level of recognition an elected official can obtain is Certified Municipal Official (CMO). For details on the CMO designation and other certificate levels, go to the TMLI section of the TML Web site.

 

It's Time for Show and Tell: Apply for a Texas Municipal League Municipal Excellence Award

The Texas Municipal League Municipal Excellence Awards recognize and encourage the achievements of Texas cities in meeting the challenge of municipal government. The competition is divided into two population categories-cities less than 25,000 in population and cities over 25,000 in population. Within each of the two population categories, there are five subject categories-management innovations, communication programs, city spirit, public safety, and public works. The deadline to submit applications is June 8, 2013.
 
 

   
TML Regional Officers' Training
February 1, 2013
Austin
  
Region 4
February 8, 2013
Alpine
  
Region 8
February 21, 2013
North Richland Hills
Meeting Information
  
Region 16
February 28, 2013
Dayton
  
Region 11
March 7, 2013
  
Region 14
April 14, 2013
Houston

Region 2
April 18, 2013
Amarillo
  
For more information on a specific meeting, contact rpitts@tml.org.

Februrary 4

February 16-17

February 21-22
Salado   SOLD OUT

February 21-22

February 27

February 28-March 1

March 11

March 21-22

March 21-22
  
March 22
  
April 14-17
Government Finance Officers Association of Texas Spring Institute
Austin

May 22-24
Texas Municipal Utilities Association Annual Conference
College Station
  
   

If you do not wish to receive the TML Exchange, please reply with the words NO TML EXCHANGE on the subject line, or e-mail tmladmin@tml.org with NO TML EXCHANGE on the subject line.

Texas Municipal League
1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78754
Phone: 512-231-7400
Fax: 512-231-7495