April 4, 2014, Number 10

.pdf Version: TML Legislative Update Number 10 

There's still room in TML Budget, Tax Rate, and Audit Workshop  

Designed for city officials who have a role in developing and/or implementing the city budget, this one-day workshop will cover:

• Legal requirements for the budget and audit
• Your role in the budget and tax-rate setting process
• Forecasting municipal revenue
• Top ten issues discovered by the audit
• Preparing and reading the financial statement

Workshop participants will receive a complimentary copy of the 2014 TML Revenue Manual for Texas Cities.

Attend the TML Municipal Law 101 Workshop in Austin on
May 29-30, in person or via a live videocast, for an overview of the key laws that affect Texas cities. You will hear from experts from throughout the state on topics concerning types of government, public information act, liability, election law, dealing with the media, and more. The workshop will help you better understand why your attorney advises in certain ways, and how you can better spot the issues that need legal review.

The Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) requires treasurers, chief financial officers, and investment officers of localgovernments to participate in 10 hours of training on PFIA topics within the first 12 months of taking office, and every two years thereafter.

While the April Small Cities PFIA Training is sold out, we scheduled another PFIA Small Cities Training on June 26-27 in response to heavy demand for this session. Focused on the needs of cities with populations of 15,000 and less, this workshop satisfies the state's training requirements.

Register early to ensure your space.

Texas Department of Agriculture Internship Program

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) offers internships for individuals who seek a challenging and rewarding experience. Internships provide opportunity to network with tenured and successful staff, and may be based in the TDA main office in Austin or a regional office.

Available internship opportunities, application instructions, and deadlines are posted each semester on the TDM  Employment website.

A Guide to Becoming a City Official--2014 Edition    

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

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

The Regional Roundup Calendar in this and every TML Exchange email gives you the most current information about upcoming TML Regional meetings. Each of TML's 15 sub-state regions (regions 2-16) holds two to four meetings a year. The meetings are a great place to network with peers, learn about innovative city programs and projects, and become part of the TML leadership team.

Several regions have already scheduled meetings this year, and many more are in the works for this summer. Be sure to check the Regional Roundup Calendar each week for meetings in your region. If you're unsure what region your city is in, visit the TML Regions section of the TML website.  Contact the TML Member Services Department with any questions about regions or how you can get involved.

Texas Association of Former Municipal Officials (TAFMO)

Each year, TML loses contact with many veteran elected and appointed officials as they conclude their time in public service to Texas cities. With these departures, the knowledge and experience these former city officials gained over the years are lost to the League. The Texas Association of Former Municipal Officials (TAFMO) provides an opportunity for former municipal officials and TML to stay in touch. Benefits include a subscription to Texas Town & City magazine, special registration rates to the TML Annual Conference and Exhibition, and the opportunity to network with former colleagues.

Visit the TAFMO page on the TML website for additional information and to join.