Jul 15, 2026 FY2027 Budget Hearings

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>> GOOD MORNING, COURT OFFICERS. IT IS 10 A.M. AND WE ARE READY TO BEGIN OUR THIRD DAY OF BUDGET HEARINGS FOR HARRIS COUNTY'S FISCAL YEAR 2027. I'M TRACY BUTRAM AND TODAY I'LL SERVE AS YOUR MEETING FACILITATOR AND TIMEKEEPER.

I WANT TO WELCOME OUR HOST COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DANIELLE LEE CARTER AND THANK THEM AND THEIR TEAMS FOR PUTTING THESE HEARINGS TOGETHER. BEFORE WE BEGIN, A NOTE AND REMINDER ON THE FORMAT: TODAY WE HAVE TEN PRESENTATIONS ON THE ROSTER. OUR MORNING PRESENTATIONS WILL BE 30 MINUTES EACH. A FEW LATER IN THE DAY WILL BE 45 MINUTES. FOR THOSE 30-MINUTE PRESENTATIONS, EACH DIRECTOR HAS BEEN ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR THEIR REMARKS. THEY MAY CHOOSE TO EITHER SPLIT THEM BETWEEN THREE FOR INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AND TWO FORECLOSING OR TAKE ALL FIVE AT THE TOP AND I'LL NOTE WHICH IS WHICH. FROM THERE EACH COURT OFFICE WILL HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS AND WE WILL RESTATE AS TO WHICH OFFICE GOES FIRST. IF YOU HAVE ANY REMAINING TIME YOU MAY RESERVE IT FOR THE SECOND ROUND.

YOU MAY ALSO RELEASE YOUR TIME IF YOUR QUESTIONS ARE COMPLETED AND THE YOU MAY COULD DONATE YOE TO ANOTHER COURT OFFICE IF DESIRED, JUST INDICATE WHICH OFFICE SO WE CAN TRACK IT.

[Human Resources & Talent]

RESOURCES AND TALENT DEPARTMENT. >> GOOD MORNING.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS HR AND TALENT'S FY27 BUDGET. AT ITS CORE HUMAN RESOURCES EXISTS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF HARRIS COUNTY'S HUMAN CAPITAL.

EVERY COUNTY PRIORITY, EVERY DEPARTMENT AND EVERY PUBLIC SERVICE DEPEND ON CAPABLE PEOPLE EFFECTIVE LEADERS AND RESILIENT ORGANIZATIONS. GUIDED BY HARRIS COUNTY'S STRATEGIC PLAN, OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO BUILD ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITIES THAT ENABLE DEPARTMENTS TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO OUR RESIDENTS.

DURING FY26, HRT FOCUSED ON BUILDING THAT FOUNDATION.

WE ADVANCED EQUITABLE AND MARKET BASED COMPENSATION PRACTICES THROUGHOUT HARRIS COUNTY'S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE COMPENSATION AND PAY EQUITY INITIATIVE, DEVELOPED THE CONSULTATION POLICY AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS AND REVIEWED AND MAPPED OUR CORE HR BUSINESS PRACTICES.

PARTNERING ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION TO IMPROVE HOW HR SUPPORTS THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS. WE ALSO DEMONSTRATED OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP BY IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE LONG-TERM COUNTY LIABLE AND CREATE MEASURABLE VALUE. THROUGH OUR RETIREE HEALTH STRATEGY AND PARTNERSHIP WITH ONB, HRT IMPLEMENTED CHANGES PROJECT TODAY GENERATE MORE THAN $9 MILLION IN RECURRING ANNUAL SAVINGS. WHILE REDUCING LONG-TERM COUNTY LIABILITY, AND LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR IMPROVED RETIREE EXPERIENCE BEGINNING IN 2027. THESE EFFORTS REFLECT OUR PHILOSOPHY OF EXERCISING JUDICIOUS COST CONTAINMENT WHERE APPROPRIATE, REDUCING COSTS WHERE IT MAKES SENSE AND MAKING STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS THAT CREATE LONG-TERM VALUE FOR HARRIS COUNTY. OUR FY27 BUDGET IS DESIGNED TO SUSTAIN AND BUILD UPON THAT MOMENTUM.

THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF OUR REQUEST IS INVESTMENT IN THE POSITIONS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT NEW COUNTY RESPONSIBILITIES, SUSTAIN CRITICAL INITIATIVES AND CONTINUE DELIVERING A LEVEL OF SERVICE THAT DEPARTMENTS DEPEND UPON AND TO IMPROVE IT.

WE'VE ALSO SUBMITTED A SERVICE ENHANCEMENT REQUEST FOCUSED ON PROVIDING ESSENTIAL TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE THE EMPLOYEE AND MANAGER EXPERIENCE WHILE SUPPORTING STRATEGIC INITIATIVES ACROSS THE COUNTY. THESE TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS ARE CRITICAL TO INCREASING THE VALUE OF OUR HUMAN CAPITAL AND ENABLING LONG-TERM ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY.

IN ADDITION HRT IS UNDERTAKE AGRICULTURE REVIEW OF HR FUNCTIONS ACROSS OCA TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR COST AND PROCESS EFFICIENCIES WHILE STRENGTHENING SERVICE DELIVERY AND ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT. ULTIMATELY OUR FY27 REQUEST REPRESENTS A THOUGHTFUL INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE, ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY AND LONG-TERM VALUE THAT WILL STRENGTHEN HARRIS COUNTY TODAY WHILE POSITIONING US FOR TOMORROW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP AND CONTINUED SUPPORT. I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY

QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU, CHIEF.

EACH CORRESPOND OFFICE WILL NOW BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH THE COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE.

>> GOOD MORNING. DIRECTOR, IT'S BEEN ABOUT A YEAR SINCE YOU'VE TAKEN THE ROLE AS THE CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER.

I WOULD LIKE TO START WITH YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND WINS OVER

THE LAST YEAR. >> WELL, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE SOME OF THE SUCCESSES OF THE TEAM.

WE DID CREATE A LIST IN SOME OF THE MATERIALS THAT WE PROVIDED FOR YOU AND I'M JUST GOING TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW OF THE BIG ONES.

AS Y'ALL VERY WELL KNOW WE MODERNIZED OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM AND ALSO ADVANCED PAY EQUITY WHILE DOING SO.

SO THOSE WERE TWO OF OUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT ONLY COULD BE DONE WITH THE FULL PARTICIPATION AND COMMITMENT OF

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AND ALL OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

IT WAS REALLY A TEAM EFFORT, ONB, OCA AND OTHERS, COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EVERYONE PLAYED A ROLE SO THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR HELPING US ACHIEVE THAT.

WE'RE NOT DONE WITH THAT EITHER. FROM A CHALLENGES PERSPECTIVE IT TURNED OUT TO BE A LOT TOUGHER THAN WE ANTICIPATED AND SOME OF THAT HAS TO DO WITH RELYING ON CONSULTANTS AND YOU HAVE GRANTED RESOURCES SO WE'LL BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE AS WE GO FORWARD AND FINISHING OUT PHASE 2 OF THIS PROJECT, AND THEN KEEPING EVERGREEN WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED THAT WE'VE GOT THE RIGHT INTERNAL RESOURCES TO DO THAT. OKAY, THE OTHER IS ENHANCED OUR TALENT ACQUISITION PROCESSES AND WE'VE HAD A FEW KEY HIRES.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR EXAMPLE THIS YEAR.

AND A FEW OTHERS. AND WE HAVE MORE IN THE PIPELINE. SO WE'VE ENHANCED OUR EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT AND OUR EXECUTIVE ONBOARDING AND WE CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THOSE AS WELL. SO WE MADE PROGRESS BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO. WE ALSO ARE WORKING TO MANAGE BENEFITS COST. WE TALKED ABOUT DERBY TALKED A LITTLE BIT EARLIER ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP WITH OMB ON THE RETIREE FORM OF BENEFIT ISSUES. WE HAVE ACHIEVED SOME SAVINGS BUT WE DID IT AGAIN IN A WAY THAT WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT FROM, SO GOING FORWARD SOME OF OUR ASKS HAVE TO DO WITH HOW WE CAN ENHANCE OUR ABILITY TO SUPPORT RETIREES AND EMPLOYEES AS WE MAKE CHANGES . AND THEN ELEVATED EMPLOYEE WELLBEING. WE HAVE THE LARGEST 5K THAT WE'VE EVER HAD AND WE'VE ALSO WON NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR OUR WELLNESS PROGRAMS SO THOSE WERE TWO THINGS THAT WE'RE QUITE PROUD OF. REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE EMPLOYEES HAVE A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE WORKING HERE AT HARRIS COUNTY. AND THEN WE PREPARED FOR THE 2027FY27 CONSULTATION POLICY. SO WE CREATED A FRAMEWORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH O CA AND WE'LL BE COMING BACK TO COURT IN AUGUST ON THAT. AND THEN WE DEVELOPED PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND TOOLS, SO THOSE -- THE TEAM PUT A LOT OF EFFORT INTO CREATING A FRAMEWORK, SOME AREAS OF THE COUNTY ALREADY HAVE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, BUT WHERE YOU DON'T, WE'VE CREATED TEMPLATES AND TOLLS AND INCORPORATED THAT IN OUR UPDATED PERSONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL WHICH WILL BE COMING BACK TO COURT IN AUGUST WITH ALL THE

UPDATES ON THAT. >> THANK YOU.

YOU SPOKE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR DEPARTMENT'S USE OF CONSULTANTS. CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH WHAT SERVICES YOU CURNL USE, EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS CURRENTLY USE CONSULT TANS FOR AND WHAT THE BENEFIT OF USING THESE

CONSULTANTS WILL BE. >> THERE ARE A FEW KEY AREAS, ON THE COMPENSATION SIDE ANT ON THE BENEFIT SIDE.

WE DO UTILIZE CONSULTANTS AND THEY HELP US DO THINGS LIKE MARKET BENCHMARKING SO WE'RE SURE OUR OFFERINGS ARE ATTRACTIVE TO EMPLOYEES AND COMPETITIVE WITH WHAT OTHERS ARE OFFERING IN SOME INSTANCES THEY'RE MORE THAN COMPETITIVE SO ALSO PART OF THIS UNDERSTANDING IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE DELIVERING THE MOST VALUE-ADD BENEFITS AT THE BEST COST STRUCTURE FOR HARRIS COUNTY FOR THE LONG RUN FOR SUSTAINABILITY.

SO WE HAVE TO HAVE CONSULTANTS FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS.

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD FROM SOME OF THE OTHER DEPARTMENT HEADS THAT THEY HAVE CERTAIN ROLES THAT THEY'RE CONCERNED ABOUT.

I KNOW I'VE HEARD A FEW OF THEM SAY THAT AND OF COURSE WE PARTNER WITH THEM TO DO CUSTOM SURVEYS.

SOMETIMES WE CAN HANDLE THOSE THINGS OURSELVES AND SOME OF OUR ASKS TOO FOR THIS YEAR ARE ABOUT SOFTWARE.

BUT OTHER TIMES WE REALLY DO NEED THE HELP OF CONSULTANTS AND I KNOW DEPARTMENT HEADS ARE A GOOD EXAMPLE THAT WE'VE HAD MULTIPLE ITERATIONS OF THAT AND PROBABLY CAN STILL ARGUE THERE'S MORE WORK TO BE DONE THERE. ON THE TOTAL REWARDS SIDE WE DO USE A BENEFITS CONSULTANT AGAIN FOR BENCHMARKING AND HELPING US THINK THROUGH THE BEST WAY TO MANAGE THOSE EXPENSES AND MAKE SURE IT'S VALUE ADD. SO WE'LL CONTINUE TO DO THAT TO SOME DEGREE. BUT WE WANT TO DO AS MUCH INTERNALLY AS WE CAN AND THAT'S ACROSS THE BOARD IN HR.

WE'LL DELIVER THE BEST SERVICES TO THE COUNTY WHEN WE FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND THAT WE'RE PARTNERING WITH THEM TO DELIVER EXACTLY THAT WITH THE INDEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF HOW THEY THEY OPER. IT'S A VERY COMPLEX COUNTY.

>> THANK YOU, YOU WILL HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> YES, THANK YOU, LINA HIDALGO, PRECINCT 1.

MY FIRST QUESTION IS UNDER THE PROPOSED BUDGET, WHAT WOULD BE THE IMPACT ON HRT'S ABILITY TO DELIVER ON THE COUNTY'S

PRIORITIES? >> YOU MEAN WITH THE OFFSETS THAT WE'VE PUT IN THE BUDGET? YEAH, WELL YOU KNOW, WE TRY TO PICK THINGS THAT WOULD BE THE LEAST IMPACT, BUT SOME OF THEM HAVE TO DO WITH BUDGET MAX ON POSITIONS SO THAT WOULD LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO GIVE SOME OF THE INCREASES THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO FOR PERFORMANCE BASED FOR EXAMPLE, AS I TALKED ABOUT PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT. WE'RE JUST INSTITUTING IT WITHIN

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>> THANK YOU FOR THAT. COMMISSIONERS COURT RECENTLY APPROVED CHANGES TO THE COUNTY'S RETIREE HEALTH PLAN.

A KEY FACTOR IN THIS TRANSITION WAS THE OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS LIABILITY. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THIS AFFECTS BOTH OUR FUTURE, EPEB OBLIGATIONS AND THE OVERALL BENEFITS EXPERIENCE FOR RYE TEAS AND EMPLOYEES?

>> THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME -- AND I THINK THE COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE MADE AN EXCELLENT DECISIOI RECOGNIZE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE PUT RETIREES THROUGH A LOT WITH THIS TRANSITION AND WE DON'T INTEND TO DO THAT AGAIN. WE'VE LEARNED A LOT FROM THE PROCESS AND WE'VE SET OURSELVES UP SO THAT WE DON'T MAKE MISTAKES LIKE THAT AGAIN. BOTH FROM A COMMUNICATIONS PERSPECTIVE BUT ALSO FROM A PLAN DESIGN AND FULL UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IMPACTS WILL BE IN ADVANCE OF DECISIONMAKING.

BUT SO IT WAS AN EXCELLENT DECISION BY THE COURT, BECAUSE WHAT ULTIMATELY DOES IS CREATE A BETTER EXPERIENCE IN MANY INSTANCES FOR RETIREES. FOR THE NEW PLAN YEAR IN JANUARY, BUT THAT LIABILITY AS WELL AS ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS ARE BOTH IMPACTED ON SPECIFICALLY TO YOUR QUESTION ON THE THE LIABILITY. THE CHOICE ACTUALLY REDUCED THAT LIABILITY BY AN ESTIMATED ALMOST $700 MILLION.

AND SO THAT'S VERY SIGNIFICANT. WHAT THAT DOES IS KEEPS OUR PLANS MORE SUSTAINABLE. IT INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD THAT WE'LL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DELIVER THOSE SAME TYPES OF RETIREE BENEFITS BUT AGAIN TALKING ABOUT MARKET, YOU KNOW, THERE ARE A LOT OF EMPLOYEES OUT THERE THAT DON'T OFFER ANY RETIREE HEALTH CARE LET ALONE RETIREE PHARMA AND THE TYPE THAT WE OFFER SO THIS WILL HELP US CONTINUE TO OFFER THAT TYPE OF THING TO EMPLOYEES THAT WORKED SO HARD FOR SO MANY YEARS.

>> ANOTHER QUESTION, IF I COULD PUT A POINT ON IT: YOU HEAR A LOT ABOUT THE LONG-TERM LIABILITIES AND MOSTLY IN THE CONTEXT OF PENSION. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE O PEDESTRIAN AND THE PENSION, WE HAVE A TRUST FUND THAT IS GENERATING INTEREST THAT IS PAYING OUR RETIREES OUT FOR THEIR BENEFITS. THAT IS $700 MILLION OVER THE NEXT YEARS. IT'S NOT THIS FANTASY NUMBER THAT DOESN'T COME INTO PLAY THE WAY THAT THE PENSION FUNDING DOES. THESE ARE HARD COSTS THAT WE WOULD HAVE BEEN EXPECTED TO PAY OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS.

>> THANK YOU BOTH FOR THAT. WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE AROUND RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION?

>> DO YOU MEAN FOR HUMAN RESOURCES OR GENERALLY --

>> IN GENERAL. >> WELL ONE THING WE'VE GOT IN OUR BUDGET IS WE WOULD LIKE TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE OUR TECHNOLOGY IN OGOV SO WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPAND THE OFFERING THERE. A LOT OF THAT WILL HELP US ATTRACT CANDIDATES THAT RIGHT NOW WE DON'T HAVE AS MUCH ACCESS TO. AND SO THAT WOULD ENHANCE OUR POOL AND POTENTIALLY THE QUALITY.

I WOULD LIKE TO WORK AT THIS PLACE OR WHAT THEY'RE EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW AS IT'S NOT CONVENIENT, IT'S -- THAT'S NOT VERY USER FRIENDLY AND SO THAT GIVES A BAD IMPRESSION RIGHT OFF THE BAT. AS WELL AS CAN ENHANCE -- EXTEND OUR TIMES TO HIRE AND TIME TO FILL, WHICH AGAIN IS A POOR CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE AND CAUSES US TO LOSE SOME VERY TALENTED CANDIDATES. SO I THINK NOT ENHANCING OUR TECHNOLOGY AND CONTINUING ON WITH THE BASIC THAT WE'VE GOT IS A BIG RISK SO THAT WILL BE A PROBLEM WITH RECRUITMENT.

FROM A RETENTION PERSPECTIVE I DO BELIEVE -- AND AGAIN THANKS TO THE COURT FOR THEIR SUPPORT. I DO BELIEVE THE INCREASES FROM COMP AND PAY EQUITY WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON RETENTION.

RETENTION IS NEVER JUST ABOUT COMPENSATION, THOUGH.

SO THAT TOO GOES TO WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR FROM A TECHNOLOGY PERSPECTIVE. SO WHAT WE ASKED FOR IN THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENT REQUEST -- (BEEPING) .

>> TECHNOLOGY IS WE CAN DO A LOT MORE OF THE FEEL GOOD TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE AND METRICS WITH THE SYSTEM EXPANDED AND IN A MORE

MODERNIZED FASHION. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU PRE-I THINK 1. PRECINCT 1.

PRECINCT 2, YOU WILL HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, CHIEF.

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THERE'S A LOT OF ASK OF HUMAN RESOURCES AROUND THE COUNTY.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT Y'ALL ARE DOING TO ADDRESS THE INTERNAL ADDRESSES AS FAR AS STAFFING? WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES THERE? WHAT DO YOU NEED, FULL TEAM?

>> SO FIRST OF ALL, AGAIN, I KNOW I KEEP SAYING THIS BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN FUNDING THE COMP AND PAY STUDY SO WE WERE GIVE INCREASES TO ABOUT 35 OF OUR HR TEAM MEMBERS SO SLIGHTLY OVER HALF AND THAT WAS REALLY GREAT.

SO THANK YOU FOR THAT. THEY DESERVE IT.

AND IT WAS GREAT TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT, INCLUDING SOME OF THE LEADERS THAT YOU MENTIONED. SO THAT WILL HELP.

BUT THEN WE DO NEED TO ADDRESS THE DEMAND, AND SO AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT ON THE COMPENSATION RESOURCES THAT THE COURT GRANTED FOR US A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, SO THAT WILL HELP, BECAUSE AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, THE COMP TEAM AND WE'VE GOT SOME MATERIALS HERE AND IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO REFERENCE THEM, WE DID PUT THE IMPROVED COMPENSATION HOURS FOR THE [INDISCERNIBLE] AND YOU CAN SEE THE COMP TEAMS ARE JUST CRAZY SO THANK YOU FOR THAT ABILITY TO SUPPORT THEM WITH MORE STAFF.

WE ALSO HAVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, OF COURSE, WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

WE'RE IMPLEMENTING AS I SAID PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.

I KNOW IT'S AMAZING BUT IN HUMAN RESOURCES WE DID NOT HAVE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND I'VE HAD TEAM MEMBERS EXPRESS TO ME THAT THEY REALLY WANT IT. THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AND ONCE YOU DO THE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT -- PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT ARE THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS FROM THERE. SO I THINK TO MAKE IT A BETTER EXPERIENCE FOR OUR HR TEAM, BUILDING THE RESOURCES AND THERE ARE A FEW OTHER ASKS ULTIMATELY OR RETIREMENT FOR EXAMPLE, A SUPPORT TEAM FOR THAT, THINGS THAT ARE REALLY TAKING A TON OF TIME AND CAN BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WE'RE ASKING FOR THAT SUPPORT AND IN MANY INSTANCES GETTING IT FROM THE COURT, THANK YOU. BUT ALSO IT'S VERY MUCH ABOUT THE GROWTH AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEAM AND MAKING SURE THAT THEY HAVE OPPORTUNITIES. ONE OF THE THINGS -- I KNOW YOU REALIZE BUT MAYBE NOT EVERYONE DOES IS ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF THE COMP AND PAY EQUITY STUDY IS WITH THOSE CLEAR CLASSIFICATIONS, WE IN A BETTER POSITION TO CREATE JOB ENRICH.

AND UNDERSTANDING CAREER PATHING AND ALL OF THAT THAT IS ATTRACTIVE AND APPEALING TO FOR EXAMPLE IN OUR TEAM AND WE'RE HAPPY WHEN SOMEONE WANTS TO GO TAKE A JOB IN ANOTHER DEPARTMENT OR SOMETHING THAT WILL EXPAND AND BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS, WE'RE HAPPY TO FACILITATE THAT. SO JUST MAKING SURE THAT WE DO THOSE TYPES OF THINGS THAT REALLY ENRICH THE HOLISTIC

EXPERIENCE. >> AND ANDREA DOES A GREAT JOB, KIMBER IN TALENT MANAGEMENT AND I HEARD SOME OF THAT TODAY.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE REALLY BE DRILLING DOWN ON FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW IN MAKING DECISIONS

AROUND THE BUDGET? >> I THINK IT'S -- AS WE LOOK AT THIS EXAMPLE, THE OCA EXERCISE OF JUST REVIEWING HR COSTS OCA AND HOW WE CAN LOOK AT POTENTIAL APPROACHES AND IMPROVE PROCESSES TO ALIGN AND TO IMPROVE SERVICE AND POTENTIALLY SAVE SOME COSTS, IT JUST REINFORCES THAT THIS TEAM SUPPORTS ALL OF THE DEPARTMENTS IN VARYING DEGREES, AND THAT'S A VERY BIG AND BROAD ASK. SO I THINK MANY TIMES, WE RECEIVE ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RECOGNITION AND ESPECIALLY AFTER BIG PROJECTS, AND I DO WANT Y'ALL TO KNOW HOW APPRECIATED THAT IS, IN FACT ADMINISTRATOR LEE CARTER ACTUALLY HOSTED THE COMP TEAM FOR RECOGNITION BREAKFAST AFTER THE COMP AND PAY EQUITY STUDY BUT THINGS LIKE THAT REALLY MATTER AND THAT THE TEAM KNOWS YOU'RE SUPPORTED BECAUSE THEY DO, THEY WORK EXTREMELY HARD AND THEY STAY ON TOP OF THEIR GAME AND IN SPITE OF THE CHALLENGES WITH TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE OTHERWISE. THEY'RE VERY COMMITTED.

SO THANKS FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THAT.

>> THANK YOU. THAT'S ALL THE QUESTIONS I HAVE.

Y'ALL DO A GREAT JOB. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2.

PRECINCT 3, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU TO YOU AND THE WHOLE HRT TEAM FOR ALL THE HARD WORK THEY ALL DO.

SO I HAVE THREE QUICK QUESTIONS. >> OKAY.

>> FIRST ONE IS REGARDING THE SOFTWARE.

HOW MANY DIFFERENT SOFTWARE SYSTEMS DOES HRT CURRENTLY USE OUTSIDE OF THE ARP SYSTEM? AND THE SECOND PART TO THAT WOULD BE DO Y'ALL HAVE A BROWNE OF BREAKDOWN OF WHICH ARE MANAGED BY HR S?

>> I KNOW PRIMARILY WE DO USE STARS -- WE DO USE NEO-GOV FOR RECRUITING AND WE HAVE SOME COMPENSATION SOFTWARE THAT WE USE. PRIMARILY, U.S. SUPPORTS THE SOFTWARE THAT WE USE AND THAT ONE REASON IS BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE AN INTERNAL HR IS OR -- AND THAT'S ONE OF THE ASKS, WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO BUILD THAT CAPABILITY INTERNALLY WITH BUSINESS ANALYSTS SO RIGHT NOW WHEN WE LOOK AT A NEW

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BUT I DON'T KNOW THE SPECIFIC NUMBER OF SOFTWARE THAT WE USE BUT I DO KNOW THAT WE PRIMARILY RELY ON U.S. FOR OUR SUPPORT.

>> OKAY. AND THEN THE RETIREMENT SUPPORT

POSITION REQUEST. >> YES.

>> ARE THESE IN ADDITION TO THE 600,000 RETIREE FIRST PMPM FEE THAT COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVED?

>> YES AND THIS IS AN EXCELLENT QUESTION BECAUSE I REALLY PRESSED THE TEAM ON THIS, YES AND IT'S BECAUSE WE HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT NEEDS IN THE RETIREE POPULATION.

FIRST OF ALL, OUR RETIREE POPULATION IS INCREASING SIGNIFICANTLY YEAR ON YEAR. AND WITH THAT, THE ASKS FOR RETIREMENT COUNSELING, THE ASKS FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICARE, THE BENEFITS INFORMATION, THE TEAM IS REALLY INUNDATED WITH ASKS AND REQUESTS AND THEY'RE NOT ABLE TO BE AS RESPONSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE. AND IF THERE'S ONE THING WE LEARNED FROM THE EMPLOYEE GROUP WAIVER PROGRAM, THE SILVER SCRIPT EXPERIENCE, IT'S THAT THE NEEDS OUR RETIREES ARE DIFFERENT THAN NEEDS OF OUR ACTIVE EMPLOYEES.

AND SO WHERE WE HAVE PEOPLE TRYING TO COVER ALL OF THAT, BACK TO ONE OF THE EARLIER QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW HR NEEDS SUPPORT, IT WOULD DEFINITELY BE BETTER FOR US IF WE CAN CREATE A RETIREE SUPPORT TEAM AND HAVE THE APPROPRIATE RESOURCING FOR THE DEMAND THAT EXISTS THERE. AND TOO, IF WE SAW A CHANGE IN THAT DREND AND ALSO WE'RE LOOKING TO ADOPT TECHNOLOGY SO WE'RE ADDING SERVICE NOW, THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT FOR THAT AS WELL AS WE ADD TECHNOLOGY, AS WE OBSERVE ANY CHANGES IN THE TREND, THESE ARE PEOPLE THAT WE CAN MOVE INTO OTHER POSITIONS, WE MAY NOT NEED THAT FULL NUMBER IN THE LONG RUN BUT IT WOULD

HELP US RIGHT NOW. >> OKAY.

AND THEN THE LAST QUESTION IS JUST REGARDING PAY EQUITY.

IT'S BEEN MENTIONED THERE WILL BE REGULAR COMPENSATION REVIEWS.

DO YOU HAVE A TOTAL ANNUAL COST -- AND DANIEL CAN CHIME IN HERE -- THE COST OF THIS YEAR'S PAY EQUITY IMPLEMENTATION AND

THE PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 27? >> I THINK WE'RE 73 MILLION ANNUAL LIES FORD THIS YEAR. IS THAT RIGHT, DANIEL?

>> THAT SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT. >> AS FAR AS GOING FORWARD, WE STILL HAVE OF THE 20,000 TOTAL POSITIONSISH IN THE COUNTY, WE STILL HAVE ABOUT 650 TO REVIEW IN OUR POST IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW SO WE HAVE SET ASIDE MONEY FOR THAT.

I THINK WE'VE SET ASIDE -- >> 7 MILLION.

WE BUDGETED -- WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE NOT COMING BACK TO COURT TO ASK FOR MORE. I THINK THE TOTAL COST THIS YEAR WAS 47 MILLION, THIS YEAR AND THEN THE ANNUALIZED COST IS 73 AND WE BUDGETED 80 FOR THE FINAL TWO ROUNDS.

ALSO ONE THING THAT WE HAVEN'T FORMALLY BUDGETED FOR IS THE

FLSA REVIEW. >> OKAY.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3.

PRECINCT 4, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS LEADERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP ON SO MANY OF THE KEY INITIATIVES THAT THE COURT HAS MOVED FORWARD IN THE PAST YEAR, INCLUDING COMP AND PAY EQUITY, CONSULTATION POLICY, RETIREE BENEFITS, THE ARP TRANSITION THAT YOU'RE STILL UNDERTAKING ACTIVELY.

MY QUESTION PRIMARILY I THINK ALONG WITH -- SIMILAR TO PRECINCT 2'S QUESTION IS WHAT OPERATIONAL NEEDS DO YOU SEE FOR YOUR TEAM IN THE COMING YEAR, INCLUDING TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATIONS, TRAINING, WHAT RESOURCES TO STRENGTHEN THE SERVICE DELIVERY FOR THE MANY EMPLOYEES AND DEPARTMENTS THAT YOU SUPPORT IN HARRIS COUNTY AND TO IMPROVE OVERALL THE EXPERIENCE FOR THE CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES FOR HARRIS

COUNTY? >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP. WE JUST APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH, MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. YOU KNOW, I HATE TO OVERINDEX ON TECHNOLOGY, BUT I WILL TELL YOU THAT WHEN I JOINED, YOU MAY RECALL WE HAD A HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RFP UNDERWAY, AND WE WERE CLOSE TO BEING ABLE TO MAKE A DECISION AND MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT. SO THAT WAS SUPER EXCITING IN THAT IT OFFERED SO MUCH FROM AN EMPLOYEE AND MANAGER EXPERIENCE.

BUT FACILITATES ALL THOSE THINGS THAT YOU ASKED ABOUT, PRODUCTIVITY, GROWTH, MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY, LABOR UTILIZATION, THE APPROPRIATE TYPE OF LABOR, ET CETERA. WE CAN -- THE SYSTEM ENHANCES OUR ABILITY TO GAUGE AND THEN LEAN IN AND MAKE AN IMPROVEMENT ON ALL OF THOSE THINGS. BUT ALSO, JUST THE DAILY EXPERIENCE OF EMPLOYEES AND MANAGERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

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SO WE'VE PUT FORTH A RECOMMENDATION THAT'S SUPER, SUPER REASONABLE IN COST AND IT GOES DOWN IN TIME OVER YEARS AND SO FORTH. SO WE HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE SUPPORT FOR THAT FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE COUNTY.

SO TECHNOLOGY FOR SURE NUMBER 1. AS YOU SAID TRAINING AND WE DO -- WE DO HAVE DIFFERENT MEANS OF DEVELOPING OUR PEOPLE AND YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING FROM LIKE MEDICARE TRAINING THAT THE RETIREE SUPPORT TEAM CAN USE, BECAUSE A LOT OF THAT WAS NEW TO THEM, TO THE MORE LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT LIKE, WE HAVE TEAM MEMBERS WHO ARE GOING TO NACO THIS WEEKEND AND ANDREA WILL BE SPEAKING AT NACO SO IT'S GREAT TO HAVE THAT KIND OF ENGAGEMENT. WE HAVE KIND OF SOUP TO NUTS DEVELOPMENT BUT WE WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO DO MORE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. CAN WE DIG ON THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENT ON NEO-GOV PARTICULARLY AND THAT WILL LOOK LIKE, SPECIFIC SYSTEMS, FUNCTIONALITIES THAT WE MAY GAIN AS PART OF THAT SYSTEM AND HOW THAT WILL IMPROVE THE OPERATIONAL USE IN THE TRANSITION AND THE TRANSITION TO

THE ARP SERVICE? >> FROM THE APPLICANT TRACKING IT WILL HAVE A LOT MORE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH APPLICANTS AND TO OFFER THEM A MORE MODERNIZED EXPERIENCE.

WHICH I CAN'T REALLY OVERSTATE HOW IMPORTANT THAT IS.

I'M A FAIRLY RECENT HIRE AND IT'S BEEN NINE MONTHS, BUT I WAS JUST SHOCKED AT THE WAY THINGS WORKED IN THE COUNTY OR DIDN'T WORK AND IT'S SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY FOURS.

SO FROM THE APPLICANT PERSPECTIVE TO ALL THE WAY THROUGH LEARNING MANAGEMENT WILL ULTIMATELY BE PART OF THAT SO WE STILL HAVE A CONTRACT WITH KNOWLEDGE CITY SO WE'LL PHASE INTO THAT, BUT THE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT -- IF THERE IS ONE SINGLE THING THAT WILL MAKE THIS COUNTY BETTER, I ALWAYS LIKE TO THINK IN TERMS OF WIN-WIN, OF THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCES, WE WANT TO GET THE MOST OUT OF OUR EMPLOYEES TO SERVE OUR RESIDENTS BUT WE WANT OUR EMPLOYEES TO BE HAVING THE BEST GREAT EXPERIENCE. THEY'RE NOT DIVERGENT.

THEY'RE ACTUALLY VERY CONSISTENT.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IS ONE EXAMPLE OF WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD. IF YOUR GETTING GENUINE PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK, BOTH THE KUDOS WHEN YOU DESERVE IT, WE TEAM -- WE LOVE THAT, AS WELL AS THE HONEST FEEDBACK ON AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT, THAT -- IT MIGHT STING A LITTLE BIT BUT IT GIVES YOU THAT OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND DEVELOP AND WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR LEADER CARES AND WANTS TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT, HEY, THIS IS THE GAP BUT HERE IS WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT, WE'LL CHECK BACK, WE'LL MAKE SURE WE'RE MAKING PROGRESS OR HELP YOU FIND SOMETHING THAT IS A BETTER FIT FOR YOU.

SO PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IS THE ONE I GET THE MOST EXCITED ABOUT

AS I'M SURE YOU CAN TELL. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU PRECINCT 4. WE WILL NOW REVISIT FOR ANY REMAINING TIME. COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE, YOU HAD 8

SECONDS REMAINING. >> I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU WOULD ANSWER THIS QUESTION IN 8 SECONDS, BUT HR TRANSFORMATION, THE LARGEST -- A LARGE PART OF YOUR SERVICE ENHANCEMENT IS FOR THE STAFF TO SUPPORT IT. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR HR TRANSFORMATION GOING TO THE NEXT YEAR?

>> SO THE -- THE SOLE PURPOSE OF HR IS TO CREATE THE -- BRING IN THE BEST TALENT AND THEN GROW AND DEVELOP THE TALENT THAT WE HAVE AND ENABLE THEM TO OPERATE IN A CULTURE THAT THEY CAN PERFORM AT THEIR BEST, THAT THEY CAN GROW AND DEVELOP AND PERFORM SO THAT WE CAN SERVE OUR RESIDENTS BEST.

SO OUR VISION IS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN AND FULLY ENGAGE ALL OF OUR TALENT, AND THE WAYS THAT HR TRANSFORMATION WILL DO THAT IS BY GIVING US ESPECIALLY FROM A METRICS PERSPECTIVE, METRICS AROUND LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY, METRICS AROUND AS WE TALKED ABOUT LABOR UTILIZATION, MAKING SURE WE'RE USING THE RIGHT TYPE OF LABOR FOR THE RIGHT TYPE OF NEED, WHETHER THAT'S SEASONAL OR IF IT'S SPECIFIC TO A TASK OR IF IT'S A LONGER TERM NEED.

AND THEN MAKING SURE THAT WE UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF OUR HAMMER CAPITAL AND AGAIN IN THAT WIN-WIN WAY, THAT WE KNOW WHERE

[00:30:01]

WE KNOW WHERE WE HAVE GAPS. WE KNOW WHERE WE'RE HAVING TROUBLE ATTRACTING PEOPLE, THEN WE CAN LEAN IN ON WHETHER IT'S SOURCING OR SELECTION. WE KNOW WHERE WE'RE HAVING SUCCESS WITH OUR CANDIDATES THAT WE DO HIRE, WHO SUCCEEDS, WHO COMES OUT AS A TOP PROMOTER, WHO GETS PROMOTED AND WHO DOESN'T AND LET'S FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG THERE AND LEAN IN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SO THE HR TRANSFORMATION IS REALLY AROUND INCREASING THE VALUE OF THE HUMAN CAPITAL IN A

VERY WIN-WIN WAY. >> THANK YOU COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE. PRECINCT 1, YOU HAVE NO REMAINING TIME. PRECINCT 2, YOU HAVE 1:01

REMAINING. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2.

PRECINCT 3, YOU HAD 47 SECONDS REMAINING.

>> IS THERE ANYTHING Y'ALL WANT TO TALK ABOUT, ANY WINS, ANY PAIN POINTS, ANYTHING YOU HAVEN'T DISCUSSED?

>> I THINK YOU'VE GIVEN US AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE, I DON'T THINK -- NO ONE IS ELBOWING ME SO I DON'T THINK I MISSED

ANYTHING. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3.

PRECINCT 4 HAD NO REMAINING TIME SO THEN CHIEF, YOU HAVE 2

MINUTES FOR CLOSEING REMARKS. >> THE MINE THING I WANT TO SAY IS THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

OUR TEAM IS SO GRATEFUL FOR THE INITIATIVES THAT YOU'VE SUPPORTED, WE TALKED ABOUT COMP AND PAY EQUITY MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THAT IS JUST GIGANTIC. BUT ALSO WITH THE STAFFING NEEDS AND THAT'S GOING TO BE TREMENDOUSLY IMPACTFUL TO US.

SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS HRTAST FY27 BUDGET AND OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN HARRIS COUNTY. OUR FY27 REQUESTS ARE DESIGNED TO BUILD UPON THE STRONG FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED OVER THE PAST YEARS, THROUGH TARGETED INVESTMENTS IN PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY.

TOGETHER, THOSE INVESTMENTS WILL ALLOW US TO SUSTAIN CRITICAL SERVICES, SUPPORT NEW COUNTY RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONTINUE CREATING LONG-TERM VALUE FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

THE REQUESTED POSITIONS PROVIDE THE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT KEY INITIATIVES AND RESPOND TO INCREASING SERVICE DEMANDS AS WELL AS CONTINUE SUPPORTING DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY. THROUGH OUR SERVICE ENHANCEMENT REQUESTS, WE'RE ALSO SEEKING THE ESSENTIAL TECHNOLOGY NEEDED TO EMBRACE -- ENHANCE THE EMPLOYEE AND MANAGER EXPERIENCE, STRENGTHEN OUR WORKFORCE ANALYTICS, IMPROVE OUR DECISIONMAKING AND ADVANCE OUR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES ACROSS THE COUNTY. IN ADDITION OUR ONGOING REVIEW OF HR FUNCTIONINGS ACROSS OCS REFLECTS OUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO IDENTIFYING COST AND PROCESS EFFICIENCIES WHILE IMPROVING SERVICE DELIVERY. WE REALLY WANT TO STRENGTHEN OUR DELIBERATION AND SUPPORT THE DIRECTION ESTABLISHED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT AND IN THE STRATEGIC PLAN.

ULTIMATELY OUR GOAL IS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF HARRIS COUNTY'S HUMAN CAPITAL, STRENGTHEN OUR ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITY AND BUILD A MODERN AND RESILIENT HR FUNCTION THAT ENABLES DEPARTMENTS TO BETTER SERVE OUR RESIDENTS.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR PARTNERSHIP AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO BUILD A STRONGER, MORE CAPABLE AND MORE RESILIENT

HARRIS COUNTY TOGETHER. >> THANK YOU, CHIEF AND THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE HUMAN RESOURCES AND TALENT DEPARTMENT.

OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL BE FROM THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND

GLOBAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT. >> THANK YOU, COURT OFFICERS AND

[Intergovernmental & Global Affairs]

PRECINCT 1. >> GOOD MORNING, COURT OFFICES.

VERY GOOD TO SEE EVERYBODY. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT NEXT YEAR'S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL

[00:35:02]

OUR ENGAGEMENT IS IN LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS, APPROPRIATION CYCLES AND OUR WORK WITH GOVERNMENT PARTNERS OF ALL KINDS DIRECTLY AFFECTS THE COUNTY'S ABILITY TO SECURE RESOURCES, PROTECT LOCAL AUTHORITY AND TO ADVANCE THE PRIORITIES OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. IGA OPERATES ACROSS FOUR CORE AREAS THAT I WILL KIND OF LIST OUT AND THEN DELVE INTO INDIVIDUALLY. LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, FUNDING AND APPROPRIATIONS, EXTERNAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND THEN OUR ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS RUNNING THE DEPARTMENT.

SO FIRST EXAMPLE LEGISLATIVE AF. WE ENGAGE ON THOUSANDS OF BILLS EACH SESSION AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

OUR PRIORITIES REMAIN PROTECTING LOCAL GOVERNANCE AUTHORITY, PREVENTING UNFUNDED MANDATES OR UNWINDING EXISTING UNFUNDED MANDATES AND ADVANCING THE PRIORITIES AT THE COURT DIRECTION. CURRENTLY WE'RE TRACKING OVER 200 INTERIM CHARGES AND REVIEWING MORE THAN 40 PROPOSALS THAT WE RECEIVE FROM COUNTY GOVERNMENTS -- OR I'M SORRY, COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AS WE PREPARE TO RECOMMEND THE STATE LEGISLATIVE GENDER AD THAT WE'VE BEEN CONSULTING WITH Y'ALL ABOUT AND WE HOPE TO BRING THAT FOR COURT CONSIDERATION IN EARLY AUGUST. IN TERMS OF FUNDING AND APPROPRIATIONS WE COORDINATE THE STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING REQUESTS. THIS YEAR ALONE IGA COORDINATED OUR COUNTY WIDE CONGRESSIONAL APPROPRIATIONS ACROSS OUR NINE MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION. WE ULTIMATELY ENDED UP SUBMITTING 49 PROJECTS TOTALING MORE THAN 116 MILLION IN FUNDING NEEDS. WE'RE CURRENTLY EVALUATING OVER 200 MILLION IN STATE APPROPRIATIONS OF INTEREST HEADING INTO THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION THAT WE RECEIVED FROM YOUR OFFICES AS WELL AS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS.

IN TERMS OF EXTERNAL AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, WE MAINTAIN CONSISTENT ACTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OVER 100 STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS. WE'RE REALLY COMMUNICATING A LOT ON THE PHONE A LOT, A LOT OF MEETINGS.

STAFF CHANGES OUT FREQUENTLY. THE DELEGATION HAS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TURNOVER, PARTICULARLY AT THE CURRENT TIME.

WE ALSO COMMUNICATE AND HANDLE SOME ENGAGEMENT WITH GLOBAL CONSULATES, WHICH THERE'S MORE THAN 90 IN THE AREA.

OTHER COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THEN A VARIETY OF NATIONAL AND STATEWIDE ASSOCIATIONS THAT COVER A BROAD ARRAY OF ISSUE AREAS. THESE RELATIONSHIPS ALLOW THE COUNTY TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS EMERGENCIES AND CHALLENGES. IN TERMS OF EMERGENCIES, OUR TEAM ALSO DOES ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.

WE ALWAYS HAVE A STAFFER OVER AT TREND STAR FOR EVERY ACTIVATION TO WORK WITH OUR LOCAL ELECTED STAKEHOLDERS AND HANDLE THEIR QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS. AND WE -- EVERY WEEK WE HAVE DELEGATION CONSTITUENT NEEDS REQUESTS.

WE HAS GET REQUESTS FROM Y'ALL THAT YOU MAYBE RECEIVED FROM OFFICES SO WE'RE ALWAYS WORKING ON THAT AND TRYING TO MAKE SURE OUR CONSTITUENTS ARE HAPPY AND THAT THE ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT BRING THOSE MATTERS AND CONCERNS TO OUR ATTENTION KNOW THAT THEY'RE BEING ADDRESSED AND THAT THE COUNTY CAN BE NAVIGATED AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY. AND THEN OUR ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS, THIS PROBABLY TAKES MORE HOURS THAT BE WE WOULD LIKE BUT THIS IS ALL THE INTERNAL BUSINESS FUNCTIONS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT, THAT INCLUDES BUDGETING, CONTRACTING, THE CONSULTANT OVERSIGHT AS WELL AS NEGOTIATIONS, AS WELL AS THE ENTERPRISE COORDINATION. THIS PAST YEAR, COURT AND OCA HAVE ASKED US TO CONTINUE TO TAKE ON CENTRAL ROLES ON MAJOR INITIATIVES SUCH AS THE ONGOING PROTECTION OF OUR MOBILITY FUNDS, OUR FOOT CONTROL GOVERNANCE AUTHORITY AND FUNDING. COORDINATION FOR LARGE SCALE INITIATIVES AND EVENTS, SUCH AS ONGOING DISCUSSIONS REGARDING NRG AS WELL AS THE FEVER A FEVED CUP.

WE WORKED CLOSELY WITH THEIR DEPARTMENTS, POTENTIALLY $20 MILLION IN POTENTIAL COUNTY COST EXPOSURES.

WE TRAVELED TO DC MULTIPLE TIMES AND WE'RE WORKING WITH -- CLOSELY WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON AS WELL AS OTHER HOST COUNTIES AND CITY GOVERNMENTS, NACO AND OTHERS AS WE WORK TO SOME OF THE FEDERAL CONSULTANTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT WERE CRITICAL IN SECURING 625 MILLION OF HOST CITY APPROPRIATIONS COVERING SAFETY AND SECURITY, WHICH THE COUNTY IS GOING TO GET ABOUT -- LOCAL HOST COMMUNITY WILL GET ABOUT 65 SO -- THAT'S THE WHOLE

[00:40:06]

>> EACH COURT OFFICE WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS,

BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 1. >> GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. CATHERINE SUMMERLAND, PRECINCT 1. IF ONB'S OFFSET RECOMMENDATIONS ARE ADOPTED DOES IGA PLAN TO LEVERAGE TEMP STAFF TO MEET

UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE NEEDS? >> WE WOULD -- SO ROUGHLY OVER 90% OF OUR BUDGET IS LABOR. THAT'S OUR STAFF LABOR AND THEN AT THE PERSONNEL, THE CONSULTANTS THAT WE CONTRACT WITH AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL WE DO NOT PLAN ON USING TEMP STAFF. WE'VEGIVEN OUR CURRENT WORKLOADD THE FACT WE'RE GOING TO A NEW SESSION THAT WE MAINTAIN OUR CURRENT FUNDING LEVEL AND WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO REQUEST ONE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT POSITION, THIS WOULD BE USED TO EXPAND -- NOT NECESSARILY EXPAND PROGRAMS OR SERVICES BUT REALLY MAKE SURE THAT ANY POTENTIAL SERVICE DELIVERY IS NOT CUT AND WE CONTINUE COMMUNICATING EXTERNALLY AND THEN INTERNALLY WITH COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AT A LEVEL THAT I THINK IS DESIRED. AND NO, WE DO NOT AT THIS TIME ANTICIPATE USING TEMP STAFF. WE HAVE IN THE PAST RUN A VERY -- A GREAT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM THAT MATTHEW CAN POTENTIALLY TALK MORE ABOUT THAT WAS CUT IN THE LAST BUDGET CYCLE BUT WE DID A LOT OF WORK WITH THOSE AND DEVELOPED SOME GREAT PEOPLE AND SOME CORE CAPACITIES THAT THEY'VE MOVED ON TO OTHER COOL PUBLIC SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES BUT --

>> YEAH, THANKS, CATHERINE. I'LL JUST ADD THAT UNDER ONB'S PROPOSED RECOMMENDATION FOR THE BUILD-IN, THAT WOULD BE PART OF THE PLAN. WE JUST -- UNTIL THIS BODY DECIDES THAT THAT'S HOW IT WANTS TO GO, I THINK FRANCIS' ANSWER IS WE'RE PREPARING FOR THE WORST WHICH IS WE WOULD NOT HAVE THE WE SOURCES TO EVEN SURGE FOR A TEMPORARY STAFFING PLAN BUT WE'VE DONE THAT IN THE PAST AND WE'RE PREPARED TO DO IT NEXT

TIME IF THIS COURT AGREES TO IT. >> MY SECOND QUESTION IS WHICH OFFSETS WOULD BE THE MOST DETRIMENTAL TO IGA?

>> I THINK THAT ANY OFFSETS TO PERSONNEL OR TO -- THERE'S JUST REALLY NOT ANY FAT ON THE BONE AT THIS POINT AFTER LAST YEAR AND OUR TRAVEL IS ESSENTIAL. WE TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY IN AUSTIN AND TO WASHINGTON TO ADVOCATE FOR THESE FUNDING NEEDS.

SO YEAH, I DON'T -- I DON'T THINK EITHER ONE OF THOSE WOULD HAVE A POSITIVE OUTCOME IF THEY WERE TO BE CUT.

>> YEAH, AND I WOULD JUST LIKE TO ADD, OMB DID PROPOSE A SET OF OFFSETS. THAT'S MAYBE THE SIX OPTION MENU WE'RE LOOKING AT. OF THOSE WE THINK THE MOST DETRIMENTAL YOU WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH IS REDUCING THE CONTRACTS, THAT'S OUR LEGISLATIVE SPECIALIST, EXPERTISE IN DIFFERENT DOMAINS THAT WE LEVERAGE, WE HAVE LONG STANDING RELATIONSHIPS. AND RIGHT NOW, I THINK WHAT FRANCIS WAS ALLUDING TO, IF 95% OF OUR BUDGET IS LABOR AND CONTRACTS AND WE HAD TO COME UP WITH A 10% CUT, WE HAD TO PROPOSE SOMETHING THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS SO THE MOST DETRIMENTAL WOULD BE THE SHORT-TERM CONTRACTS AND

LONG-TERM CONTRACTS. >> AND ON THE RECORD, AT THIS TIME WE'RE RECOMMENDING A VERY SMALL OFFSET, MOSTLY UNUSED LABOR SAVINGS IN THEIR BUDGET. ALSO TO JUST EXPLAIN THE KIND O, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE WE HAVE THE BYE ANNUAL -- I THINK I GOT THAT RIGHT -- THE BI-ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION, OUR PREFERENCE IS WE WOULD BUDGET FOR IT ON THE YEARS THAT WE HAVE LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS, WE WOULD TAKE IT BACK, IN THE OFF YEARS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT WE DO FOR ELECTIONS, WHERE WE BUILD IT IN ON THE YEARS WE KNOW WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE EXPENSE AND THE

YEARS THAT WE DON'T HAVE IT. >> THAT'S HELPFUL, THANK YOU.

THIRD QUESTION IS CAN IGA SEEK RESOURCE SHARING OPPORTUNITIES WITH OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS TO HELP FILL SOME OF YOUR SERVICE

NEEDS AND GAPS? >> YEAH, I THINK WE'VE -- YOU KNOW, AFTER WE HAD TO MANAGE A 6, 7% OFFSET FROM LAST YEAR, WE HAD TO FIND EFFICIENCIES. I CAN JUST NAME THREE OR FOUR THAT WE DID THIS YEAR THAT WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO CONTINUE.

OCA HAS AN AMAZING GRAPHICS DESIGNER ON THEIR STAFF RIGHT NOW. WE DO NOT.

AND INSTEAD OF SEEKING OUTSIDE THE COUNTY, WE WORKED WITH THAT PERSON, I JUST WANT TO GIVE THEM A SHOUT-OUT, I WON'T EMBARRASS THEM WITH THEIR NAME BUT THEY WORKED WITH US AROUND THE CLOCK, LATE NIGHT HOURS TO PRODUCE MATERIALS THAT REALLY HELP MOVE THE NEEDLE ON SOME OF THE BIGGEST FIGHTS WE HAD LAST SESSION. THAT'S ONE EXAMPLE.

ANOTHERRING IS UNIVERSAL SERVICES.

THEY HAVE AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TEAM THAT CAN PUT TOGETHER AND DO MORE GRAPHIC DESIGN BORK FOR OUR WORK FOR

[00:45:05]

SORRY, CATHERINE. >> IF YOU CAN FINISH --

>> LAST BUT NOT AT LEAST ANOTHER THING WE'VE TALKED ABOUT IS JUST PRINTING. WHENEVER THE AUTHORITY NEED BINDERS OF INFORMATION TO GO PASS OUT FOR COMMITTEE HEARINGS, WE RELY ON THEM TO PRINT THAT OUT AND DELIVER IT TO US SO WE CAN TRAVEL TO AUSTIN WITH IT INSTEAD OF IT COMING OUT OF OUR VERY LIMITED SUPPLIES AND PRINTING BUDGET, WHERE POSSIBLE.

>> AND ALSO I'LL JUST ADD TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND REAL IN THE WEEDS POLICY MATTERS, WE ARE CONSTANTLY USING THIS TIME DURING THE INTERIM TO REALLY DEDICATE THE TIME THAT IT'S NOT AVAILABLE DURING SESSION TO WORK WITH COUNTY DEPARTMENTS TO HELP MAKE SURE WE HAVE TAUGHT AND COMMUNICATED EVERYTHING WE CAN IN ADVANCE SO THAT WE CAN REALLY TAP INTO THE EXPERTISE AND TECHNICAL HELP THAT EACH OF YOUR OFFICES AND OUR EXPERTS REALLY PROVIDE ON CRITICAL LEGISLATIVE POLICY LANGUAGE.

>> SORRY TRACY, I'M TAKING 15 SECONDS.

YES, THEY CAN SHARE BUT I WILL SAY THAT BURDENS MY TEAM SIGNIFICANTLY. THEY WORK MANY WEEKENDS AND NIGHTS TRYING TO SUPPORT SMALLER DEPARTMENTS, SO THERE'S ONLY SO MUCH THEY CAN DO. WE CAN'T JUST KEEP PUTTING

EVERYTHING ON OCA. >> THANK YOU, ADMINISTRATOR.

AND THANK YOU, PRECINCT 1. PRECINCT 2, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> SO I THINK THIS DISCUSSION HAS ALREADY MADE CLEAR THAT IGA IS A VERY SMALL TEAM, THERE'S NOT A LOT TO CUT. SO WE'RE TRYING OUR BEST TO MAKE THE BEST OF A DIFFICULT SITUATION.

BUT WITH THAT SAID, I DO THINK THAT IGA'S SORT OF -- KNOCK IS OUT OF THE PARKS OF PARK WHEN IT COMES TO APPROPRIATIONS AND MAKES A HUGE IMPACT ON THE COUNTY AT LARGE, ON ALL OF OUR DEPARTMENTS AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT HOW YOU MANAGE TO DO THAT WITH SUCH A SMALL TEAM.

>> WE APPRECIATE THAT, KRISTEN. YEAH, IT'S -- WE'RE PROUD OF OUR EFFORTS IN THE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS.

FROM THE GET-GO IN 2021, WHEN THE PROCESS WAS REINITIATED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWELVE YEARS, TAMMY AND MATTHEW BACK AGAIN AT -- I WAS NOT THERE AT THE TIME BUT REALLY GOT TO LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF IT, REALLY LEVERAGED THE FEDERAL CONSULT TANS THAT HAD ACTUALLY PARTICIPATED IN THE PROCESS IN THE PAST, MANY HADN'T BECAUSE THERE HAD BEEN SUCH A BREAK BUT EACH YEAR, WE MAKE SURE WE REALLY, REALLY COMMUNICATE EXTENSIVELY WITH OUR MEMBERS IN ADVANCE, FIND OUT WHAT REALLY INTERESTS THEM, WHAT -- BECAUSE AGAIN THEY HAVE FOR THE CHAMPIONS THAT BRING THESE BUDGETS TO THE SUBCOMMITTEES AND FIGHT TO GET THESE RESOURCES INTO THEIR DISTRICTS, AND WE WORK WITH Y'ALL TO ALIGN, YOU KNOW, THE VAST DIVERSITY OF NEEDS THAT OUR COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND PRECINCTS HAVE THAT ALIGN WITH KIND OF WHAT EACH OF THOSE MEMBERS WANT TO DO ON A PARTICULAR LEVEL. WE PUT A LOT OF TIME IN BUILDING THE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE STAFF.

WE LEARN THE DIFFERENT SUBCOMMITTEE RULES AND PROCESSES AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, VERY -- THOSE CHANGE EVERY YEAR AND WE MAKE SURE WE'RE ON TOP OF THOSE CHANGES.

AND I THINK WE'RE -- WE TRY TO BE RELENTLESS AND OVERCOMMUNICATE CANADA ACTIVE ANDCOMMUNICATIVE AND ALWAYS HAVE PLENTY OF JUSTIFICATIONINGS, FACTS, LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO SUPPORT THOSE ASKS.

TO YEAH, I MENTIONED WE SUBMITTED 49 THIS PAST YEAR AND CURRENTLY IN THE NEXT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, WE HAVE 29 PROJECTS THAT TOTAL ABOUT 25 MILLION THAT HOPEFULLY GET THE PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE ON THE BUDGET.

AND THEN WE'LL SEE THAT MONEY HERE IN THE COUNTERPART.

BUT IF WE SEE CONGRESSIONAL CONTROL CHANGE NEXT YEAR, WE MIKE SEE EXTENSIVE CHANGES TO THE PROCESS, INCLUDING POTENTIALLY MORE RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND THAT'S A POTENTIALLY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT THAT WE WILL SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY IMMEDIATELY IF THE RULES CHANGE AND THERE'S MORE MONEY AVAILABLE, LIKE THERE WAS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.

>> YEAH, I THINK I BROUGHT UP A GREAT POINT, HOW DOES IGA MAXIMIZE THE RESOURCES AND TALENT WE HAVE? WE'VE REALLY PUSHED OUR TEAM TO BECOME EXPERTS IN THEIR FEECIALGD THAT'S FUNDING AND APPROPRIATION AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AND THERE IS A CONTRAST THERE.

EVERY COUNTY DEPARTMENT, OFFICES, EVERYONE APPRECIATES THE VALUE OF GETTING DIRECT FUNDING, AND WE DO REALLY WELL

[00:50:04]

SPECIALIZE ON Y'ALL'S BEHALF. >> AND THEN JUST QUICKLY, WE TALKED ABOUT HOW YOUR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM WAS CUT BECAUSE OF THE BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AND I'M CURIOUS TO KNOW IN LIGHT OF THAT NEED TO HAVE SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE IN IGA, HOW DO YOU GROW TALENT WITHIN IGA, ESPECIALLY WITHOUT HAVING THAT

PIPELINE? >> YEAH, I WOULD JUST WANT TO POINT OUT -- THAT'S A GREAT PROGRAM.

I THINK OUR WORK IS HAVE YOU UNIQUE, IT'S VERY DIFFERENTINGS IT'S VERY, IT'S VERY SPECIALIZED, IT'S NOT FOR EVERYONE. FIVE OF THE ELEVEN PEOPLE WERE PIPELINED THROUGH OUR ISSUE TERN SHIP PROGRAM SO WHEN WE MOVED AWAY FROM THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO MANAGE IT, WE'RE FULLY STAFFED BUT WE HAD TO THINK DIFFERENTLY.

WE HAVE A BIGGER TEAM, WE'RE MORE STRATEGIC ON THE TRAVELING AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE.

WE'VE REALLY TRIED TO IMPLEMENT KIND OF TRAM I AND FRANCIS' VISION ON PORTFOLIO EXPERTS SO INSTEAD OF EVERYONE LEARNING A CERTAIN TOPIC WE TRY TO SPECIALIZE, IT BUILDS DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS, I FEEL LIKE THE DEPARTMENTS THAT WE PARTNER WITH RESPECT THAT, THAT WE'RE ALLOWING SOMEONE TO BE MAYBE THEIR POINT OF CONTACT. SO WE'RE TRYING TO STILL GROW TALENT BUT WE'RE DOING IT I WOULD SAY DIFFERENTLY, THROUGH THE EXPOSURE, ACROSS COLLABORATION PROJECTS, HIGH VISIBILITY PROJECTS. I THINK Y'ALL HAVE SEEN IT, A LOT OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS AT ALL LEVELS WILL BRIEF Y'ALL AND THAT'S TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2. PRECINCT 3, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> GOOD MORNING, FRANCIS, MATTHEW, ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE Y'ALL.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE WORK THAT IGA DOES AND IT'S A VERY SMALL BUT MIGHTY TEAM AND THE RESULTS JUST SHOW FOR THEMSELVES.

SO MY QUESTIONS HAVE MAINLY BEEN COVERED, BUT I JUST WANT TO -- REGARDING THE OFFSET, I'M ASSUMING IT WASN'T USED THE LAST YEAR BUT WITH THE SESSION COMING UP THIS YEAR, WOULD THAT IMPACT

Y'ALL'S ABILITY? >> YEAH, I THINK TO DANIEL'S POINT, WHENEVER HE SPOKE UP, THEY TALK TO US ALL THE TIME.

THEY'VE HELPED US MANAGE IMPACTS, IT'S BEEN A GOOD FISCAL YEAR. WE HAVE FOUND EFFICIENCIES, WE HAVE STREAMLINED AND I THINK THE BUDGET PROPOSAL LAID OUT BEFORE YOU RECOMMENDED FROM ONB, IT'S A SOLID PLAN AND WE'RE ASKING FOR Y'ALL TO PLEASE ACCEPT IT, LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS BETWEEN NOW AND SEPTEMBER, BUT EVEN WITH THE OFFSET BEFORE, WITH THE NEW STRATEGY ON BUILDING IN, KEEPING US WHOLE, ADDING IN THE ONE FULL-TIME POSITION THAT WE WOULD LOVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS DEEPER IF Y'ALL WANT, THAT WILL ALLOW US TO BE PREPARED AND RESPONSIVE AHEAD OF NEXT SESSION

SESSION. >> COULD YOU DISCUSS THAT ONE

OPPORTUNITY DEEPER. >> YES.

I THINK WE WERE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE COURT'S DIRECTION TO DO THE HRT-LED COMPENSATION AND PAY EQUITY STUDY.

WE ALWAYS FELT LIKE OUR TEAM DID NOT HAVE A TRUE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ROLE. IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WE ALWAYS FELT AND WE'VE COME TO THIS COURT THREE YEARS IN A ROW ASKING FOR THAT. BUT IT WAS HARD TO MAYBE GIVE YOU DATA AND EXPLAIN IT. AND SO THERE'S A NEW DEVELOPMENT, THE COMPENSATION AND PAY EQUITY PROJECT RESULTED IN OUR CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT SUPPORT ROLE WAS MISCLASSIFIED. THEY HANDLED WAY TOO MUCH PROCUREMENT, CONTRACTING, BUDGETING, INVOICES, FINANCIALS AND THEY RECOMMENDED AND WE OBVIOUSLY ACCEPTED, BECAUSE IT WAS IN LINE WITH OUR STUDY, TO MOVE THEM TO BE A MORE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR, TO BE MORE OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS -- MORE OF A LEADER ROLE, SO WHENEVER FRANCIS DISCUSSED ALL OF OUR SCHEDULING NEEDS WITH 100 STAKEHOLDERS AS WE PARTICIPATE MORE WITH OCA AND ONB AND CROSS COUNTERPART-WIDE MAJOR COUNTY WIDE INITIATIVES, THAT REQUIRE SCHEDULE, I DON'T WANT TO SOWNT OVERSIMPLISTIC SOUND OVERSIMPLISTIC BUT WE ARE OPERATING WITHOUT AN ADMINISTRATIVE [INDISCERNIBLE] A LOT OF THE SCHEDULING AND THE DIFFERENCE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT ROLES THAT WE'RE DOING IS FALLING ON US RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE OUR ENTIRE -- THE REST OF OUR STAFF IS BUSY EXECUTING A LOT OF THIS WORK AND OPERATIONS OF BECOMING EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELD.

AND SO WE'VE CONTINUED TO ASK FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

[00:55:02]

>> YEAH. I'LL JUST SAY THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, SO MUCH OF THE EFFICACY WE'VE FOUND DOING THIS WORK IS RELATED TO BEING AS RESPONSIVE AS POSSIBLE, NOT LETTING THINGS FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS. SOMETIMES THEY DO, SOMETIMES WE'RE NOT AS RESPONSIVE AS WE WOULD LIKE.

AND SO WE'RE JUST ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS THAT WE CAN IMPROVE THAT, TO OUR EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS BUT ALSO TO Y'ALL.

WE KNOW THE INTENSE DEMANDS THAT ALL OF OUR MEMBERS OF COURT HAVE TO RUN THEIR PRECINCTS IN THE BEST WAY THEY SEE FIT SO WE WANT TO BE AS RESPONSIVE TO Y'ALL AS WE CAN.

>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3. PRECINCT 4, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> GOOD MORNING, ERIN SPIEGEL, CHIEF OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR PRECINCT 4.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK IS SO IMPORTANT IS TALKING ABOUT THE ROI. WITH IGA IN PARTICULAR, THE APPROPRIATIONS, COULD YOU GUYS TALK THROUGH SOME OF THE LARGER INVESTMENTS THAT YOU'VE BEEN ABLE TO DRAW DOWN BOTH FROM THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS?

>> YEAH, I TOUCHED BASE ON THE CPF NUMBERS FOR THIS MOST RECENT CYCLE A MINUTE AGO BUT I WILL LET MATTHEW GIVE A BROADER VIEW IN TERMS OF WHAT FUNDING STRINGS AT THE STATE LEVEL WERE BOTH

SECURED BUT ALSO PROTECTED. >> YEAH, I THINK ONE THING WE WANT TO MAKE CLEAR IS WHEN WE WORK ON THESE DIFFERENT SUBMISSIONS AND THESE DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES, IT'S HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN ASK AND NEED.

BUT I THINK IT IS GOOD TO GO BACK TO THE ROI AND FOCUS ON WHAT IS THE OUTCOME, WHAT ARE WE BRINGING BACK, AND I WOULD SAY THIS YEAR ALONE IT'S OVER $25 MILLION AND OUR BUDGET IS 3 MILLION, THAT'S 6, 700% ROI. I THINK THAT'S IN A YEAR THAT'S A NON- SESSION YEAR, WHEN YOU ADD IN THE STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION LAST YEAR AND STATE APPROPRIATIONS ALONE, OUR TEAM HELPED BRING IN $147 MILLION. AND THE MATH ON THAT WOULD BE IN THE THOUSANDS AND WE START TALKING ABOUT THOUSANDS OF PERCENT ROI, I THINK IT BECOMES EVEN LOST ON HOW IMPRESSIVE IT IS AND SO FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU'RE INVESTING IN IGA RIGHT NOW ON A NON- SESSION YEAR, WE'RE RETURNING OVER 10 TO 1.

>> AND JUST TO LEVEL SET ON AND MAKE SURE WE'RE MANAGING EXPECTATIONS, THE 147 WAS A REALLY BIG YEAR THE YEAR BEFORE -- OR THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEFORE THAT I BELIEVE IT WAS 87 MILLION. SO -- BUT THAT'S ALSO I THINK A SIGNIFICANT HAUL RELATIVE TO THE TOTAL BUDGET.

>> AND I THINK IT WAS THE LARGEST DRAWDOWN FROM THE COUNTY, LARGEST ACROSS THE STATE, HARRIS COUNTY'S TAKE?

>> WE BELIEVE SO. >> CAN YOU TALK ABOUT ANY OF THE CROSS-DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP THAT IGA HAS BEEN TASKED WITH OVER THE LAST YEAR, PARTICULARLY THE WORLD CUP AND WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ANY BUDGET CHALLENGES OR WHETHER OR NOT IGA WAS GIVEN ADDITIONAL BUDGET TO SUPPORT THAT? JUST HIGHLIGHT ANY WORK THAT YOU GUYS DID ON THAT.

>> WE WERE NOT GIVEN ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPORT, BUT I WILL SAY ONE OF THE JOYCE OF THIS JOB IS TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH EVERY COUNTY DEPARTMENT AND SECURITY Y COURT OFFICE.

HARRIS COUNTY IS -- WE ARE A UNIQUE DEPARTMENT IN THAT WE COMMUNICATE WITH EACH DEPARTMENT HEAD AND THE STATE SESSION HAS BILLS EVERY YEAR THAT TOUCH VIRTUALLY EVERYONE.

BUT YEAH, IT -- I THINK YOU MIGHT BE GETTING TO MAYBE -- ANYTIME THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT TRANSITION AT A DEPARTMENT, PARTICULARLY A MAJOR DEPARTMENT, WE'RE GENERALLY QUITE INVOLVED IN TRYING TO MAKE SURE HOWEVER IT SHAKES OUT THAT DEPARTMENT IS READY TO PROTECT ITSELF AND SECURE THE RESOURCES IT NEEDS AND CONTINUE EXECUTING ON THE NEEDS OF HARRIS COUNTY AND THE DEMANDS OF OUR COURT MEMBERS. AND SO THERE IS MORE WORK AT THOSE TIMES AND -- BUT IT'S ESSENTIAL THAT I THINK WE LEAN IN WHENEVER THINGS ARE CHANGING. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING, MATH KNEW.

>> YEAH, I MATTHEW? >> THE WORLD CUP -- WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE WERE AT INCREASED LEVELS OF READINESS AND FOR US, THAT REQUIRED THE WORLD CUP, WE HAD TWO HELP LEAD COORDINATION WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT ENTITIES BUT WE HAS HAD TO STAFF THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER INCLUDING EARLIER IN THE YEAR FOR VARIOUS DIFFERENT DISASTERS. AND I THINK IT JUST SHOWS THAT IGA IS ONE OF THE FEW DEPARTMENTS THAT IS CONSTANTLY

[01:00:06]

AND ALTHOUGH WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY BUDGET INCREASES LAST YEAR, I THINK WHAT'S PROPOSED THIS YEAR WE WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO

PROVIDE THAT LEVEL OF SERVICE. >> GREAT, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> AND IN TERMS OF THE WORLD CUP COORDINATION, A HUGE SHOUT-OUT TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, CHIEF SUAREZ, THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE. THEY WERE ESSENTIAL IN COORDINATING WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT ENTERPRISE, THE SPORTS AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND THEIR FIRST

RESPONDERS. >> COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE YOU WILL NOW HAVE FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> I WOULD LIKE TALK THROUGH SOME OF THE OFFSETS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE: THE FIRST ONE BEING A REDUCTION IN DIGITAL TOOLS AND SUBSCRIPTION SINCERE. DO Y'ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS. DO YOU HAVE CAPACITY TO TAKE ON BILL ANALYSIS FOR THE NEXT SESSION?

>> WE ARE NOT PROPOSING TO ELIMINATE TELECON.

YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK, TELECON IS THE ONE THAT WE WOULD CONSIDER ESSENTIAL SO OUT OF OUR BUDGET RIGHT NOW, WHAT WE WOULD BE REDUCING INSTEAD IS OUR FEDERAL TOOLS AND SO ONE IS A BLOOMBERG SUBSCRIPTION. WE ALREADY RENEGOTIATED THE AMOUNT OF LICENCES THAT OUR TEAM NEEDS.

SO WE'VE REDUCED THE COST OF THAT SUBSCRIPTION SIGNIFICANTLY BUT WE STILL HAVE IT RIGHT NOW. IT'S VERY VALUABLE.

IT PROVIDES THE LATEST UPDATES TO ALL THE AGENCY DIRECT DETECTARIES WITH A NEW CHANGE THAT'S BEEN VERY IMPORTANT.

I THINK TELECON IS MORE TEXAS SPECK.

IT'S TRYING TO IMPROVE IN DIFFERENT AREAS.

WE USE THAT FOR A LOT OF OUR -- WE'RE ONE OF THE FEW COUNTIES I THINK THAT DRAFT A LOT OF THE LEGISLATION ON OUR OWN BEFORE WE GO TO THE LEGISLATURE AND LEG COUNSEL AND OUR TEAM RELIES ON TOOLS LIKE THAT TO BE EVEN BETTER AT THEIR CRAFT.

BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, LIKE I SAID KIND OF EARLIER, WE HAD TO PRODUCE OPTIONS ON WHAT WE MAYBE COULD OFFSET TO REACH THE TARGET OF 10% AND THAT IS A TOOL WE USE THAT WE PROPOSED.

>> I'LL JUST ADD WE DO PRO-ACTIVELY TRY TO GET AHEAD OF THIS AND TRY TO RENEGOTIATE WITH OUR VARIOUS SOFTWARE VENDORS AND SUBSCRIPTION PROVIDERS AS WELL AS SOME OF OUR CONSULTANTS.

BUT WE -- ANYTIME THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT MAKING CUTS TO THESE SERVICES, WE TRY TO FIND ANOTHER OPTION OR MAYBE A MORE COST AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR THE COUNTY.

>> YOU SPOKE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS.

CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE WORK AND HOW THEY'VE HELPED WITH THE WORK IGA HAS DONE IN LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS?

>> I'LL START WITH OUR FEDERAL CONSULTANTS.

IT'S NICE TO HAVE SOMEBODY WHO IS A LIFETIME PROFESSIONAL LIFETIME CREATURE OF WASHINGTON DC, EXTENSIVE HISTORY WORKING IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND ON CAPITOL HILL AND MAINTAINING THOSE RELATIONSHIPS ON A DAILY BASIS.

SO FILL IN FOR WHEN -- WE'RE THERE FREQUENTLY BUT WE'RE NOT THERE ALL THE TIME. BUT ALSO JUST THE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE. FEDERAL LEGISLATION IS JUST SO DENSE AND PARTICULARLY ON INFRASTRUCTURE LIKE FLOOD CONTROL MATTERS. THEY PROVIDE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE AS WELL AS JUST GUIDANCE ON THE BEST WAY TO APPROACH LIKE FOR INSTANCE WHEN WE'RE COMMENTING RIGHT NOW ON THESE POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE ONB CHANGES, BEING ABLE TO REALLY WEIGH IN WITH THEM AND GET THEIR PERSPECTIVE, WHICH IS INFORMED BY THE NETWORK OF RELATIONSHIPS THEY HAVE IS INVALUABLE.

AND AT THE STATE LEVEL IT'S THE SAME THING.

THESE ARE SERIOUS PROFESSIONALS THAT SPEND A LONG TIME WORKING IN TEXAS STATE GOVERNMENT. SO YEAH, THEY'RE AN ESSENTIAL TOOL IN CONTINUING TO PROTECT THE COUNTY AND TO MAXIMIZE THE RESOURCES THAT WE CAN BRING IN TO SERVE OUR RESIDENTS.

>> AND LAST QUESTION: WE SPOKE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE TURNOVER AND THE LIMITED STAFFING. IS THIS LEVEL OF TURNOVER THAT Y'ALL ARE SEEING THIS YEAR NORMAL FOR IGA? AND ARE THERE ANY MITIGATION TECHNIQUES?

[01:05:08]

>> OUR TURNOVER AT THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT BEEN -- ARE YOU REFERRING TO SOME OF THE NEW MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, NEW

STAFF COMING IN? >> YEAH, I'LL SAY OUR TEAM -- THE TURNOVER OF OUR TEAM AVERAGES MAYBE ONE PERSON APPEAR YEAR FOR THE LAST FIVE, SIX YEARS BUT IF YOU'RE REFERRING TO EXTERNALLY OUR OUR DELEGATION, S 25% OUR 43 MEMBERS INCLUDING A U.S. SENATOR WILL BE NEW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME.

HALF THE HOUSE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MEMBERS ARE NOT RETURNING. I DON'T THINK WE'VE SEEN THIS IN A LONG TIME AND THEN THE STATESIDE IS JUST AS DISRUPTIVE IN THE CHANGES . AND THIS WILL TRICKLE DOWN EVERYWHERE. NEW COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, NEW CHAIR, NEW CHAIRS, NEW VICE CHAIRS, NEW CAUCUS LEADERS, AND

THAT'S -- >> IT JUST MEANS MORE WORK BUT

ALSO MORE OPPORTUNITY SOMETIMES. >> THANK YOU COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE. WE WILL NOW REVISIT FOR ANY REMAINING TIME. PRECINCT 1 AND 2, YOU HAD NO REMAINING TIME. PRECINCT 3, YOU HAD 1:14

REMAINING. >> NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU PRECINCT 3. PRECINCT 4, YOU HAD 16 SECONDS

REMAINING. >> NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU PRECINCT 4. WITH THAT WE THANK YOU AGAIN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS.

>> THANK YOU Y'ALL FOR THE TIME TODAY.

I WANT TO GIVE A QUICK SHOUT-OUT TO ALL OF OUR STAFF AT IGA.

WE ASK A LOT OF THEM, Y'ALL ASK A LOT OF THEM AND THEY REGULARLY JUST RISE TO THE OCCASION SO WE'RE VERY APPRECIATIVE AND APPRECIATIVE OF Y'ALL. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL COME FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

[County Attorney]

>> THANK YOU, COURT OFFICES. NOW WE WELCOME OUR NEXT PRESENTATION FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

THIS TEAM HAS ELECTED TO HAVE THEIR INTRODUCTORY REMARKS WITH ALL 5 MINUTES UP FRONT. EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH

PRECINCT 2. >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

TO PRESENT THIS MORNING. MY NAME IS ANNA BREWSTER AND I'M THE INTERIM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND I'M JOINED BY KEY MEMBERS OF OUR CAO LIERP TEAM. TODAY MARKS ONE MONTH SINCE ATTORNEY COUNTY HIT OFFICE AND WE HAVE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, BUILDING ON THE GREAT WORK OF THIS CRITICAL OFFICE, SUPPORTING EVERY COUNTY DEPARTMENT ENTITY AND INTERACTING DAILY WITH ALMOST ALL HARRIS COUNTY OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENTS.

COUNTY ATTORNEY CAM INIS FOCUSED ON FIGHTING FOR FAMILIES.

THIS INCLUDES CONTRACTING AND LEGAL REVIEW.

OUR WORK ALIGNS WITH MANY OF THE KEY OBJECTIVES IN THE STRATEGIC PLAN AND IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO WORK ALONGSIDE SO MANY DEDICATED STAFF WHO ARE COMMITTED TO THIS WORK.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE STRONG PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMISSIONERS COURT AND THE FORETHEY HAVE GIVEN US THE LAST FEW YEARS.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE HARD WORK OF ONB AND OCA AND WE SUPPORT THEIR RECOMMENDATION THAT NO SERVICE CUTS BE MADE TO CAO. I'M GOING TO FOCUS ON THE FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVES OF OUR OFFICE AND THE WAYS IN WHICH WE ARE DELIVERING BOTH REVENUE AND COST SAVINGS AND I WANT TO EMPHASIZE OUR CRITICAL AND LIFE SAVING THIS WORK IS.

OUR AFFIRMATIVE AND SPECIAL LITIGATION DIVISION BRINGS CIVIL ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, GENERATING NEW REVENUE INCLUDING PENALTIES, COST RECOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. AND THIS PAST YEAR WE SUPPORTED FMO SUPPORTING CLOSE TO 1 MILLION IN CIVIL PERMITSMENT DASH LETTER WE SAVED CLOSE TO 3.8% IN CONSTRUCTION RELATED LITIGATION AND WE USE ARM ACTIVE LITIGATION.

[01:10:07]

OUR TEAM SECURED 2-POINT # MILLION IN CIVIL JUDGMENTS FOR PENALTIES AND FEES AND OUR MANAGING COUNSEL OVER ENVIRONMENTAL IS HERE WITH ME TODAY TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF THIS CRITICAL WORK. COUNTY REVENUE IS ALSO COLLECTED THROUGH OUR PROPERTY TAX DIVISION AND JULY 2023 THE IMPLEMENT THERE PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS WERE MOVED IN HOUSE TO CAO. THIS ELIMINATED THE FEES AND SAVED RESIDENTS OVER 8.8 MILLION ANNUALLY.

ADDITIONALLY, CAO COLLECTS APPROXIMATELY 1.65 MILLION IN DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES, INCLUDING 19 MILLION IN PENALTIES AND INTEREST AND 1.5 MILLION IN ATTORNEYS' FEES.

THIS OFFICE HAS ALSO ACHIEVED THE COUNTY BENCHMARK OF OVER 85% IN DELINQUENT TOLL REDUCTION. OUR COMPLIANCE AND REVENUE DIVISION ALSO COLLECTS AND GENERATES REVENUE WHILE PREVENTING FINANCIAL LOSS. IN FY26 THE DIVISION COLLECTED 6.5348 AND APPROXIMATELY 7.9 MILLION COLLECTED ANNUALLY BY PREVENT BE LIABLE AND RESOLVING CLAIMS. FOR FY25 THE TOLL ROAD DELINQUENT COLLECTIONS TOTALED OVER 62 MILLION AND WE'RE EXPLORING MECHANISMS TO FURTHER INCREASE THOSE COLLECTIONS. OUR FAMILY DIVISION PROTECTS VULNERABLE CHILDREN, SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WITH LITTLE COSTS TO THE COUNTY. THE CPS DIVISION IS STATUTORILY REQUIRED TO REPRESENT THE STATE AND CHILD PROTECTION MATTERS AND THIS PROVIDES ESSENTIAL LEGAL SERVICES AND PREVENTS CHILDREN FROM HOMELESSNESS OR ENTERING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

THE TOTAL 4E REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE STATE OFFSETS OUR PROGRAM COSTS INCLUDING SALARIES, TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT.

THIS YEAR IN FY26 WE'RE ANTICIPATING CLOSE TO 3 MILLION IN TITLE 4E REIMBURSE AND AND WE'RE ALSO WORKING WITH ONB AND HAVE IDENTIFIED THERE ARE OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS THAT COULD BE UTILIZING THIS FUNDING AT A SIMILAR LEVEL BUT CURRENTLY ARE NOT. I THINK THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW WE'RE PUTTING OUR HEADS TOGETHER TO SAVE THE COUNTY MONEY. WE STAND READY TO SUPPORT THE RECOVERY OF THESE FUNDS FOR ANY OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WILL BE ASKING FOR FUNDING TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE SENIORS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE IN EXTREMELY DIRE SITUATIONS AND OUR OFFICE IS FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS REQUEST.

ADDITIONALLY, OUR DEFENSIVE LITIGATION TEAM DEFENDS SUITS AGAINST THE COUNTY AND PROTECTS COUNTY ASSETS, WHICH WE HAVE SEEN TO SAVE OVER 11 MILLION. AND OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, CAO HAS CONSISTENTLY EXPANDED SERVICES WHILE STILL REDUCING OUR GENERAL FUND BUDGET. SO FROM FISCAL YEAR 2023 TO 2026, WE INCREASED THE EXPENSE BURDEN FROM 3.2 MILLION TO 24 MILLION ON OUR RESTRICTED FUND AND JUST WANT TO REMIND FOLKS THAT THERE ARE STRICT LEGAL PARAMETERS ON HOW THESE FUNDS CAN BE USED. BEFORE COUNTY ATTORNEY CAME INCAME INTO OFFICE -- WE'RE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS REQUEST BUT KNOW THERE ARE ALSO OUTSTANDING NEEDS THAT WE ARE WORKING TO DETERMINE -- WE KNOW ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS ARE NEEDED TO AUGMENT THE SYSTEMS AND PERSONNEL TO ENSURE SERVICE DELIVERY FOR DEPARTMENTS AND RESIDENTS.

COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN IS ALSO HYPER FOCUSED ON REDUCING COST AND FURTHER IDENTIFYING EFFICIENCIES FOR OUR OFFICE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I'M HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.

>> EACH COURT OFFICE WILL ANYWAY BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 2.

>> SINCE SARAH IS HERE I'M GOING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE.

THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF REGULATORY CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL SPACE AND I KNOW THAT YOU HANDLE MORE THAN ENVIRONMENTAL NOW BUT I WANTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HAVING YOU HERE TO ASK HOW THOSE REGULATORY CHANGES HAVE IMPACTED YOUR GROUP AND WHETHER YOU SEE A NEED TO GROW, AS A RESULT, OR DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED TO PULL BACK, BECAUSE THERE'S FEWER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COUNTY TO INTERVENE? AND HOW THAT'S IMPACTING YOUR PLANNING.

>> SO IN TERMS OF THE FEDERAL ROLLBACKS THAT I THINK IS PROBABLY WHAT YOU'RE REALLY FOCUSING ON, THERE'S REALLY KIND OF TWO WAYS THAT THAT CAN IMPACT THE COUNTY OVERALL, RIGHT.

NUMBER 1, IT CAN IMPACT OUR ABILITY TO REGULATE DOWN THE ROAD. AND AS WE'VE SEEN THE ROLLBACKS START, IT ACTUALLY HAS INCREASED WORK LOADS.

SO A GOOD EXAMPLE IS PARTICULATE MATTER.

WHEN WE'VE BEEN INVOLVED SINCE THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION LOWERED THAT STANDARD, WE INTERVENED IN THE LITIGATION TO PROTECT THE ROLE, WE ACTUALLY RECENTLY JUST GOT A RULING HOLDING -- UPHOLDING THE BIDEN EPA'S DECISION TO PUT A MORE PROTECTIVE STANDARD IN PLACE BUT YOU SIMULTANEOUSLY HAVE THE STATE NOT IMPLEMENTING THAT NEW STANDARD AND THE EPA NOT IMPLEMENTING THAT STANDARD TO WE'VE ACTUALLY FILED SUIT TO SORT OF FORCE THAT ACTION. SO THAT HAS CAUSED AN INCREASE

[01:15:01]

SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION OVER THE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN, AND AS YOU KNOW WE HAVE A LOT -- WE HAVE MORE RMP FACILITIES THAT ANY OTHER COUNTY IN THE NATION AND MORE THAN MOST STATES AND A QUOTE FROM THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS THAT THIS RULE DOESN'T WORK FOR HARRIS COUNTY IT DOESN'T WORK FOR THE NATION SO I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE'RE IN THAT ROOM. AS WE SEE THOSE ROLLBACKS CONTINUE THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL NEED FOR ADDITIONAL STAFFING.

>> OKAY. AND THEN COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS BEEN -- THERE'S OBVIOUSLY A TRANSITION WITH THE ELECTED LEADERSHIP, BUT THERE'S ALSO BEEN TRANSITION TO NEW OFFICES.

YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN TAKING ON A LOT OF MUCH NEEDED INVESTMENT IN THE OFFICE IN GENERAL: BUT ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES WAS TAKING IN THE TAX DELINQUENT PROPERTIES AND TAKING BACK TOLL ROAD ENFORCEMENT OF THOSE FEES AND PENALTIES.

SO I'M CURIOUS TO KNOW, HOW HAS THAT IMPACTED YOUR OPERATIONS, HOW ARE YOU PAYING FOR IT INTERNALLY TO SCALE UP, HOW IS IT GOING? DO YOU SEE OBSTACLES? I KNOW IT'S A LOT IN 2 MINUTES BUT -- OBSTACLES TO FULLY TAKING

THAT ON. >> AS YOU KNOW, THE COURT IN THE LAST BUDGET CYCLE HAD ASKED US TO TAKE ON THE VERY DAUNTED ROLE OF BRINGING PROPERTY TAX COLLECTION IN HOUSE.

WE STOOD UP AN ENTIRE DIVISION IN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND STARTED -- IT'S BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL.

THANKS TO THE VERY HARD WORK OF OUR CAO TEAM AND PARTICULARLY MIMI HAHN WHO DID WE'LL MAN'S WORK IN TRYING TO BUILD IT.

THAT FUNDING FROM THE COURT EXISTED FOR THE FIRST TIME.

UNFORTUNATELY THAT GENERAL FUNDING ENDED AND THAT IS FUNDING THAT WE HAVE NOW HAD TO ABSORB INTERNALLY.

AND SO THOSE CHALLENGES REMAIN. WE ARE COMMITTED TO CONTINUING TO SERVE THAT BECAUSE WE SEE THE UNDERLYING VALUE OF IT.

BUT THE INCREASED USE OF TAKING ON INTERNALIZED PAYMENTS BECOMES PROBLEMATIC IN THE LONG TERM. THAT SAID, CONSOLIDATED AND HAVING LOCATIONS WHERE WE ARE ALL ESSENTIALLY IN ONE PLACE HAS BEEN A GREAT ASSET TO US. AND SO THANK THE COURT AND THE BUILDING SERVICES GROUP IN DOING THAT, IT'S SO VERY MUCH A WORK IN PROGRESS, SO HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE ALL IN ONE PLACE AND

BETTER CONDITIONS VERY QUICKLY. >> NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2. PRECINCT 3, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> GOOD MORNING.

AND THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. S■O FIRSTLY I JUSTWANTEDTOASK WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS FOR THE CONTRACT LIFECYCLE

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM? >> GREAT QUESTION.

AND WE ARE WORKING HARD TO IMPLEMENT THAT, AS THE COURT KNOWS, THE CLMS SYSTEM WAS INITIATED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AS PART OF THE LARGER PROCURE TO PAY SYSTEM.

WE RECOGNIZE SOME SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCIES THAT EXISTED IN IT.

WE ARE -- WE STILL CONTINUE TO BE IN PHASE 1 OF THAT.

WE'VE GOT A VENDOR WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND PURCHASING AND MANY OF OUR OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

WE EXPECT TO GET THIS THING MOVING AT LEAST IN INITIAL PHASE 1 IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN CERTAINLY -- OUR HOPE IS BY THE

END OF THE YEAR. >> AND JUST TO ADD THIS IS DEFINITELY A PRIORITY FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN AND WE'VE DEDICATED RESOURCES TO PUSHING THIS FORWARD.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT UPDATE. MY QUEKS NEXT QUESTION IS WHAT E OF THE WAYS YOU'RE PLANNING ON INCREASING COORDINATION WITH THE

COURT OFFICES? >> WE'RE IMPLEMENTING LIAISONS TO ALL OF THE COURT OFFICE WHICH IS WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED AND AMONG OTHER MECHANISMS WE'RE REALLY FOCUSED ON AND HAVE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S COMMITMENT THAT SHE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH YOUR OFFICE AND OTHER COURT OFFICES AND SARAH HAS A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE THAT I THINK WE CAN HIGHLIGHT OF LATE.

>> SO I THINK [INDISCERNIBLE] HAS BEEN A HUGE PRIORITY FOR COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND WE REALLY DO WORK TO TRY TO COORDINATE AS MUCH AS WE CAN WITH THIS OFFICE AND MOST RECENTLY WE HELPED WRITE A LETTER FOR HIS OFFICE TO SUPPORT THE GOALS TOWARDS GETTING FAST REAR MEDIATION.

AND WE'RE HAPPY TO CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE AND WORK AS MUCH AS

[01:20:04]

WE CAN MOVING FORWARD. >> THANK YOU.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3.

PRECINCT 4, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK Y'ALL AGAIN FOR ALL OF THE WORK YOU'VE DONE TO DEFEND THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY AND TO SUPPORT THE COUNTY AND ALL OF OUR MANY INITIATIVES WE'VE HAD OVER THE LAST YEAR.

COULD WE GO BACK TO THE CONTRACT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

CAN YOU TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT KIND OF SERVICE LEVEL IMPROVEMENTS THAT WE'RE EXPECTING TO SEE FOR THE MANY DEPARTMENTS THAT Y'ALL SUPPORT COMING OUT OF THAT WHEN IT IS

IMPLEMENTED? >> SURE.

SO THERE'S THREE MAIN PARTS TO THE CLMS SYSTEM.

NUMBER 1 IS THE IT'S GOING TO SE AS A REPOSITORY FOR ALL COUNTY CONTRACTS. SECONDLY IT'S GOING TO ALLOW FOR AUTOMATED CONTRACT GENERATION. AND THEN IT'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO IMPROVE KIND OF THE END TO END PROCESS SO WE'LL KNOW AT WHAT POINT WHERE A CONTRACT IS. THE OVERARCHING GOAL IS EFFICIENCY, MAKE IT FASTER, BOTH FROM -- IN TERMS OF JUST DOING BUSINESS WITH THE COUNTY AND DOING BUSINESS WITHIN THE COUNTY. AND IT'S ALSO WE'RE GOING TO KNOW WHERE EVERY CONTRACT IS AT EVERY TIME, WHO OWNS THAT CONTRACT AND WHEN -- FROM A RENEWAL -- FROM INITIATION TO

RENEWAL TO ULTIMATE COMPLETION. >> THAT'S FANTASTIC.

AND WE'RE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT AND WE'VE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH YOUR OFFICE AND WE'RE VERY EXCITED TO SEE THAT ROLL FORWARD. I WANT TO PIVOT A LITTLE BIT TO TALK ABOUT WITH THE TRANSITION TO COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN AND THE FANTASTIC WORK SHE'S BRINGING TO THE OFFICE, CAN YOU TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT STAFFING, ANY POSITIONS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO

SUPPORT? >> I'M GOING TO HAVE OUR DIRECTOR OF CONTRACT SERVICES TAKE THAT QUESTION.

>> ALL RIGHT, I WATCHED THEM DO IT TEN TIMES BUT STILL -- ALL RIGHT. GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

THANK YOU. I THINK THAT WE ARE -- HAVE BEEN REALLY EXCITED TO WORK IN TRANSITION WITH THE TEAM, WITH THE -- BOTH THE ADVANCED LEAD TIME WE KNEW ABOUT COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN'S DATE. WE HAVE ADVANCE NOTICE THIS TIME AND MUCH APPRECIATE THAT. IT WAS VERY HELPFUL.

SO WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH THE TRANSITION TEAM, WE HAVE STAFF LIKE ANNA BREWSTER'S ARRIVAL AS OUR INTERIM COO, REALLY HELPING US LAUNCH AND ESTABLISH COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN'S VISION. SO RIGHT NOW WE ARE IN A DIFFICULT SPOT, BECAUSE WE HAD OUR EXISTING PCNS THAT WE JUST HAVE FOR THE OFFICE AND WE'RE TRYING TO IMPLEMENT NEW VISION AND BRING ON NEW TEAM MEMBERS AND STAND UP SOME NEW DIVISIONS SO WE'RE IN A LITTLE BIT OF A PCN TRAFFIC JAM.

WE HAVE INITIAL SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS IN THIS PROPOSAL BEFORE WE EVEN SUBMITTED OUR INITIAL BUDGET.

WE'RE EXPECTING TO ASK FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS WHEN WE DEFINE THE FULL VISION, WHEN WE'VE HAD MORE THAN 30 DAYS UP AND RUNNING. BUT IN TERMS OF ONGOING RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES, I THINK COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN'S ARRIVAL IS HELPING US GET SOME MOMENTUM AND ATTENTION AND CANDIDATE FLOW, OBVIOUSLY A LOT OF GREAT SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS WANT TO JOIN THIS MOMENT IN OF THE OFFICE.

WE'RE HAVING OUR MOST TROUBLE WITH RANK AND FILE FRONTLINE ATTORNEYS KIND OF EARLY TO MID-CAREER.

MOST OF OUR TEAMS ARE VERY WELL-BALANCED WITH BRAND NEW ATTORNEYS, VERY SENIOR ATTORNEYS AND KIND OF ATTORNEYS AT EVERY PHASE IN BETWEEN. THAT MIDPOINT, THAT FIRST KIND OF THREE TO FIVE YEARS, THREE TO EIGHT YEARS IS REALLY TOUGH FOR US RIGHT NOW, BEING COMPETITIVE, NOT WITH THE BIG LAW MARKET BUT WITH OTHER CIVIL LAW, OTHER CORPORATE LAW OPPORTUNITIES FOR GENERAL COUNSEL TEAM IN PARTICULAR.

WE HAVE A HARD TIME WITH SOME TOUGH TO FILL POSITIONS WITHIN CIVIL RIGHTS DEFENSE AND ALL OF THAT DEMANDS AS WELL.

SO WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN MORE

ATTORNEY POSITIONS. >> THANK YOU.

I THINK MY LAST QUESTION FOR THE TEAM IS REALLY DO YOU SEE ANY EMERGING RISK OR OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES COMING IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR THAT YOU'RE TAKING INTO ACCOUNT AS PART OF THE

BUDGET PROCESS? >> YEAH, I MEAN, AS WE GO IN -- AS YOU KNOW, JANUARY 2027 IS A LEGISLATIVE SESSION, EVERY -- AS EVERYONE ON THIS PANEL KNOWS, THE LAST TWO SESSIONS HAVE RESULTED IN JUST CHANGES THAT REQUIRE OPERATIONAL CHANGES BOTH AT THE COUNTY WRIT LARGE AND IN OUR OFFICE, EVERYTHING FROM -- THERE'S BEEN -- IT RESULTS IN REGULATORY CHANGES THAT NEED TO GET DONE, AND SO OUR BIGGEST SORT OF EVENT TO PLAN FOR IS

[01:25:03]

THE COUNTY IS A CREATURE OF THE STATE AND THOSE -- AND IN THAT SENSE AS THERE ARE CHANGES MADE THERE, THERE WILL BE CHANGES

MADE. >> THANK YOU.

GREAT TIMING. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 4.

COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR

QUESTIONS. >> GOOD MORNING.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU DO.

YOU'RE AN INCREDIBLE FIRST LINE OF LEGAL DEFENSE FOR THE COUNTY AND WE OBVIOUSLY APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK.

WITH THE TRANSITION FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY [INDISCERNIBLE] TO COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN I KNOW THIESSEN HANSMENTS WERE BROUGHT FORTH AHEAD OF THAT SHIFT. I'M NOT SEEING THE PRIORITIZING THIESSEN THESE 6 ENHANCEMENTS.

COULD YOU LIST THE TOP 3? >> WE WOULD LIKE TO WIND DOWN THE OUTSIDE COUNSEL CONTRACT THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE FOR OUR DEFENSIVE LITIGATION TEAM WE WOULD GENERATE COST SAVINGS AND FINALLY WE DO SEE A CRITICAL NEED IN TERMS OF ENHANCING OUR EXPERTISE RELATED TO TECHNOLOGY LAW AND THAT WOULD SPECIFICALLY FOCUS ON AI SO SEE THAT REALLY AS A CRITICAL NEED IN THE

OFFICE. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THE COST SAVINGS THAT YOU REFER TO, CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE BIT

MORE DETAIL OWN THAT SECOND -- >> RELATED TO DEFENSIVE

LITIGATION. >> SURE.

IN TERMS OF COST SAVINGS, RIGHT NOW WE USE -- BECAUSE OF THE HIGH VOLUME OF CASES PARTICULARLY ON THE SHORT SIDE WE WILL USE OUTSIDE LAW FIRMS TO MANAGE THAT PROCESS.

WE'VE CALCULATED THAT WE CAN SAVE -- WE CAN SAVE MONEY BY HIRING INDIVIDUALS THAT WILL ESSENTIALLY DO THAT WORK RATHER THAN HAVING THEM OUTSOURCED. SO REDUCING THAT EXTERNAL CONTRACT AND BRINGING FOLKS INSIDE.

>> AT THIS POINT, I KNOW THIS IS YOUR REQUEST NEW BUT NOW THAT Y'ALL HAVE HAD ADDITIONAL TIME WITH COUNTY ATTORNEY KAMIN IN OFFICE, DO YOU ANTICIPATE NEEDING MORE THAN THAT?

>> I THINK AS WE TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IN OUR OPENING COMMENTS I THINK WE'RE REALLY IN A TRANSITION PERIOD AND UNDERSTANDING WHERE THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO BEST SUPPORT THE COURT OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS SO I THINK WE WILL LIKELY NEED ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS IN TERMS OF

PERSONNEL AS WELL AS SYSTEMS. >> OKAY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. NO MORE QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE.

PRECINCT 1, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> TWO OF OUR SERVICE ENHANCEMENT REQUESTS DEAL WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE NEED OF INCREASED STAFFING FOR CHILD AND ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES?

>> SO WE HAD REQUESTED AN ADDITIONAL ATTORNEY TO BETTER SERVE THESE VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AND DUE TO INCREASED CASE VOLUMES AT THE JUVENILE COURTS.

>> THANK YOU. AND I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN TOUCHED ON ALREADY, BUT ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SERVICEN HAPPENSMENTS REQUESTS THAT SERVICKENS HANSMET REQUESTS THAT ARE OUTSIDE WHAT

YOU HAVE ALREADY REQUESTED. >> I THINK THE SUPPORT NEEDED FOR THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION SO THINK ABOUT WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKES IN TERMS OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND POLICY SUPPORT.

AND THEN AGAIN I THINK ALSO RELATED TO THE TECHNOLOGY LAW, I THINK THOSE ARE THINGS THAT WE HAVE INCLUDED BUT THINGS THAT WE NEED TO EXPAND UPON EVEN FURTHER.

>> AND THEN FINALLY I WANTED TO GIVE SARAH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE SUCCESSES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL TEAMS SPECIFICALLY WITH REGARDS TO THE CONCRETE BATCH PLANTS OR ANYTHING ELSE

THAT YOU WANTED TO TOUCH ON. >> THE CONCRETE BATCH PLANT PROGRAM, THAT'S A HUGE COLLABORATION WE HAVE WITH POLLUTION CONTROL. AND I THINK IT REALLY IS -- SPEAKS TO WHETHER POLLUTION CONTROL IS STRONG IN OUR OFFICE WE'RE BOTH FULLY STAFFED, THE WORK THAT WE CAN DO.

IN THE LAST YEAR WE'VE HAD 19 DIFFERENT CASES IN OUR OFFICE FOR DIFFERENT LOCATION. WE SETTLED TWELVE OF THOSE.

OR RESOLVED THEM. ALL OF THEM WERE FULLY RECLIENT AT THE TIME THAT WE RESOLVED THEM AND IT RESULTED IN OVER $1.44 MILLION IN CIVIL PENALTIES.

SO HOW -- IN PRECINCT 1, IN THE HEART OF THE 5 THIS WARD WE ASSESSED A 400,000-DOLLAR PENALTY BUT WE REALLY THINK THAT

[01:30:01]

>> THANK YOU. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 1. WE WILL NOW REVISIT FOR ANY

REMAINING TIME. >> JUST QUICKLY WE'VE TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

HOW IS YOUR TEAM WORKING WITH IGA DURING SESSION?

>> SURE, WE WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH IGA IN TERMS OF SUPPORTING THEM, OFTENTIMES BOTH IN TERMS OF BILL ANALYSIS, BILL CONSTRUCTION. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS -- AND I THINK -- I KNOW FRANCIS AND MATTHEW SPOKE TO THIS -- IS THAT WE GENERALLY BELIEVE THERE NEEDS TO BE AS MUCH COORDINATION AS POSSIBLE SORT OF WRIT LARGE AT THE COUNTY.

SO WE'RE COMMITTED TO DOING THAT BUT WE WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH

THEM. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2.

PRECINCT 3, YOU HAVE 3:12 REMAINING.

>> NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3. PRECINCT 4, YOU HAVE NO TIME REMAINING. COUNTY JUDGES OFFICE, YOU HAVE

2:26 REMAINING. >> WELL, IF I HAVE 2 MINUTES, I'M GOING TO TALK. NO, JUST AGAIN, JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK.

REALLY APPRECIATE IT AND LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK TOGETHER. THANK YOU.

>> PRECINCT 1, YOU HAVE 2 MINUTES REMAINING.

>> HAPPY TO TURN OVER MY TIME IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT Y'ALL WANTED TO ADDRESS THAT WE DIDN'T TOUCH ON.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. I THINK ANOTHER THING JUST TO SPEAK ABOUT IN TERMS OF WHAT WE'LL BE LOOKING AT IN TERMS OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IS WE HAVE SEEN THAT THERE ARE NEEDS FOR INVESTMENTS REALLY IN TERMS OF SYSTEMS, LIKE AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE OUR ATTORNEYS OFTEN HAVE THEIR COMPUTER [INDISCERNIBLE] BECAUSE THEY RUN OUT OF SPACE IN TERMS OF TRYING TO WORK THROUGH THEIR DAY-TO-DAY WORK SO WE ARE SEEING SOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENTS IN TERMS OF TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS THAT COULD REALLY HELP US AND FURTHER SUPPORT OUR OFFICE SO JUST AN EXAMPLE THERE. AND I THINK JAY SPOKE TO THE CONTRACT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING WE WILL WANT TO CONTINUE TO PUSH FORWARD AS CAO PLAYS A LEAD ROLE IN THAT BUT IF THERE'S ANYTHING ELSE WE CAN PROVIDE TO EXPEDITE THAT PROCESS AND HAVE THAT AT THE FOREFRONT OF WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON.

>> THANK YOU COURT OFFERSES. THAT WILL OFFICES.

AGAIN WE WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR PARTICIPATING. WE HAVE NOW REACHED THE TIME FOR OUR MORNING BREAK SO WE WILL PAUSE UNTIL 11:45 A.M. WHEN WE WILL RESUME WITH A PRESENTATION FROM THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.

. >> WELCOME BACK, COURT OFFICES.

[County Clerk]

THIS PRESENTATION WILL BE A 45-MINUTE ONE AND THE CLERK HAS ELECTED TO TAKE HER INTRODUCTORY REMARKS SPLIT, SO 3 MINUTES AT THE TOP, WITH 2 MINUTES FORECLOSING.

THEN EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED 8 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 3.

CLERK, WHEN YOU'RE READY. >> GOOD MORNING.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.

THE MISSION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE REMAINS CLEAR: TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT, ACCESSIBLE, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY.

EVERY DAY OUR OFFICE SERVES AS A CORNERSTONE OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT BY RECORD, REAL PROPERTY RECORDS, ISSUING MARRIAGE, BIRTH AND DEATH CERTIFICATES, MAINTAINING CIVIL PROBATE AND MENTAL HEALTH COURT RECORDS, PRESERVING OUR COUNTY'S HISTORICAL RECORDS AND ADMINISTERING FREE, FAIR AND SECURE ELECTIONS. THESE ARE NOT OPTIONAL SERVICES.

THEY ARE STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES ENTRUSTED TO US BY STATE LAW. AND WE CARRY THEM OUT WITH INTEGRITY, TRANSPARENCY, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC TRUST. FISCAL YEAR 26 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS: DURING FISCAL YEAR 26 THE HARRIS COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE MANAGED INCREASED SERVICE DEMANDS, IMPLEMENTING NEW STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND ADVANCING OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE OFFICE. WE COLLECTED MORE THAN 30.3 MILLION IN FEES, REPRESENTING A 6.9 INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR. THIS INCLUDES NEARLY $700,000 COLLECTED THROUGH THE NEWLY IMPLEMENTED MENTAL HEALTH FEE PROCESS. BEFORE ACCOUNTING FOR APPLICABLE REFUNDS. PROCESSED 453,000, OVER 453,000 REAL PROPERTY RECORDS, OVER 40,000 VITAL RECORDS AND OVER 59,000 MISCELLANEOUS PERSONAL RECORDS, SUPPORTING RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, COURTS AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES THROUGHOUT HARRIS COUNTY. FROM JANUARY 26 TO PRESENT --

[01:35:04]

I HOPE YOU HEARD THAT NUMBER, 1.36 MILLION.

THAT'S A LOT OF FILINGS. SUCCESSFULLY ADMINISTERED MULTIPLE ELECTIONS AND IN FACT BACK-TO-BACK TO BACK-TO-BACK ENDLESS ELECTIONS WHILE IMPLEMENTING NEW STATE ELECTION REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAINING SECURE, ACCESSIBLE AND TRANSPARENT ELECTION OPERATIONS. CONTINUED MODERNIZING OPERATIONS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY, PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS AND ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY PRACTICES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, STRENGTHEN ACCOUNTABILITY AND BETTER SERVE THE PUBLIC.

THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WERE ACHIEVED WHILE NAVIGATING INCREASING STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, GROWING SERVICE DEMANDS AND ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX ELECTION ENVIRONMENTS IN TEXAS. AS WE PREPARE FOR FISCAL YEAR '27 -- OH, WE'RE THERE. CAN I FINISH OFF THE LAST BIT? OKAY GREAT. OUR BUDGET FOCUSES ON TEN -- OUR REQUEST OF THE BUDGET, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART -- FOCUSES ON TEN FULL-TIME ELECTION TRAINERS, TEN FULL-TIME ELECTION HELP DESK SPECIALISTS, ONE SENIOR LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY ADVISOR AND ONE ELECTIONS ARCHIVE CLERK, WHICH I CAN GET INTO MORE DETAIL IN YOUR QUESTION.

THESE ARE STRATEGIC -- SORRY, I'M RUNNING HERE -- THESE ARE STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS THAT STRENGTHEN OUR ABILITY TO STRENGTHEN ELECTIONS CONSISTENTLY.

I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO DISCUSS AND TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, CLERK. >> EACH COURT OFFICE WILL NOW HAVE 8 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 3.

>> THANK YOU. CLERK HUDSPETH, THAT'S THAT'S A.

I THINK WE'RE LOOKING DOWN AT THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARCAND ALL THE BOXES OF STUFF, IT'S AMAZING YOU CAN KEEP UP WITH THAT. THANK YOU.

WHAT SIGNIFICANT CHANGES HAVE YOU GOTTEN FROM LEGISLATURE? AND HOW HAS THAT CHANGED YOUR JOB? WHAT ARE THE NEW STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS THAT YOU'RE WORKING

WITH? >> I'LL GIVE SOME BRIEF CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MOST IMPACTFUL AND WHERE WE'VE MADE CHANGES, BECAUSE I'LL TELL YOU, IF WE SIT HERE -- AND WE'VE GOT A LAUNDRY LIST OF LEGISLATIVE CHANGES THAT HAVE IMPACTED THE COUNTERPART CLERK'S OFFICE. ONE OF WHICH WE FINALLY REACHED IMPLEMENTATION AND YOU HEARD ME BRIEFLY SPEAK ABOUT WAS THE MENTAL ILLNESS FEE COLLECTION. FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AS LAW HAS REQUIRED, COUNTIES ARE TO COLLECT FEES, MORE IMPORTANTLY THE COUNTY CLERK, FOR PROBATE CASES WHEN IT RELATES TO MENTAL ILLNESSES. FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, MY OFFICE DID NOT HAVE THE BUILT INFRASTRUCTURE ALONG WITH THE PROBATE COURTS AND THE INDIVIDUALS AS STAKEHOLDERS AND SO WE WORKED REALLY HARD TO GET TO THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE.

I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT NOW WE ARE COMPLIANT, BECAUSE WE WERE OUT OF COMPLIANCE BEFORE THEN BASED ON THE FROM THAT, THE SYSTEMS, THE MANAGEMENT THAT WE NEEDED AND WE ARE ACTIVELY COLLECTING FEES FOR THAT, AS A MATTER OF FACT I MENTIONED EARLIER EXACTLY THE ROUNDABOUT NUMBER, SO TO DATE NOW THAT WE ARE FULLY COMPLIANT AND WE ARE FULLY IN ACTION WITH THAT PROCESS, OVER 700,000 COLLECTED THROUGH THIS NEWLY IMPLEMENTED MENTAL HEALTH FEE PROCESS. SINCE MAY.

SINCE MAY. SO THAT GIVES YOU A WINDOW OF SOME THOUGHT OF HOW QUICKLY THAT HAS TURNED AROUND NOW THAT WE'RE ABSOLUTELY IN THE PHASE OF RECEIVING THAT.

OF COURSE THERE'S BEEN MANY IN SERVICE MEETINGS WITH PROBATE COURT AND THE INDIVIDUALS -- OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY, ALL THOSE INVOLVED TO MAKE SURE THAT HOSPITALS UNDERSTAND WHO IS REQUIRED TO HANDLE THESE FEES VERSUS WHO IS NOT, AND SO WE ARE GETTING TO SMOOTHER WATERS, WE'RE WORKING ON CONTINUING TO WORK ON THOSE PROCESSES. BUT I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE, THAT SINCE MAY OVER $700,000, AND THAT WAS A BIG TICKET THING THAT WE SPOKE ABOUT IN THIS LAST YEAR, THAT THIS WOULD BE COMING DOWN THE PIPELINE AND HAPPY TO SAY THAT

WE'RE IN IMPLEMENTATION PHASE. >> VERY GOOD.

SO -- >> AND SO THAT'S JUST ONE.

BUT DID YOU WANT ANOTHER EXAMPLE? BECAUSE I CAN DEFINITELY GIVE YOU ONE FOR ELECTIONS.

>> OKAY. >> OKAY.

SO ON THE ELECTION SIDE, EVERY LEGISLATIVE SESSION, THERE IS A LIST OF THINGS -- OR BILLS AND LAWS THAT ARE PASSED THAT IMPACT ELECTIONS. IT'S NOT MY FAVORITE THING, BECAUSE WE HAVE A VERY SHORT WINDOW OF TIME TO TURN THAT

[01:40:03]

THIS BILL NOW REQUIRES ALL COUNTY OFFICES TO CONTINUE A VOTING PERIOD AND IT CHANGES THE WHOLE TRAJECTORY OF HOW ELECTIONS ARE ADMINISTERED AND THE AMOUNT OF OPERATIONAL WORK THAT HAS TO GO ON BEHIND THE SCENES.

NOW, PART OF THIS LAW SAYS THAT IT HAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY NOVEMBER OF 2027. AND THE LEGISLATURE KNEW THAT COUNTIES WERE NOT READY IMMEDIATELY TO IMPLEMENT THIS.

SO OVER THAT TIME, HARRIS COUNTY ALONG WITH OTHER COUNTIES HAVE BEEN PARTICIPATING IN WORK GROUPS AND RECENTLY HAD A MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WOULD BE ALL THE THINGS THAT HARRIS COUNTY WOULD NEED TO IMPLEMENT THIS. INCLUDING THE COST FACTOR.

BECAUSE THERE WILL BE A HUGE COST FACTOR.

SO YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING TOPIC.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS AGREED TO THE BILL AUTHOR, THE LAW AUTHOR THAT THIS WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL ALL 254 COUNTIES CAN IMPLEMENT THIS. AND SO WHILE WE ARE WORKING ON THAT RIGHT NOW I THINK WE HAVE SOMEWHAT OF AN ESTIMATE COST OF WHAT WE BELIEVE WILL BE ADDITIONAL ONCE WE ARE REQUIRED TO DO THIS EVERY SINGLE ELECTION CYCLE, AND IT IS ABOUT A 20% INCREASE TO THE OVERALL ELECTIONS BUDGET, BUT AGAIN WE ARE WORKING ON CRUNCHING ALL THOSE NUMBERS, THOSE DETAILS, THAT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ELECTION WORKERS, LOCATION STAFF AND BE COMING BACK TO HAVE A MUCH MORE INDEPTH CONVERSATION WITH THIS COURT ABOUT THAT. SO THOSE ARE TWO EXAMPLES.

ONE ON THE NON- ELECTION SIDE AND ONE ON THE ALEX SIDE.

ELECTION SIDE SO BUT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS SO

I'LL STOP THERE. >> WITH THE CURRENT PROPOSE BUDE PROPOSED AND THINGS THAT ARE IMPLEMENTED NOW THAT DON'T HAVE TO BE IMPLEMENTED LIKE YOU SAID THAT ELECTION CHANGES IN '27, DO YOU HAVE WHAT YOU NEED TO MEET YOUR STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS?

>> IF THE LEGISLATURE OR THE SECRETARY OF STATE SAYS, HEY, WE HAVE TO IMPLEMENT 2753 FOR THIS NOVEMBER, DO WE HAVE WHAT WE NEED? WE DO NOT.

AND I CAN'T SAY THAT THAT WON'T HAPPEN.

I SURE HOPE IT DOESN'T. I WAS TOLD THAT WE'VE GOT TO GOT TO GET ALL THESE MEETINGS TO TAKE PLACE BUT THERE WILL BE A NEED TO HAVE A MORE INDEPTH CONVERSATION BECAUSE STAFF WILL HAVE TO BE INCREASED. AGAIN, WE WORK AS MUCH AS WE CAN WITH THE STAFF THAT WE DO HAVE AND TEMPS BUT WE REALLY HAVE TO FOCUS ON -- AND I HOPE TO DESCRIBE THIS A LITTLE BIT BETTER FOR YOU ALL, THE REASON WHY THERE'S A NEED FOR MORE FULL-TIME STAFF RATHER THAN TEMPORARIES.

AND THE REASON IS BECAUSE GONE ARE THE DAYS THAT THERE IS TWO ELECTIONS, A MAY AND THEN A NOVEMBER.

NOW AS YOU ALL KNOW, SINCE LAST OCTOBER, ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE MONTH OF MAY, OUR OFFICE RAN 8 BACK-TO-BACK ELECTIONS AND IN THE MONTH OF MAY THERE WERE THREE ELECTIONS HAPPENING SIMULTANEOUSLY AT THE SAME TIME. AND SO ELECTED OFFICIALS WILL CONTINUE TO VACATE SEATS, CREATING SPECIAL ELECTIONS, THERE WILL BE RUN-OFFS BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THE TRADITIONAL TWO CANDIDATES IN RACES AND SO THESE ARE ALL IMPACTS THAT WE HAVE TO START THINKING ABOUT ELECTIONS AS A YEAR ROUND OPERATION AND THAT IT DOES NOT STOP.

AND SO FOR THAT REASON IS WHY WE'RE BRINGING TO THE TABLE VERY INTRICATE REQUESTS AS IT PERTAINS TO FULL-TIME STAFF SO IF WE WERE ASKED TO EXECUTE THIS IN NOVEMBER, WE WOULD DO ALL WE COULD BUT WE DEFINITELY HAVE TO COME BACK TO COMMISSIONERS COURT AND HAVE A MUCH FASTER CONVERSATION OF HOW WE PULL THIS OFF BEFORE NOVEMBER, BUT RIGHT NOW, EVERYTHING IS ON TRACK, BUT WE KNOW IN TEXAS THINGS CAN CHANGE BY THE DAY.

>> OKAY. VERY GOOD.

SO YOU HAVE A METRIC ELECTION REPORT RECONCILIATION ACCURACY.

>> MM-HMM. >> HISTORICALLY, HAVE WE

MEASURED UP ON THAT? >> YEAH.

OUR NUMBERS HAVE BEEN THE BEST TOP NUMBERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND I WOULD GATHER TO SAY PROBABLY ACROSS THE NATION.

FOR EVERY ELECTION CYCLE, WE ARE REQUIRED TO DO TESTING PRIOR TO THE ELECTION AND AFTER TO INCLUDE AUDITS.

AND THAT BODIES WELL BECAUSE WE'RE FOLLOWING THE -- BODES WELL BECAUSE WE'RE FOLLOWING THE ELECTION CODE SO THAT DOCUMENTATION, WHEN WE'RE DOING THOSE TESTING IN AUDITS THAT WE HAVE BOTH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATS AT THE TABLE THAT ARE APPOINTED BY THE POLITICAL PARTIES THAT SIT IN AND SUPPORT THESE OPERATIONS. SO WHEN IT COMES TO OUR ALLOCATIONS AND OUR AUDITS AND FINAL TABULATIONS, WE ARE AS CLOSE TO ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE. NOW, THERE ARE SOME THINGS IN THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF IT WHERE YOU HAVE VOTERS THAT COME AND

[01:45:01]

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3.

PRECINCT 4, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 8 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> CLERK HUDSPETH WE WANT TO START OFF JUST BY SAYING THANK YOU. I LOVE WHEN OUR OFFICE GETS A CALL ABOUT OUR COUNTY CLERK'S WORK IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF OUR ELECTIONS. I ALWAYS KNOW THAT REGARDLESS OF A PERSON'S IDEOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT OR THE THINGS THAT USUALLY DIVIDE YOU, IT'S GOING TO BE POSITIVE BECAUSE IN HARRIS COUNTY, A POINT OF PRIDE FOR ALL OF US IS HOW YOU SO EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY ADMINISTER SO MANY ELECTIONS, SO WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR EXCELLENCE AND WE'RE GRATEFUL THAT YOU PUT THAT ABOVE ANY KIND OF PARTISANSHIP AND JUST RUN GOOD ELECTIONS.

SO WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOUR WORK AND THANK YOU.

AND THANKS TO YOUR TEAM. >> THANK YOU.

>> I WANT TO START JUST BY ASKING A LITTLE BIT ABOUT TALENT. I KNOW YOU'RE A PERSON WHO BELIEVES DEEPLY IN PEOPLE, AND YOU ARE VERY FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE YOUR TEAM HAS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

JUST TALK TO US ABOUT LIKE ARE THERE ANY POSITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN UNIQUELY HARD TO FILL AND EVEN IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE YOUR TEAM HAS THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, TALK TO US ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY MAKE IT

RUN. >> YES.

SO I'LL GIVE -- AGAIN I ALWAYS SEE MY OFFICE AS A BIG OFFICE, BUT THE FULL TIME ELECTION WORLD VERSE YOU THE NOT FULL TIME ELECTION WORLD THAT STILL SUPPORTS ELECTIONS ARE VERY DIFFERENT SO IF I COULD START ON SORT OF THE NON- FULL TIME SIDE, AND I'M SO GLAD THAT YOU MENTIONED TALENT.

I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE WE HAVE SEEN THE I IMPACTS OF THE.

>> PAM: PANDEMIC INPANDEMIC IN THE WORKFORCE IT, AND HOW THE WORKFORCE HAS CHANGED. FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AND I HAVE TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN, I'VE SAID THIS TO THE COURT MEMBERS BEFORE, BUT TO ALL YOU ALL WHO HAVE WORKED REALLY HARD AND THE STAKEHOLDERS ON THE PAY EQUITY STUDY, IT WAS SO VERY HELPFUL TO MY OFFICE, WE WILL NEED A SECOND ROUND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GO THROUGH THOSE POSITIONS THAT WERE EITHER UNTOUCHED OR NOT EQUITABLE IN TERMS OF THOSE INCREASES, BUT THE PAY PARITY STUDY REALLY -- PAY EQUITY STUDY REALLY HELPED US TO JUST SOLIDIFY WHAT WE ALREADY KNEW, THAT NON- ELECTION SIDE WE HAVE MANY DEPUTY CLERKS WHO DO THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS, THEY'RE WORKING AT STAR FRONT ANNEX,S AND THEY ARE SEEING CUSTOMERS DAY IN AND DAY OUT. SO WHEN IT COMES TO THAT TALENT WE HAVE A LOT OF TURNOVER IN THOSE AREAS MERELY BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT THEY SO SOMETIMES WE GET REALLY GOOD FOLKS WHO REALLY WANT THERE TO BE LONG-TERM WORK BUT WITH THE CONTINUING REQUIREMENT AND CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENT, THAT IS AN ONGOING CHALLENGE ON THAT SIDE OF THE HOUSE WHERE WE SERVICE THE PUBLIC, WHERE WE ARE SERVICING THE COURTS.

SO MAKING SURE SUSTAINABLE WITH TALENT.

I BEEN A LONG TIME EMPLOYEE SO I KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF PUTTING RESOURCES BACK INTO THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN HERE BUT THAT KNEW WAY OF FOLKS AND BEING ABLE TO KEEP CONTINUITY HAS BEEN AN ONGOING CHALLENGE AND WHAT I MEAN MORE SPECIFICALLY, I MEAN THE FOLKS ARE PAID $21 AN HOUR, GIVE OR TAKE $21, $25 AN HOUR BUT THEY ARE NECESSARY BECAUSE THEY TOUCH THE PUBLIC EVERY DAY.

AM I MISSING ANYTHING TO THE TEAM ON THAT SIDE? OK. ON THE ELECTION SIDE, WHICH IS PART OF THE IMPORTANT REQUEST, I'M SURE WE CAN ALL ASK FOR MORE SUNK MOON AND SKIES, BUT WHEN I ABOUT WHAT WE ARE INHERENTING NEW LAW AND HAVING OUR CHALLENGES ON, AT THE TOP OF THE LIST IS FULL TIME ELECTION TRAINERS SO WE HAVE A MUCH SMALLER TEAM THAT IS FULL TIME AND WHAT I MEAN IS THESE ELECTION TRAINER TOS TRAIN ALL OF OUR ELECTION WORKERS.

AND AGAIN, WHAT USED TO BE MORE OF ADOPT THIS ELECTION TWICE A MONTH, NOW IT IS AN ONGOING OPERATION.

SO A GOOD DEAL OF THE FOLKS COME IN AS TEMPORARIES.

THEY LEARN THE WORK BUT THEY -- THERE SMALL PERIOD OF TIME.

THEY HAVE A MONTH TO BE ROCKING AND ROLLING BECAUSE WE TRAIN EVERY DAY AND YOU KNOW THIS BECAUSE YOU ALL PROVIDE THE FACILITIES FOR THE TRAININGS IN YOUR PRECINCTS.

THEY ARE TRAINING DANE NIGHT, SEPTEMBER ALL THE WAY THROUGH NOVEMBER ELECTION DAY. AND SO WHAT IS HAPPENING IS, SOME OF THE FOLKS ARE GETTING HIRED FULL TIME IN OTHER AREAS OF THE COUNTY SO WE TRAIN THEM, GIVE THEM KNOWLEDGEABLE, GET EXPERIENCE AND THEY ARE GONE, RIGHT?

[01:50:01]

THE NEED FOR FULL TIME IS IMPORTANT.

WE WILL ALWAYS GOING TO BE AN ELECTION CYCLE.

THE LEGISLATURE, ONE OF THE ITEMS I DIDN'T GET TO, IS A LOT OF LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE AND WHAT WE DO AND REQUIREMENTS PERTAIN TO TRAIN. IF YOU DON'T GET TRAINING RIGHT YOU WILL HAVE OTHER ISSUES IN THE FIELD WITH ELECTION WORKERS.

SO WE MUST DO THAT AND THERE IS LEGISLATION BUILT AROUND NOT JUST HARRIS COUNTY THAT CHALLENGES HARRIS COUNTY EVERY SINGLE ELECTION CYCLE PACED ON ARE THE FOLKS FIT ENOUGH AND TRAINING WELL AND EXECUTING? WHEN WE DO THE EVALUATION OR RECEIVE FEEDBACK OR COMPLAINS, TRAIN IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CONCERNS AND SO NOW WE ARE AT THE CROSSROADS WHERE WE HAVE TO BE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF MAKING THESE FOLKS FULL TIME ESPECIALLY WITH THE NEW 27, 53 AND JOHN HOW YOU ARE EVER READY FOR THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION BUT I DO KNOW IN THE NEXT SESSION, SOMETHING -- A LOT OF SOMETHINGS ALWAYS COME UP AS IT PERTAINS TO ELECTION AND REQUIRES A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME FROM MAY, JUNE, TO IMPLEMENTATION, BY SEPTEMBER 1ST FOR US TO BE READY TO IMPLEMENT. SO I HOPE THAT -- THOSE ARE JUST TWO EXAMPLES. ONE ON EACH SIDE OF A WAYS THAT TALENT IS MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE PEOPLE QUALIFIED IN THE AREAS, WHILE BEING ABLE TO PAY THE SALARIES.

THEN THE CONTINUITY OF BEING ABLE TO KEEP THE INDIVIDUALS IS REALLY IMPORTANT. I DON'T KNOW IF I'M MISSING

ANYTHING. >> GREAT RESPONSE.

APPRECIATED. WHAT A GREAT QUESTION, AS WHAT ARE THE -- MIDTERM ELECTION, WHAT ARE THE OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES YOU WORRY ABOUT? I WILL PUT IT A DIDN'T WAY AND SAY AS WE COME INTO THE VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION WHERE YOU ARE ELEVATED TURNOUT I WILL ASK WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT AND HOW

CAN WE SUPPORT? >> I APPRECIATE OUR ACT CLADS AND YOU ALL RECOGNIZING OUR WORK.

YES, EVERYONE GETS TO SEE ME BUT I HAVE AN AMAZING TEAM THAT KEEPS THIS WORK GOING EVERY DAY. IT'S A LOT OF FOLKS.

AND RETENTION AND MORALE IS A TOUGH ONE WHEN YOU ARE CONDITION SCANTILY HIT WITH ELECTION AFTER ELECTION.

NOW WHEY DIDN'T MENTION IS THAT HALF OF THAT STAFF ON THE NUN ELECTION SIDE CARRY OUT THE OPERATIONS AND IN THEIR DEPARTMENT BUT THEY SUPPORT EVERY SINGLE ELECTION.

SO THEY ARE TRAINED TO COME WORK ELECTION NIGHT TO COME IN AND INTAKE EQUIPMENT AT STATIONS, ANSWERING PHONES, SO THEY ARE NOT JUST COUNTY CLERK EMPLOYEES. THEY ARE EMPLOYEES THAT HELP SUPPORT ELECTIONS AND SO WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING MY PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST SIMPLY EXHAUSTED BY THE DEMANDS OF THE WORK WE ALREADY HAVE TO DUNE VERY LARGE COUNTY AND THEN THE DEMANDS OF WHAT WE KEEP GETTING HIT WITH FROM THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE, SO WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES, GOING TO LOOK IN THEIR FACE, WHEN WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL CYCLES SAYING WE HAVE GOT ANOTHER ONE, WE GOT FIGURE THIS OUT AND THEN THE OTHER THINGS THAT COME WITH THE POLITICS, THE LAWSUITS, THE THINGS THAT YOU CAN'T PREPARE FOR, THAT YOU HAVE TO AND YOU KNOW, LAWSUITS LEGISLATION, PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS, THAT PULLS US FROM THE EVERY DAY-TO-DAY WORK AND JUST KIND OF ADDS PRESSURE THERE. THAT RETENTION AND BEING ABLE TO BE TRY TO EXPRESS AND DO ALL I CAN, TO OUR STAFF, I TRY TO EXPRESS HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE. AND THANK THEM FOR IT BUT THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF THANKS THAT I CAN GIVE THAN FOR US TO REALLY INVEST AND THE PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE.

AND I THINK THE COUNTY IS IN A GOOD SPOT.

MUCH BETTER THAN MANY COUNTIES, BUT WE HAVE GOT TO TAKE IT UP TO

THE NEXT LEVEL. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. >> THE CHAIR: THANK YOU.

COUNTY JUDGES OFFICE YOU WILL HAVE EIGHT MINUTES FOR

QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU, CLERK.

AND THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR THE COUNTY AROUND OUR ELECTIONS ESPECIALLY THE LAST YEAR WITH THE MANY ELECTIONS WE HAD.

GOING BACK TO THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, THE COUNTY CLERK OFFICE HAS AN ENHANCEMENT REQUEST FOR SENIOR LEGISLATIVE POLICY ADVISOR. HOW IS TRACKING AND POLICY WORK

DONE WITHIN YOUR DEPARTMENT. >> YES.

WELL, WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT, IT IS MY CHIEF OF STAFF, CHIEF DEPUTIES AND WHOEVER ELSE CAN HELP OUT, MY FINANCE OFFICER.

WE DEPARTMENT HAVE SOMEONE IN THE FULL TIME POSITION.

FOR IN YEARS I WOULD HAVE TO SAY, WE PROBABLY WERE ABLE TO JUST GET BY WITH THAT. NOT ANYMORE.

I.G.A. HAS BEEN AMAZING. I HAVE SEEN A COUPLE OF FOLKS AND THEY HELP US AS MUCH AS THEY CAN BUT THEY ARE STRETCHED.

THEY ARE TRYING TO ASSIST THE ENTIRE COUNTY AND THEY HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB BUT IT IS NOW TIME THAT I INVEST IN THIS

[01:55:04]

AND AGAIN, THIS IS -- I'M THANKFUL FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY AND EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTS US BUT WE HAVE COME TO A PLACE NOW AND I HAVE TO BE PREPARED FOR 2027. IT'S IN A MATTER.

OF IF. THERE GOING TO BE BILLS FLYING ALL OVER THE PLACE AND I HAVE TO BE PREPARED IN THIS COUNTY AND THIS OFFICE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE AT THE TABLE FOR EVERY ESING /* /* SINGLE LAST ONE THAT IMPACTSES THE WORK.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

MY NEXT QUESTION IS THE COUNTY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT EVALUATING ANY NEW CUSTOM APPLICATION OR DIGITAL PLATFORMS?

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY. SO WE HAVE A MEETING THIS AFTERNOON THAT IS GOING TO KIND OF HELP AND THAT A BIT.

WHAT PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS WE HAVE DONE A MULTITUDE OF THINGS OVER TIME TO ENHANCE THAT PROCESS AND WE ARE LOOKING AT COUPLE OF OTHERS THAT CAN HELP US WITH REAL TIME RESPONSES BECAUSE AS I MENTIONED, THE COUNTY GROK OFFICE GARDINER EXPRESSWAY PUBLIC INFORMATION DOESN'T STOP.

AND BECAUSE WE HAVE SO MANY OPERATIONS, ONE IS COMMISSIONER ESCORT. WE ARE WORKING ON A MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THERE. THE COMMISSIONER COURT ON ITS OWN, GETS IN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUEST SO IF YOU BREAKDOWN EVERY SINGLE DATE CROSS MY OFFICE, THERE IS -- DEPARTMENT ACROSS MY OFFICE, THERE IS A LARGER PLATFORM TO HELP US. WE HAVE STAFF THAT MONITOR THEY AND NIGHT, BUT WE ARE LOOKING NOW, IN THE MISTST OF THE PROCESS TO SEE WHAT OVER ADVANCES CAN ASSIST US WITH THAT PROCESS. WE ARE 24 HOUR PUBLIC INVEST REQUEST AND WE ARE LOOKING TO ENHANCES THAN IN WAYS WHICH WILL COME WITH DOLLARS, RIGHT? WHAT WE ARE DOING IS BREAKING THAT WORK UP AMOXICNGST THE ORGANIZATION.

A PLATFORM -- >> SORRY.

>> WITH THE REDACTIONS IS A BIG DEAL.

I KNEW I WAS MISSING SOMETHING. SO I IF I CAN EXPAND ON ELECTION SIDE, MUCH OF THE INFORMATION REQUEST REQUIRE REDACTIONS BECAUSE THROUGH IS A LOT OF VOTER PERSONAL INFORMATION SO WE ARE HAVING A MEETING THAT IS WHAT I WAS THINKING.

THIS AFTERNOON, TO SPEAK WITH A GROUP OR NOT WITH A GROUP, BUT WITH AND ENTITY TO TALK TO US THE ABILITIES THE BEST WAY BEING ABLE TO REDACT THAT REAL TIME INFORMATION BECAUSE WE DO SUSPECT THAT WE WILL EXPECT THAT THE REQUEST WILL PICK UP THIS FALL. THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

>> BETWEEN THE THREE ANNEXES FOR PERSONAL RECORDS, NEARLY $700,000 OF REVENUE WAS GENERATED.

IS THIS TYPICAL? >> I THINK I HEARD SOMETHING.

DID YOU SEE THREE ANNEX? >> THREE.

>> WE HAVE 11 TOTAL ANNEXES. THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS SOME AWARENESS THERE.

WE CAN ALWAYS USE MORE. >> SORRY.

>> WE HAVE 11 TOTAL. I THINK THE $700,000 IS AROUND THE NEWLY MERRIIMPLEMENTED MENT HEALTH FEES FROM MAY UNTIL NOW.

TOTAL COLLECTION FOR THE FIZSCA YEAR WAS 33 MILLION IN FEES.

PERSONAL RECORDS, ANNEX AND THINGS ACROSS THE OFFICE.

SO THAT IS THE TOTAL IMPACT BUT THAT $700,000 WAS FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH FEES. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ANNEXES --

>> SO OF THAT 30 MILLION, 3.1 MILLION IS JUST FROM THE COLLECTIONS FROM THE ANNEXES ALTOGETHER.

SO WE DEFINITELY NOT ONLY NEED TO KEEP OUR ANNEXES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE APPROPRIATELY STAFFING THEM OUT OF -- WE HAVE OUR OFFICE DOWNTOWN BUT OUR TEN THAT ARE SURROUNDED AROUND THE COUNTY ARE NECESSARY.

NO ONE FROM CLEAR LAKE WANTS TO COME DOWNTOWN.

NORTH SHEPPARD, DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE COUNTIES, OF THIS COUNTY, AND I CAN THINK ABOUT A COUPLE OF OTHER PLACES WE EHAVE ANNEX.

THEY ARE NECESSARY. THEY HELP TOP KEEP THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC DOWNTOWN A BIT LIGHTER. AND SO I MEAN, RIGHT THERE, THAT NUMBER FACTOR IS A BIG DEAL. 3.1 MILLION JUST THE ANNEXES ALONE. NOT INCLUDING THE FOLKS THAT ARE

COMING DOWNTOWN. >> THANK YOU.

ONE LAST QUESTION. IN YOUR DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET MATERIALS THE TARGETED GOAL OF NUMBER OF EVENT ATTEND I BY OUTREACH AND VOTER EDUCATION SYSTEM IS PROVIDED, CAN YOU

[02:00:01]

>> OOH, YES. WELL, THE COMMUNITY VOTER OUTREACH PROGRAM IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST AN ATTENDED EVENTS.

IT IS THE FULL ON BRANDING P.R. EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.

SO WE DO HAVE A FULL-TIME COMMUNITY OUTREACH STAFF THAT DOES HUNDREDS OF EVENTS AROUND THE COUNTY.

EVERYTHING FROM GOING TO FACE BASED ORGANIZATION TO POLITICAL ORGANIZATION TO CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS TO DO -- SCHOOLS, YES, MOST IMPORTANTLY SCHOOLS. WE RECRUIT ELECTION WORKERS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOLS AND THEY ARE A BIG, BIG, BIG -- I'M LOSING MY

WORDS. >> ASSET.

>> THEY ARE A BIG ASSET TO OUR COUNTY AS A WHOLE BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY ELECTIONS. THOSE INDIVIDUALS SET UP SHOP ALL OVER THE COUNTY. WE DO DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE EQUIPMENT, PROVIDE REAL TIME ELECTION HANDED OUT RECRUIT ELECTION WORKER. YOUR PRECINCTS, I KNOW THIS EXEMPTION THE COUNTY JUDGE BUT COMING BACK TO THE COMMISSIONER EVERY SINGLE PRECINCT HAS BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE IN HOSTING SEMINARS AND THEIR PARTICULAR PRECINCTS, SOME MORE THAN JUST ONE EVERY CYCLE IN THIS CASE. THEY WERE NONSTOP.

OUR OFFICE COMES, THE XILTH -- IT IS A PARTNERSHIP AND WE BRING IN TONS OF FOLKS SO THAT IS HAPPENING YEAR ROUNDS.

AND SO THAT IS THE FOOTPRINT OF BEING IN THE FIELD.

>> IF A RADIO STATION SAYS WE WANT VOTER, DOESN'T MATTER, COUNTRY, RAP, CLASSICAL, WE WILL SHOW UP TO MAKE SURE VOTERS HAVE THAT INFORMATION. ON THE P.R. ASPECT OF IT AND WE JUST HAD A MEETING YESTERDAY TO SOLIDIFY EVERYTHING FOR NOVEMBER, IS EVERYTHING FROM TELEVISION, TO RADIO, TO DIGITAL, THERE IS NOTHING THAT GOES UNTOUCHED IN VOTER EDUCATION AND THOSE AREAS AND THAT IS TO MAKE SURE IT IS THE BIGGER FOOTPRINT. NOW WE HAVE ADS ABOUT JUST THE BASIC INFORMATION, WHERE TO GO VOTE AND INFORMATION, WHILE IN THE GYM, ON THE TREADMILL AND IN THE DENTAL OFFICE AND NOW WORKING TO GET IT IN THE RIDE SHARES.

SO AS MUCH AS THIS CAMPAIGN IS FUNDED TO, THE MORE WE CAN DO IN THIS COUNTY AND I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE OUT AS WELL OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CLEAR LAKE AND THE BILLBOARDS WE DO.

I KNOW I'M MISSING OTHER THINGS BUT I HEARD A BEEP.

I BETTER STOP. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I'M OUT OF TIME. >> THANK YOU.

PRECINCT 20, EIGHT MINUTES FOR QUESTION.

>> HELLO, PAREKH O/* PRECINCT ONE.

YOU DISCUSSED YOUR ELECTION TRAINER AND REQUEST FOR ELECTION HELP DESK. COULD YOU PLEASE SPEAK TO THAT SPECIFIC REQUEST, HOW THE STAFF IMPACT YOUR ELECTIONS

OPERATIONS? >> YES.

OUR ELECTION SPECIALIST PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR ELECTION WORKERS AND VOTER ISES.

WHILE EXPANDING MULTI LANGUAGE EXISTENCE.

TODAY OUR MULTI LANGUAGE IS LIMITED DESPITE SERVING ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE COUNTIES IN THE NATION.

HARRIS COUNTY IS REQUIRED TO HAVE ALL ELECTION TERRIBLES NOT ONLY IN ENGLISH BUT SPANISH, VIETNAMESE AND CHINESE.

SO WHEN IT COMES TO THE ELECTION HELP DESK THESE ARE THE INDIVIDUAL THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND, FIRST VOICE YOU HEAR WHETHER YOU ARE A VOTER OR ELECTION WORKER AND SO HAVING FULL TIME EMPLOYEES IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE TRAINING PIECE.

WE HAVE TO HAVE FOLKS THAT ARE EDUCATED, THEY UNDERSTAND THE ELECTIONS, NOT ATTEMPT WHO IS LEARNING ITS OR MAYBE NOT AS INVESTED, I DON'T MEAN ANY HARM BUT OFTENTIMES WE GET TEMPS TO GET PAY CHEQUE AND THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ELECTION OR SAYING SOMETHING WRONG OR HOW IT CAN IMPACT US IN TERMS OF LEGAL MATTERS SO WE NEED FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.

THAT TAKE THIS OPERATIONAL SERIOUSLY.

THAT LEARN THE WORK BUT IS READY TO ANSWER THE QUESTION OF THE VOTERS. NO MATTER WHAT IS GOING ON.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, SUPPORT ELECTION WORKERS IN REAL-TIME, DURING ELECTION CYCLE. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT COMMUNICATE, HEY WE GOT GET SOMEONE TO THAT SITE.

HEY, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE GET A TRAINER TO THIS SITE AND SO AGAIN, BECAUSE ELECTIONS HAVE BECOME YEAR-ROUND OPERATION, NOW IS TIME TO INVEST IN THE FULL TIME.

THANK YOU. >> RELATING TO ELECTIONS, THERE WAS AT REQUEST FOR AN ELECTION ARCHIVE CLERK.

CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE ROLE THIS PARTICULAR PERSON PLAYS AND

ELECTIONS ARCHIVE OPERATIONS? >> YES.

NOW WE HAVE TO PRIORITIZE FULL TIME POSITION, ON THE

[02:05:02]

AS YOU ALL KNOW, THERE WILL BE OR COULD BE CHALLENGES AND THIS IS A DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION. OUTSIDE OF THE CHALLENGES.

AND SO EVERY SINGLE ELECTION AFTER IT IS AUDITED AND DONE WE HAVE TO KEEP RECORDS FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME, ABOUT 22 MONTHS OR MORE. NOW IF THERE IS ANY LAWSUITS OR LEGAL MATTERS THAT HOLDS THAT INFORMATION UP IT HAS TO BE DONE VERY WELL, STRATEGICALLY AND THE RECORDS HAVE TO BE KEPT WRIT EASY TO POOL AND ACCESS AT ANY GIVEN TIME.

NOW THE CHALLENGE IS THAT CAN COME MEANING PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUEST, LAWSUITS OR THINGS OF THAT NATURE TO HAVE TO SEE OR TOUCH ANY OF THOSE DOCUMENTS, WE HAVE TO HAVE A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE NOW BECAUSE IT IS GROWING IS MUCH AND WE ARE GETTING SO MANY ELECTIONS. WE HAVING TO KEEP A LOT MORE RECORDS THAN WE HAD DONE THE LAST DECADE BEFORE.

NOW, THERE IS MORE ELECTIONS, MORE RECORDS TO KEEP AND MORE ELECTION LAWS WRITTEN AROUND HOW THE RECORDS HAVE TO BE KEPT.

AND, YEAH, KEPT IN TACT. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ONE.

AT ANY POINT IN TIME, SECRETARY STATIN CAN SAY, WE ARE DOING OUR RANDOM AUDIT, RIGHT? AND WHEN THAT IS DONE, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE INVESTED FOLKS THAT HAVE THE BACKGROUND TO HANDLE THIS. AND DO IT IN SUCH -- IN A

PERFECT WAY. >> THANK YOU.

NOW SHIFTING THE DISCUSSION A BIT TO SOME OF YOUR PROPOSED OFFSETS FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT. AMONG THEM INCLUDED A PROPOSED OFFSET RELATED TO P.C.N. IN PROBATE AND THE CIVIL COURT PROBATE P.C.N.'S. CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE IMPACT OF

THESE OFFSET PROPOSALS? >>

>> YES. AS YOU -- YOU MAY NOT KNOW THIS.

WHEN I SAY SUPPORT, FIVE PROBATE COURTS AT LAW AND THE FIVE CIVIL COURTS AT LAW WE HAVE ACTUALLY TWO DIVISIONS OF INDIVIDUALS OF THOSE DEPARTMENT. SO THE PROBATE DEPARTMENT MORE THAN 40 EMPLOYEES THAT WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT, AND THEN ACTUAL CLERKS THAT SUPPORT EACH ONE OF THOSE, COURTS.

BUT THIS IS FULL-TIME WORK. LETTERS, INFORMATION BEING SEPTEMBER, INFORMATION INTAKING, CUSTOMERS THAT WE SEE DAY-TO-DAY AND THAT PROBATE DEPARTMENT WHERE WE ARE SUPPORTING EVERYONE FROM THE LEGAL COMMUNITY, TO THE CONSTITUENT THAT IS HANDLING PROBATE INFORMATION. SO THE LOSS OF FULL TIME EMPLOYEE, WHICH INSTEAD OF COMING SAYING WE CAN USE TEN MORE, I'M SAYING CAN WE SUSTAIN WHAT WE HAVE, RIGHT? BECAUSE IF WE LOSE THOSE, YOU CAN HEAR IN THE NUMBERS THE FILINGS ARE GROWING SUBSTANTIALLY.

AND IT IS EITHER I AM ABLE TO PAY ANY PEOPLE MORE TO KEEP THEM, OR WE START LOSING FOLK AND SO HERE IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT STATUTORY DUTY THAT WE HAVE TO CARRY OUT SO THE LOSS OF THE EMPLOYEES WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND CAN IMPACT USES IN A WAY THAT WE CAN AFFORD FOR OUR OPERATIONS TO BE IMPACTED.

AND IT IS THE SAME FOR THE CIVIL SIDE.

THERE IS A DEPARTMENT OF 40-PLUS FOLKS OR A LITTLE BIT LESS, THOSE FOLKS ARE WORKING FULL TIME TO HANDLE THE PUBLIC FACING OPERATIONS. AND THEN WE HAVE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES AND THE COURTS THAT SUPPORT THOSE FIVE CIVIL COURTS IN SO THESE ARE VERY IMPORTANT OPERATION.

I BELIEVE THE JUDGES WOULD SAY THE SAME EXACT THING THAT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE EMPLOYEES IN THE TWO DIVISIONS.

>> YOUR DEPARTMENT OFFSET PROPOSAL INCLUDED P.C.N.'S WITHIN THE REAL PROPERTY RECORDS SERVICE.

INCLUDING DATA ENTRY, RECORD PRESERVATION.

CAN YOU SPEAK TO THIS SERVICE, HOW IT FUNCTIONS AND THE IMPACT?

>> IN IS ANOTHER DEPARTMENT THAT HANDLES PUBLIC FACING OPERATIONS EACH AND EVERY DAY. AND MONITORS FILING ON LINE.

AND DOES QUITE A FEW WORK. REAL PROPERTY IS ONE OF THE OPERATIONS THAT ARE CONSTANTLY GOING.

WE HAVE DIGITAL WAYS THAT INDIVIDUALS ARE ABLE TO STEAL FILE PROPERTY DOCUMENTS. AS YOU CAN SEE THE COUNTY IS GROWING EVERY DAY. THAT MEANS THE FILING ARE GROWING EVERY DAY AND SO THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

WE ARE RIGHT ON THE CUSP OF GETTING TO LAUNCH OUR DEPROPERTY ALERT SYSTEM. WE DON'T KNOW MUCH MORE OF AN INFLUX THIS IS GOING TO BRING YOUR WAY.

WE WILL SEND MORE E-MAIL, MORE MAILINGS SAYING CHECK THIS PROPERTY, MAYBE YOU FILE, MAYBE NOT BE YOU FILING.

SO -- >> WE WILL RECEIVE MORE PHONE CALL. WE KNOW THAT MUCH.

WE NONA IS GOING TO CREATE -- WE KNOW THAT WILL CREATE MORE PHONE CALLS IN THE DEPARTMENT WHEN CONSTITUENCY SEES AN ALERT AND THEY WILL WANT TO CALL AND IS LOOK INTO THE ALERT.

AND THAT WILL REQUIRE CLERKS WHO ARE FOCUSED ON RECORDING TO

[02:10:02]

REAL PROPERTY IS OUR HIGHEST GROSSING DEPARTMENT IN THE OFFICE AND SO TAKING ANY OF THOSE POSITIONS WOULD BE A DISSERVICE. GREAT DISSERVICE TO THE POLICEMEN WHICH IMPACTS TITLE COMPANIES, ATTORNEYS SO FORTH.

T THAT IS NOT A DEPARTMENT WE WANT TOP SEE AFFECTED IN ANY WAY WITH THE OFF-SETS.

>> I RESERVE THE REST OF OUR TIME.

THANK YOU. >> THANPRECINCT TWO HOW YOU HAV

AMINES FOR QUESTIONS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON AND GREETINGS TO CLERK HUDSPETH AND YOUR STAFF.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND BEING SO WELL PREPARED FOR OUR QUESTION, WHICH MANY OF MY QUESTIONS HAVE -- OR THE COMMISSIONER'S QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED BY THE PREVIOUS OFFICES THAT HAVE ALREADY SPOKEN.

JUST FOLLOWING UP ON THIS LAST QUESTION, WHERE YOU MENTIONED ABOUT THE DEED PROPERTY ALERT SYSTEM, MAYBE YOU CAN JUST HIGH LEVEL TOUCH ON HOW THAT IS GOING TO FUNCTION AND SORT OF THE ESTIMATED LAUNCH DATE, IF YOU CAN TALK ABOUT THAT FOR A

MOMENT, PLEASE. >> ESTIMATED LAUNCH DATE IS THIS FALL. WE WILL MAKE SURE WE HAVE ALL OF OUR DUCKS IN A ROW BEFORE WE GO AHEAD AND LAUNCH IT SO IT IS THIS FALL. AND IN TERMS OF HOW IT WILL WORK, IT IS A TWO PART PHASE. ONE IS THAT CONSTITUENTS WILL BE ABLE TO SIGN UP FOR AN E-MAIL INDICATOR.

THAT SAYS SOMETHING HAS BEEN FILED ON THIS PARTICULAR PROPERTY. AND IT IS ALERTING THEM TO CHECK OUT WHETHER IT WAS THEN THAT FILED IT OR SOMEONE ELSE.

THIS IS ONLY AN ALERT SYSTEM. THAT IS THE ONLY THING THE COUNTY CLERK OFFICE CAN DO. THE NEXT STEP IS JUDGES AND ATTORNEYS. THE OTHER THING -- WITH EMAILS IN THE COUNTY AND THE COMMON NAMES AND DIFFERENT THINGS THAT COME ALONG WITH IT, THAT EVERYBODY DOESN'T CHECK THEIR E-MAIL OR JUNK MAIL SO THE OTHER PHASE IS TO SEND POSTCARD MAILERS THAT SAY ALERT, SOMETHING THAT STANDS OUT, THAT GETS THE ATTENTION OF CONSTITUENTS TO SAYING HEY, MAYBE YOU FILING BUT CHECK THIS OUT AND SO WE HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH THE PHASE OF THOSE CREATIVES, NOW WE ARE LOOKING THROUGH ALL OF THE LANGUAGE THAT WILL GONE THE WEBSITE AND WE ARE HAPPY TO SAY WE ARE GOING TO BE LAUNCHING THIS FALL FOR INDIVIDUALS TO SIGN UP. SO A LOT OF INFORMATION WILL BE SHARED WITH THE COMMUNITY, YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY DO MUCH TO MAKE SURE FOLKS UNDERSTAND THIS. THE COUNTY IS DING DIFFERENT THINGS. THE COMMISSIONERS ARE DOING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY IS TALKING ABOUT IT MORE AND CASES ARE PICKING UP. THAT IS THE SMALL BITS AND PIECES. AM I MISSING ANYTHING, SHAYNE OR

ESTHER ON THAT? >> SURE.

TALK A BIT ABOUT THE MECHANIC OF IT.

CLERK COVERED IT WELL. THE OTHER AREAS THAT WE WILL HAVE FOLKS SUCH AS THE D.A. AND COUNTY ATTORNEY OFFICE INVOLVED POP .

THE COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS GONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND DISCUSSED IT AND HOW THEY PLAY THEIR PART. WE WORKED WITH THOSE GUYS TO LAUNCH THIS. THAT IS MULTI FACET, TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATION AND WORKING WITH ALL OF OUR PARTNERS.

>> SOUNDS GREAT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> I DO WANT TO ADD A DISCLAIMER.

A LOT OF TIMES SOME PEOPLE MIGHT FEEL LIKE, THIS IS A STOP-SHOP OR THIS IS GOING SOLVE THE ISSUE, THE CONCERN.

WE ARE JUST THE STARTING POINT, RIGHT? TO INFORM THE COMMUNITY, INFORM INDIVIDUALS TO BE MORE AWARE, CHECK YOUR DOCUMENTATION. CHECK YOUR PROPERTY RECORDS.

AFTER THAT THE REST OF THE PROCESS REALLY DOES INVOLVE ATTORNEYS, INVOLVES ALL THE LEGAL BEAVER, JUDGES.

SO THAT IS THE FULL FEST EXTENT OF WHAT WE CAN DO IN THE COUNTY LECLERC'S OFFICE. I DON'T WANT ANYONE -- AS WE GET TO THE NEXT SESSION OF THIS PHASE TO THINK SOMEHOW THIS ONE-STOP SHOP STOPS IT OR CONTROLS SOMEHOW HOW THAT WORK.

AND JUST SO YOU KNOW WE KNOW THIS IS PICKING UP.

WE CAUGHT PEOPLE IN REAL-TIME IN OUR OFFICE AND THE ATTORNEY ATTORNEY WAS READY TO GO. THE CAMERAS WERE READY TO GO.

WE CAN AGREE WE WANT TO BE AS PROACTIVE TO HELP EACH AND OTHER PEOPLE INCLUDING OURSELVES WITH THE COUNTY RECORDS.

>> THAT SOUNDS GREAT. IT WILL MAKE A GREAT IMPACT.

I WILL SWITCH GEARS A BIT AND JUST WANTED TO KIND OF TOUCH ON

[02:15:02]

IN CLEAR LAKE AND PASADENA AND I JUST WANTED TO ASK WHETHER YOU ARE SEEING NOW THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THE CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE OR MEET ANY INCREASED NEED AS THE YEAR GOES

ON FOR NEXT YEAR? >> I DON'T KNOW THAT -- DO YOU MEAN THERE IS SOME CHANGES TO THE CLERK LAKE IN PAN DEANA

ANNEX? >> ONE OF THE EARLIER REPORTS WAS ONE -- ONE OF THE EARLIER REPORTS I WAS LOOKING AT, SAID -- SUGGESTED ELIMINATING SOME POSITIONS AT BOTH PASADENA AND CLEAR LAKE AND POSSIBLE CLOSING THE SERVICES YOU HAVE THERE.

SO I DON'T BELIEVE THAT IS ON THE TABLE NOW.

>> IT ISN'T, YEAH. >> I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU BELIEVE THAT WITH YOUR CURRENT BUDGET REQUEST YOU WILL BE ABLE

TO MEET THE NEEDS THERE? >> YEAH, SO WE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE EMPLOYEES AT THOSE ANNEXES. THEY ARE ALL VERY SMALL.

IF YOU GO TO MOST ANNEXES YOU PROBABLY HAVE THE TAX OFFICE THERE, MAYBE A J.P. COURT OR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

MY STAFF THERE IS ANYWHERE FROM MAYBE ONE TO THREE PEOPLE AT BEST. IF WE REDUCE THE STAFF WE WILL HAVE ISSUES. IF FOLKS COME IN THEY ARE SERVE QUICKLY AND PROCESSED. WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT CLEAR LAKE AND PASADENA OR MAKING CHANGES ■ TO THOSE ANNEXES, THAT MEANS THOSE FOLKS WILL HAVE TO DRIVE TO ANOTHER PART OF THE COUNTY TO GET THOSE SERVICES. SO IT WILL BE A DISSERVICE AND I TRULY HOPE THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WE HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD ON.

>> OK. VERY GOOD.

AND THEN, THE LAST AREA I WILL GO OVER TO, ELECTIONS, MOST OF THE QUESTIONS I HAD, FOR THE COMMISSIONER REGARDING ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN COVER AND ANSWERED. THERE IS JUST ONE I WANTED TO CHECK IN WITH YOU, TALKING ABOUT THE TRAINING ELECTION -- ELECTION TRAINING AND THE NEEDS THERE AND THE ENHANCEMENT FOR FULL TIME STAFF IF THAT IS POSSIBLE.

BUT I DID WANT TO ASK, IN GENERAL, ABOUT HOW MANY ELECTION WORKER WORKERS /* DO WE ANTICIPATE WILL NEED BE TRAINED FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION?

>> I WILL AVERAGE. MINIMUM 8,000 OR A LITTLE MORE.

IT ALSO DEPENDS ON AMOUNT OF LOCATIONS, AVAILABILITY, BUT WHAT THIS TEAM SHOULD KNOW IS THAT WE ARE CONSTANTLY RECRUITING ELECTION WORKERS. WE HAVE A GOOD AMOUNT OF ELECTION WORKERS WHO ARE RETIRING.

AND SO WE ARE CONSTANTLY RECRUITING YEAR-ROUND.

BUT AT A MINIMUM, AT LEAST, 8,000.

AND I IMAGINE WE WILL GO OVER THAT BECAUSE WE ARE PREPARING AND THIS MIDTERM, AS IF THIS IS A PRESIDENTIAL YEAR.

I COULD BE WRONG. WE COULD NOT SEE BIG PURPOSE TURNOUT BUT I WANT TO PREPARE AS IF THIS IS A YEAR THAT WE DO

HAVE BIG TURN RIGHT? >> ANYWHERE FROM 8 TO 10,000 INDIVIDUALS. IT IS A NONSTOP JOB.

I HAVE TO GIVE KUDOS. THEY ARE PROBABLY SLEEPING AND TRYING TO GET REST BEFORE THE MEETINGS HAPPENING AGAIN BUT OUR TRAINING TEAM DOES AN INCREDIBLE JOB BUT THEY HAVE QUITE THE PRESSURE ON THEM TO GET THIS RIGHT.

SO I SURE DO HOPE WE ARE ABLE TO GET SOME HELP HERE.

IN THIS AREA FOR FULL TIME STAFF.

THANK YOU FOR THE THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU AS WELL AND THANK YOU TO YOUR TEAM.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU PRECINCT TWO.

ONLY COURT OFFICE TO HAVE REMAINING TIME IS PRESING ONE.

>> WE YIELD THE REST OF OUR TIME.

THANK YOU. >> CLERK HUDSPETH, YOU HAVE TWO

MINUTES FOR CHOOSING REMARKS. >> CONTRIBUTING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ANNUALLY TO THE COUNTY GENERAL FUND, WHILE FULFILLING NUMEROUS STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES THAT RESIDENT DEPEND ON. OUR OFFICE HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT WE ARE RESPONSIBLE STEWART OF THE TAXPAYERS DOLLAR AND RESOURCE. WE HAVE EMBRACED INNOVATION, IMPROVED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES AND ADAPTING LAWS.

BUT ELECTION ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO EVOLVE.

INTRODUCING NEW REQUIREMENT, COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITY, EXPANDED DOCUMENTATION STANDARD AND INCREASING OPERATIONAL COMPLEXITY. MEETING THOSE EXPECTATIONS REQUIRES EXPERIENCED PERSONAL, CONTINUITY, AND YEAR-ROUND

[02:20:03]

THE POSITIONS WE ARE REQUESTING ARE NOT EXPANSION FOR GROWTH.

THEY ARE TARGETED INVESTMENT. DESIGNATED DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN TRAINING, IMPROVE MULTI LANGUAGE SUPPORT.

LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE AND CRITICAL ELECTION RECORDS AND MAINTAIN THE HIGH STANDARD OF SENIORS THAT HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENT EXPECT. MEETING OUR STATUTORY OBLIGATION SERVING THE PUBLIC OFFICIALLY AND RESPONSIBLY PREPARING THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE FOR THE FUTURE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, YOUR CONSIDERATION AND YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.

>> THANK YOU, CLERK HUDSPETH. >> THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH.

>> OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL COMES FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY SHER RICH'S OFFICE. -- SHER RICH.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

[Sheriff Office]

WE ARE WELCOME A PRESS. ATION FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. TAKING INTRODUCTION REMARK WITH ALL FIVE MINUTES UP FRONT THEN EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT FOUR. SHERIFF?

>> I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TOP APPEAR BEFORE YOU TODAY TO DISCUSS MY PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITIES FOR THE COMING FISCAL YEAR. FIRST I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE MEMBERS FOR DEMONSTRATING A POWERFUL COMMITMENT TO THE SAFETY OF RES TENTS AND THOSE WHO PROTECT THEM.

THE COURT'S TRACK RECORD FOR PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SAFETY IS WELL ESTABLISHED AND IS MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.

I WANT TO THANK BUDGET DIRECTOR DA DANIEL D DANIEL RAMOS. WE FOUND OURSELVESER IN FULLY STAFFED. AND IN ADDITION, OVER TIME HOURS AMONG OUR DETENTION STAFF ARE ON THE DECLINE.

AND WE ARE REDUCING NUMBER OF INMATES OUT SOURCED TO OTHER FACILITIES. AS LAST WEEK, WE RETURNED 100 DEFENDANTTANT TO HARRIS COUNTY FROM OUTSIDE PRIVATE FACILITY.

WE CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS. RECENT INVESTMENT HELPED US TO RETURN TO VERIFIED COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARDS THISSIER AND THAT IS SOMETHING OUR TEAM IS VERY PROUD OF.

THE COURT SUPPORT HAS RESULTED IN IMPROVED OUT COME UP ACROSS MANY OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ENDEAVOR.

OUR HOMICIDE DEPARTMENT CASE IS ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

TODAY IS ABOUT LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AND SEEKING OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE SERVICE. ILL IS CERTAIN THAT THE COURT WILL BE TASKED WITH MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL WORK HARD TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM VALUE TO RESIDENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR ALLOCATED TO US.

TO THAT END, I ASK THE COURT TO CONSIDER FUNDING A LIMITED NUMBER OF INITIATIVES THAT WILL RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE

[02:25:04]

THESE FIVE PROPOSALS FOCUS ON HIGH IMPACT, COST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY, THAT DELIVER MEASURABLE RESULTS.

NUMBER ONE, THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE RECOMMENDS ADDING 25 DETECTIVES TO CRITICAL INVESTIGATION INTO CHILD ABUSE, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND FAMILY VIOLENCE.

DELIVERING JUSTICE MORE SWIFTLY TO VICTIM AND HELP STOP VIOLENT OFFENDER BEFORE THEY CAN HARM OTHERS.

WE RECOMMEND EXPANDING OUR SUCCESSFUL CRISIS INTERVENTION RESPONSE TEAMS TO ADDRESS THE OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR A MULTI DISLYNNARY RESPONSE TO PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS. NUMBER THREE, ONE OF THE PRIMARY GOAL IS TO MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PEOPLE AND PEOPLE ENTRUSTED INTO YOUR CARE. TO IMPROVE THIS EFFORT WE RECOMMEND PLACING ADVANCED SCREENING EQUIPMENT AT ENTRY POINTS TO HELP PREVENT WEAPON AND DRUGS AND CONTRABAND FROM MAKING THE WAY INTO THE JAIL. AS WE OPEN REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES WE SEEK FUNDING TO HIRE STAFF FOR THE SWIFT WATER TRAINING FACILITY, ATTACK TRAINING FACILITY, PRECISION DRIVING TRACK AND FARMS TRAINING FACILITY.

THEY WILL INSURE THAT FIRST RESPONDERS ACROSS THE REGION ARE WELL REPAIRED TO FACE MODERN DAY CHALLENGES WILL.

AS YOU ARE VERY MUCH AWAY, WE CONTINUE TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON OUT SOURCING TO MANAGE OUR DEFENDANT POPULATION, MAINTAINING MOMENTUM IN PURSUIT OF THE THIS GOAL WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL STAFF POSITION. THANK YOU FOR MAKING PUBLIC SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY. ALSO WANT TO THANK EVERY DEPUTY, DETENTION OFFICER, COMMUNICATION OFFICER AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER OF THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

BECAUSE OF OUR COLLECTIVE EVIDENT, HARRIS COUNTY REMAINS A SAFE COMMUNITY FOR ALL WHO LIVE, WORK AND VISIT HERE.

AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO RESPOND TO ANY QUESTIONS AND BEFORE DOING SO I DO WANT TO RECOGNIZE MEMBERS OF MY TEAM, RIGHT, FINANCE DIRECTOR MICHAEL, CHIEF DEPUTY, TOMMY DIAZ AND THANK YOU. I KNOW YOU PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE AS STAFF MEMBERS AND IT IS AN IMPORTANT ROLE AND OFTEN GOES UNDER APPRECIATED BY OTHERS. I HAVE BEEN MONITORING OTHER PRESENTATION AND YOU ALL ASK GOOD QUESTIONS AND SHAPE THAT INFORMATION WITH YOUR RESPECTIVE COMMISSIONERS SO THANK YOU FOR A

JOB WELL DONE. >> THANK YOU, CHAIR.

EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT FOUR.

>> HELLO, SHERIFF. I'M WITH LESLIE BRIONES' OFFICE.

WANT TO THANK JOB WITH VISITORS AND RESIDENTS COMING INTO DOWNTOWN AND JUST MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY AND I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE EXCELLENT JOB ALL SO YOU DONE INCLUDING OUR CONSTABLES.

SO WITH THIS BEING SAID, COMMISSIONER, I -- SORRY SHERIFF, CAN YOU DISCUSS HOW LAW ENFORCEMENT PAY PARITY HAS AFFECTED THE PATROL DIVISION AND ANY OUT COME FOR THE RETENTION

AND OPERATIONS? >> YES.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING.

WE HAVE SHOWN THIS REGION CAN PUT ON LAKE SCALE EVENTS AND DO IT SAFELY. WE MOUNTAINED THE MULTI LAYERED APPROACH. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THOSE THAT, WITH TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE WE PUT ON A SAFE EVENT.

THANKS SO THE EFFORTS OF THIS COURT, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REALLY STABILIZE OUR WORKFORCE. WE WERE AFRAID OF POTENTIALLY SEEING A MASS EXODUS. WE ADDRESSED THE COURT WITH THE CONCERNS WHEN WE WERE SEEING THAT THE PAY WAS REALLY -- STARTING TO SEE A LARGER GAP HERE IN THE REGION AND WE WERE POTENTIALLY GOING TO LOSE A LOT OF TALENT AND EXPERTISE TO OTHER AGENCY. SURROUNDING US BECAUSE THEY WERE INCREASING THEIR PAY SCALES AND SO WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO NEUTRALIZE THAT. WE REDUCED INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE LEAVING THE AGENCY, AND SO THAT HAS BEEN A POSITIVE MORALE IS VERY HIGH AS WELL. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN AND CONTINUE TO DELIVER STRONG SERVICES SO WE ARE SEEING REALLY STABLE CRIME RATES, REDUCTIONS IN MINI CRITICAL AREAS.

IT'S BEEN POSITIVE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED SO WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. WE WERE AFRAID WE WERE GOING LOSE PEOPLE AND HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO ATTRACT PEOPLE BACK AT A MORE COSTLY RATE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO RETAIN THE BEST INDIVIDUALS THAT WE COULD HAVE TO SERVE IN THE ROLES.

>> JUST TO QUANTIFY THAT REDUCTION,

[02:30:01]

>> DEPUTY ATTRITION HAS BEEN CUT IN HALF.

SO WE ARE DOWN FROM TEN PER MONTH TO FIVE NOW.

JUST BEEN DRAMATIC. >> AND THE VACANCIES THAT WE HAVE AT THE MOMENT ARE PRETTY MUCH ACCOUNTED FOR BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO ON GOING BASIC PEACE OFFICER COURSES GOING ON RIGHT NOW SO THOSE WILL TRANSITION TO THOSE POSITIONS.

JUST COMPLETING THEIR TRAINING. >> ARE YOU STILL STRUGGLING TO GET PEOPLE TO WANT TO JOIN THE TERI SHERIFF'S OFFICE?

>> NOT AT ALL. WE HAVE A GOOD POOL OF CANDIDATES WE CAN CHOOSE FROM. WHICH IS GOOD.

IT MAKES IT -- IT IS A NICE PROBLEM TO BE HAVE WHERE WE CAN SELECT THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST TO JOIN US AND WE ARE SEEING THAT.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO PURSUE THIS PROFESSION BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY THAT WE ARE SELECTING THOSE THAT TRULY ARE GOOD FIT FOR THE PROFESSION OR COMING TO OUR AGENCY AND WE ARE ABLE TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE SELECTIVE WITH THAT BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE STILL JOINING.

I TALK TO COLLEAGUES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND LET ME TELL YOU THAT IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE. MANY ARE STRUGGLING TO FILL POSITIONS. MANY INDIVIDUALS NO LONGER WANT TO JOIN THE PROFESSION SO WE ARE GLAD, THANKS TO THE COLLECTIVE EFFORTS, THAT THAT IS NOT QUITE THE CASE HERE.

>> COULD YOU PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF DETENTION OFFICER HIRING, INCLUDING WHERE THINGS STAND ON FILLING VACANCIESEN AT EFFECT OF RECENT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

EFFORTS. >> WE HAVE SEEN POSITIVE OUTCOMES. THE COURT HAS BEEN SUPPORTIVE TO HELP US CONTINUE TO FILL SPOTS AS NEEDED.

. AND WE HAVE STABILIZED THAT WORKFORCE AS WELL. YOU HAVE GIVEN SIGNIFICANT RAISES TO THEM AS WELL. MICHAEL, JOHN IF YOU HAVE

ANYTHING TO ADD TO THAT? >> WE WERE BRINGING IN MORE D.E.O.'S NOW THAN WE ARE LOSING. WHICH IS GREAT.

AND WHAT THE NUMBERS LOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW, IS THAT WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS WE ARE GOING TO RUN OUT OF OPEN DETENTION OFFICER POSITION IS. SO WITHIN SIX MONTHS WE HE WILL BE FULLY STAFFED FOR THE POSITIONS THAT WE HAVE

AVAILABLE. >> WE ARE EXCITED TOO WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE TO PROFESSIONALIZE THE CAREER TRACK FOR THEM. WE ARE NOW -- BEFORE I JOINED THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE THEY WERE CAPPED AT THE LIEUTENANT RANK AND WE HAVE BEEN TO ADD CAPTAIN RANG.

FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO MAKECRETIONS THEIR CAREER.

BEFORE THEY WERE LIMITED BUT NOW THEY CAN CONTINUE INTO THAT

TRACK WITH THE NEW POSITIONS. >> THANK YOU, PRESING FOUR.

KUNTI JUDGES OFFICE, FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU. OUR REGION IS ABLE TO PUT ON BIG EVENTS EFFICIENTLY. YOU RECEIVED THE SERVICE ENHANCEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL DEPUTIES, WOULD THEY WORK WITH

HART AND IF SO, HOW? >> FIRST OF ALL, I TOUT HART.

WE WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THEM.

FROM THE PILOT PROGRAM TO EXPANSION, THE PRESSURABLE RESULTS. WE HAVE BEEN VERY THOUGHTFUL IN THE DEPLOYMENT BECAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE -- ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL. I ALWAYS BELIEVED IN YOUR PROFESSION THAT EVERY CRISIS MAY NATURALLY REQUIRE A DEPUTY TO RESPOND TO IT. AND THE MORE OPTIONS WE EHAVE TO KIND OF SEND THE RIGHT RESPONSE, NOT ONLY IT IS MORE APPROPRIATE FOR THE CALL FOR SERVICE BUT IT IS FREES OUR DEPUTIES TO GO AND TACKLE OTHER ISSUES THAT MAY BE PENDING IN THE COMMUNITY AND SO OUR -- CERTAIN TEAMS GET DISPATCHED DIRECTLY BECAUSE WE PARTNER WITH A CLINICIAN WITH A DEPUTY AND CERTAIN CULTURE SERVICE MAY MERIT THAT AND WE HAVE A BIG COUNTY SO BEING ABLE TO RESPOND, WE HAVE A PROVEN PROGRAM AND THEN WITH HART WE WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THEM. SOMETIMES THEY ARE THE PRIMARY RESPONSE FIRST BECAUSE IT MAY REQUIRE MORE OF -- LIKE A SOCIAL WORK KIND OF COMPONENT TO IT. NEEDS MORE INTENSE CASE WORK, AND CONNECTING PEOPLE TO SERVICES PERHAPS.

WHERE IT MAY IN THE REQUIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE IT TO DEPENDS ON WHAT IT. WE WANT TO HAVE THOSE TOOLS BECAUSE WE HAVE SEEN SIGNIFICANT -- WE HAVE A PROVEN TRACK RECORD. WE BELIEVE IN TRYING TO SHOW YOU MEASURABLE RESULTS SO THEN YOU CAN MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS.

NOT JUST SAYING GIVE US MORE AND WE HOPE THAT WORKS.

[02:35:04]

THE YEARS? >> YES, SIR.

THE SERT TEAM, MANY EMERGENCY DETENTION ORDERS OR REFERRAL TO HOSPITAL, WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF SUCCESS.

IT'S BEEN VALUABLE IN DEFLECTING FOLKS THAT NEED SERVICES AND IN THE SPREEINTRODUCTION INTO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW THAT WOULD NOT ONLY EXPAND THE NUMBER OF CHANCES WE CAN ENGAGE WITH FOLKS WHO ARE MANY IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS BUT SPEND MORE TIME WITH THEM AND MAKE SURE WE ARE GIVING THOSE PARTICULAR CALLS THE AMOUNT OF THIME THEY DESERVE. DURING THE FIFA EVENT THERE WAS A PERSON WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AT I-10 AND 45 AND REGARDLESS WHERE IT WAS, THE OUR TEAM RESPONDED AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH H.P.D. AND PATROL AND HOUSTON FIRE WE WERE ABLE TO RESOLVE THAT. GET THAT MAN -- TALK HIM OFF THE LEDGE AND GET HIMMEN INTO MEDICAL SERVICES.

>> IT PAIRS WITH THE DEPUTIES SO YOU HAVE BOTH PERSPECTIVE AND CAN TRIAGE THAT SITUATION. IT BENEFITS ALL YOUR CONSTITUENTS WHEN THAT TYPE OF TEAM CAN GO OUT THERE AND REALLY HELP SAVE LIVES BECAUSE SOMETIMES FAMILIES JUST NEED HELP. IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION TO NAVIGATE SOMEBODY IN CRISIS OR MENTAL HEALTH AND GETTING THE PROFESSIONALS OUT THERE QUICKLY IS REALLY IMPORTANT AND THIS IS

A PROVEN MODEL. >> THANK YOU.

I WILL MOVE ONTO THE DETENTION FROM THE NEXT QUESTION.

CAN YOU ELABORATE ON YOUR SERVICE ENHANCEMENT FOR JAIL SCREENING EQUIPMENT AND NEED FOR THIS SUCH AS HOW IT WOULD

IMPROVE SAFETY? >> YES.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE FOUND OVER THE YEARS IS THAT CORRECTIONS BRIEF IT O-- BELIEV OR NOT ARE NOT IMMUNE FOR INDIVIDUALS TRYING TO BRING IN CONTRABAND.

THEY ARE VERY CREATIVEMENT IT CAN COME IN PAPER FORM ALL THE WAY TO STILL TRADITIONAL DRUGS THAT WE HAVE SEEN YEARS PAST AND SO IT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE SO BEING ABLE TO HAVE MODERN UPDATED EQUIPMENT AT MULTIPLE ENTRY POINTS IS NOT ONLY SAFE FOR THE INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE SURE THINGS ARE NOT COMING IN TO OUR SECURE FACILITY, BUT ALSO TO PREVENT THE ENTRANCE OF NARCOTICS OR OTHER THINGS THAT CAN BE VERY TOXIC.

WE ARE SEEING THE SAME THING IN THE FREE WORLD, WHICH IS THE LEVEL OF TOXIC DRUGS NOW BECAUSE OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS, COMING IN COULD BE VERY DEADLY AND WHEN THEY MAKE THEIR WAY IN, THEN SOMETIMES THERE COULD BE POTENTIAL OVERDOSES OR OTHER CHALLENGES AND SO WE ARE TRYING TO PROTECT THE JAIL POPULATION AS WELL. SO IT IS TO ENHANCE SECURITY.

>> GREAT, THANK YOU. I WILL RESERVE MY TIME.

>> THANK YOU COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE.

PRECINCT ONE YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES.

>> BUILDING ON CERF AND HART, CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE DETAIL HOW THAT IMPACT OR BENEFITS THE CAPACITY OF YOUR OFFICE TO RESPOND TO OTHER CALLS AND JUST WHAT BENEFIT IT HAS TO YOUR

OFFICE. >> ON THE CERT?

>> BOTH. >> AND HART.

>> YEAH. HAVING UNITS AVAILABLE BECAUSE HOW MANY TEAMS DO WE HAVE RIGHT NOW?

>> WE HAVE 15 COUNTY WISE, 24/7 AND WE RESPOND TO A LOT OF CRISIS TYPE CALLS THAT REALLY MERIT THAT KIND OF DUAL APPROACH TO IT. AND THE MORE TEAMS WE HAVE, THEN WE CAN MAKE SURE WE HAVE MORE COVERAGE IN AREAS AS WELL AS TIME. AGAIN, ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL.

SOMETIMES TRADITIONALLY, LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MY OPINION UNFAIRLY IS ASKED TO SOLVE EVERY PROBLEM OUT THERE AND WE REALLY SHOULD FOCUS OR -- FOCUS OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO THOSE CASES THAT TRULY NEED -- THERE IS A VIOLENT EPISODE GOING ON, OR TRANSACTION HAPPENING. NOT SOMEBODY THAT MAYBE IN CRISIS WHERE MAYBE WE CAN PLAY A ROLE IN THAT AND HELP MITIGATE AND GET THE PERSON TO THE HELP THEY NEED AND THAT IS WHERE THAT MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN CAN GO BUT THERE MAY BE A WEAPON INVOLVED. MAY NOT BE SOMETHING WE ARE JUST A SOCIAL WORK APPROACH. HAVING THAT OTHER ELEMENT WE CAN DIS. A PATCH -- DISPATCH WILL BE A BETTER RESPONSE. THE SOONER THEY CAN GET OUT, THERE THE BETTER. THEY ARE FIELDING THE CALL AND YOU HEAR OUR DEPUTIES ASKING OR REQUESTING SUCH A UNIT TO GO OUT THERE. ON HART I AM A BIG FAN.

WE HAVE BEEN VERY PLUGGED IN. WE CONTINUE TO ENHANCE THE PROGRAM. I HAVE TASKED MY TEAM WITH BEING

[02:40:03]

OTHERS AS WELL AND THERE IS GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO CONTINUE TO SEND OTHER THINGS AGAIN WHERE MAYBE LAW ENFORCEMENT DOESN'T NEED TO BE THE FIRST PERSON THERE.

CAN BE LIKE A PERSON IN CRISIS AND SOME TYPE OF NUISANCE SITUATION WHERE THE PERSON NEEDS HELP YET LAW ENFORCEMENT GETS DISPATCHED, PULLED AWAY FROM CALLS THAT NEED OUR ATTENTION TO -- SO THE NUMBERS ARE THERE. WE CONTINUE TO SEE GOOD DEFLECTION IN TO OTHER PROGRAMMING, OTHER OPTIONSES TO STABILIZE PEOPLE'S SITUATION AND I THINK IT IS A WIN/WIN.

HAVING MORE JUST ALTERNATIVES, DIFFERENT APPROACHES IS SMART.

IT IS GOOD GOVERNMENT. HELPS REDUCE COST TO SOME EXTENT BECAUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT ISN'T HAVING TO SPEND A LARGE AMOUNT OF TIME ON SOMEBODY THAT MAY NEED EXTRA TIME TO CONNECT THEM TO SERVICES AND THAT IS WHAT OUR PARTNERS AT HART CAN DO.

I CALL THEMMER IN PARTNER BECAUSE IT IS A PARTNERSHIP.

I AM A BIG FAN OF THE PROGRAM. >> THANK YOU.

AND THEN FOR THE UNIFORM SUPPLY LOCATION AND ACADEMY EXPANSION A SWIFT WATER TRAINING FACILITY, IS IT POSSIBLE, TO USE -- TO STAFF THE LOCATION WITH EXISTING D DETY -- DEPUTY POSITIONS? UNION THIS WILL BE MUCH MORE EXPANSIVE. THE PROPERTY ROOM, WE ARE DOUBLING THERE SIZE WHICH IS VERY MUCH-NEEDED BECAUSE WE ARE LIMITED IN SIZE RIGHT NOW. AND IT'S GOING TO BE AREGIONAL ASSET AND BEYOND PERHAPS WITH OTHERS COMING TO USE THE FACILITY, SO BEING THAT IT IS A LONGER REACH AND MORE EXPANSIVE REQUIRES ADDITIONAL PEOPLE. WE WILL MAKE THE WORK.

WE ARE LOOKING TO SEE TOWARDS THE FUTURE.

WE WANT TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY. JUST GOING REQUIRE SOME ADDITIONAL PEOPLE, VERY TARGETED.

AND WE ARE HAPPY TO EXPLAIN WHAT THOSE POSITIONS WILL BE USED LIKE. CHIEF I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE FEEDBACK ON THE POSITIONS WE ARE LOOKING AT?

>> YES. THANK YOU.

SIR. WE WANT TO PREPARE FOR THE TRAIN, FACILITIES TO BE OPENED, SO IN ORDER TO DO THAT SOME OF THE PEOPLE WOULD BE SWORN, WHICH MEANS WE WOULD HAVE TO BE DIVERTED FROM FIRST RESPONDER CAPACITY SO WE DON'T WANT TO DIMINISH THAT ABILITY TO RESPOND TO THOSE THING AND SO THESE PARTICULAR FACILITIES ARE GOING TO BE STAFFED AND OPERATIONAL EVERY SINGLE DAY. AS OPPOSED TO LIKE AD HOC USE.

SO WE WANT TO HAVE DEDICATED STAFF THAT ARE HIGHLY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT EACH OF THE RESPONSES AND WE DRIVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES A YEAR SO JUST HAVING PEOPLE WHO ARE WELL-VERSED IN THAT WILL BE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE FOR US.

>> THANK YOU. PRECINCT TWO.

YOU WILL HAVE FIVE MINUTES. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

APPRECIATE. O LAW /* REGARDING RE REGARDING INITIATIVE IN THE JAIL, THE WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CENTER AND PROGRAMMING OUR DETENTION PERSONAL PERMANENTLY ASSIGNED TO THOSE PROGRAMS OR ROUTINELY ROTATED BACK INTO GENERAL JAIL OPERATIONS? AND IF ROTATIONS ARE OCCURRING HOW DO YOU ENSURE CONTINUITY WITH THE PROGRAMS AND MAINTAIN CONSISTENT OUTCOMES FOR PARTICIPANTS?

>> THANK YOU. YES, WE DO HAVE A TEAM THAT IS ASSIGNED TO THOSE DUTIES. AND SOME OF THE COSTS ARE -- WE ARE ABLE TO UTILIZE FUNDING THAT'S VERY LIMITED IN PRESCRIBED THAT NEED TO BE USED ONLY FOR THE USE OF DEFENDANT SERVICES. OUR TEAM LED BY CELINE THAT DIAZ AND OTHERS THAT ARE PART OF THE TEAM DO CASE MANAGEMENT.

AND THAT IS AN AREA WE ARE LOOKING INTERNALLY TO KEEP GROWING. BECAUSE OUR GOAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO TRY TO PROVIDE PROGRAMMING TO EVERYBODY THAT WALKS THROUGH THE JAIL. AND SOMETIMES HISTORICALLY WHEN YOU LOOK AT SOMBRE-ENTRY YOU GI THE INDIVIDUAL WITH LESSER CHARGE. I DON'T BELIEVE EVERYONE THAT COME US THERE THE DOOR NEEDS TO HAVE SOME LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT.

THE TIME WE CAN CHANGE BEHAVIOUR AND THEY DON'T REOFFEND UPON UPON RELEASE THAT IS A GOOD RETURN ON INVESTMENT.

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE LITERACY RATES.

[02:45:06]

>> THOMAS ANDREWS AND MONICA LOVE WERE KILLED.

IN 2025 -- >> OUR CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO EVERYBODY. WE WANT TO PROVIDE MORE PROGRAMMING TO ENSURE EVERYBODY HAS ACCESS TO SERVICES.

OUR WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CENTER IS ONE OF HOW EFFECTIVE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ADDING MORE.

EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO PROGRAMMING WHEN THEY COME IN.

AND NOT JUST A SMALL PROGRAM. >> AND AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THAT, TO WHAT EXTENT IS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE USING COMMISSARY

REVENUES? >> WE UTILIZE THE FUNDS.

COVID REALLY SLOWED US DOWN A LOT BECAUSE WE CAN BRING IN A LOT OF PROGRAMMING FROM THE OUTSIDE SO WE ARE TRYING TO GROW THAT AGAIN. TO REALLY FOR EXAMPLE HELP -- WE HAVE ON AVERAGE ABOUT ALMOST 1,000 INDIVIDUALS THAT SELF-DESCRIBE AS BEING UNHOUSED OR HOMELESS SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE CONNECT THEM TO SOME HOUSING OPPORTUNITY OR OTHER SERVICES UPON RELEASE, SO THEY CAN HAVE BETTER OUTCOMES WHEN THEY ARE OUT. AND SO THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE ARE TRYING TO WORK ON. SO WE DO DEDICATE FUNDING JUST FOR THAT. OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE PERIMETERS BECAUSE ITS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR SERVICES INSIDE THE FACILITY SO THERE CAN'T BE ANY EXTENSION OF SERVICES GOING OUT.

BUT WE TRY TO LOOK THAT BUT WE DO UTILIZE THOSE DOLLARS FOR SERVICES FOR INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS.

>> UNDERSTANDING THAT. AS LAST QUESTION, REGARDING FIFA, GIVEN YOUR CENTRAL ROLE ON HOSTING INTERNATIONAL EVENTS, WERE THERE ANY PERMANENT CAPABILITIES OR EQUIPMENT ACQUIRED FOR THE WORLD CUP THAT WILL CONTINUE --

>> SOME OF THE TRAINING WE WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE AND LEVERAGE AS PARTS OF THE OPPORTUNITY LISTEN BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO ENHANCE OUR SERVICE WHEN IT COMES TO DIGNITARY PROTECTION AND OTHER CRITICAL FUNCTIONS. THOSE ENHANCEMENTS ARE PERMANENT. ADDED TRAINING WE RECEIVED FOR EVENT SECURITY IS MULTI LAYERED. SO WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPAND THE LAYERS OF THAT SECURITY IN TERMS OF EQUIPMENT.

I DON'T KNOW SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT THAT WE ACQUIRED WE WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP. OTHER THAN THE COORDINATION WITH REGIONAL PARTNERS AND ALL THAT IS VERY MUCH STRENGTHENING.

WE ARE BIDDING FOR OTHER EVENTS THAT WILL COME TO THE GREATER

HOUSTON COUNTY REGION. >> OK.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

YOU WILL HAVE FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

PRECINCT THREE. >> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, SHERIFF. WHICH PERFORMANCE METRICS THAT

YOU GUYS MONITOR HAVE IMPROVED >> ONE HAS BEEN OUR CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO BETTER SERVE THE VICTIMS. IT HAS GOT MULTI ELEMENTS FROM WHAT THE PROSECUTION MAY REQUIRE AND FORENSIC INTERVIEWS. WE HAVE GREAT PARTNERS WITH THE CHILDREN CENTER AND D.A.'S OFFICE, AND BEING ABLE TO REDUCE THE TEAM IS WORKING HARD. THAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF ONE THAT WE HAVE BEEN MONITORING CLOSELY. WITNESS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO JUST LOOK -- WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LOOK AT PROCESS AND LOOK AT STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS ENTITY COORDINATION.

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO WORK WITH EXTERNAL PARTNERS SO BEING ABLE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM AND REDUCE -- FIND EFFICIENT SIS AND

PROCESSES HAS BEEN HELPFUL. >> WE HAVE DEDICATED A LOT OF TIME TO STUDYING THE PROCESS AND PROTOCOLS TO DO THINGS EFFICIENTLY. OFTEN TIME LIKE THE SHERIFF MENTIONED IT IS JUST THE NEED TO DO -- TO ADD THIS OR ADD THAT.

[02:50:03]

PARTNERS. >> ONE THING WE PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION TO IS THE OVERTIME. SO IF YOU LOOK BACK TWO YEARS AGO, WE WERE SPENDING 2.2 MILLION DOLLARS PER PAY PERIOD ON OVERTIME. THAT NUMBER FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR IS NOW DOWN TO 1.3 MILLION PER PAY PERIOD.

SO WE REALLY IMPROVED IN THAT AREA.

>> YOU MIC? >> SORRY ABOUT THAT.

HOW HAS THE GALLAGHER PAY STUDY IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS? IS THAT A RESULT OF BEING FULLY STAFFED OR PART OF THE PAY

STUDY? >> YEAH.

. >> GO AHEAD, CHIEF.

>> YES, SIR. WE WERE PARTICIPATING IN THE WAS BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER WHO FIELD ABOUT 1.4 MILLION CALLS PER YEAR IN THE EMERGENCY DISPATCH CENTER AND DETENTION STAFF.

IN ENSURING THAT THERE WAS SOME -- THERE WAS EQUITY THERE.

AND WE HAVE SEEN A REDUCTION IN VOLUNTEER SEPARATIONS AND IN BOTH OF THE AREAS SO HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL.

AND ONCE AGAIN, ACKNOWLEDGING THE COURT FOR PROVIDING THAT CONDUIT AND TO ENSURE THAT OUR FOLKS ARE COMPENSATED.

>> WE ARE STILL WORKING THROUGH THE PROCESS WITH CERTAIN POSITIONS THAT MAY BE AREN'T ALWAYS LIKE APPLES TO APPLES AND SO WE ARE WORKING THROUGH THAT AND WE ARE GLAD THERE IS A PROCESS TO KIND OF RESOLVE SOME OF THOSE, LOOK AT THE RECORDS AND INFORMATION AND TRY TO MAKE SURE WE ARE MAKING THE ACCURATE

COMPENSATION ON THOSE. >> ONE MORE QUESTION ON THE EFFECT OF BEING FULLY STAFFED. HOW IS THAT -- HOW WILL THAT

EFFECT YOUR RESPONSE TIME? >> YEAH.

WE ARE OBVIOUSLY VERY DEPENDENT ON STAFFING.

AND THE THREAT MATRIX IN THE COUNTY IS EVER EVOLVING.

SOMETIMES IT IS SOMETHING MAYBE RELATIVELY MINOR.

EVEN FOR THAT PERSON IT IS SOMETHING SERIOUS ALL THE WAY TO ACTIVE ATTACK. ACTIVE ATTACK SITUATIONS THAT WE HAVE TO RESPOND TO AND SO BEING ABLE TO FULLY STAFF SO THAT THERE IS A WELL TRAINED DEPUTY RESPONDING TO THAT CALL FOR SERVICE WITNESS SOMEBODY NEEDS THEM IS CRITICAL.

WE OPERATE 24/7. YOU SAW THROUGH COVID AND WHAT HAVE YOU, WE ARE ESSENTIAL SERVICE.

BOTH ON THE DETENTION SIDE AS WELL AS LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE, SO IT IS CRITICAL STAFFING FOR US.

WE DON'T HAVE THE BENEFIT OF NOT SHOWING UP TO WORK AND SO HAVING PERSONAL READILY AVAILABLE THAT IS TRAINED TO AND AVAILABLE TO DO THE JOB IS CRITICAL TO PROVIDE SAFETY FOR

THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY. >> WE WILL REVISIT FOR THE REMAININ REMA

REMAINING. >> CAN YOU PLEASE ELABORATE ON YOUR SERVICE ENHANCEMENT FOR G.L.C. MANAGEMENT AND RE-ENTRY

SUPPORT. >> YES, I WANT TO CONTINUE TO ADD MORE PROGRAMMING. WE WORK WELL WITH PARTNERS SUCH AS HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND OTHER PROGRAMMING WE WANT TO PROVIDE TO ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE DETAINED OR UNDER OUR CARE.

AND SO JUST PROVIDING MORE CASE MANAGERS WOULD REALLY HELP THAT SO THAT WE COULD BETTER TRIAGE FROM BOOKING TO RELEASE.

I ASK THE RHETORICAL QUESTION, HOW DO YOU WANT US TO RETURN THE NEIGHBORS BACK TO YOU? THEY WILL BE RELEASED AT SOME POINT. EVEN IF THEY GO TO THE PRISON JI SYSTEM.

WE CAN DO MORE INTENSE CASE MANAGEMENT.

WE SEE GOOD RESULTS. >> THANK YOU.

PRECINCT TWO YOU HAVE 24 SECONDS.

>> JUST BRIEFLY, SHERIFF, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SHERIFF ICE OFFICE HAS TAKEN ON FIREARM TESTING AND I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I.F.S. HANDLES CAN YOU ELABORATE ON WHAT THE PROCESS LOOK LIKE IN YOUR SHOP AND HANDLING THOSE CASES?

>> TOMMY? >> GREAT QUESTION.

YES WE DON'T DO A FULL FIREARMS LACK LAB LIKE THE FORENSIC INSTITUTE DOES. WE HAVE A COMPUTER SYSTEM AND

[02:55:02]

THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. AND SO THAT ALLOWED US TO CONNECT VARIOUS CRIMES ACROSS JURISDICTIONS.

SO MAYBE SOMETHING HAPPENS IN -- ON HARRIS COUNTY, ALSO WAS USED IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND WE ARE ABLE TO CONNECT CRIMES THAT IS THE BENEFIT WE HAVE FROM A QUICK ANALYSIS.

>> UNDERSTANDING THAT. >> THANK YOU.

AND PRESING THREE HAD NO REMAINING TIME.

THEREFORE THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE SHERIFF AND THE ENTIRE HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE. WE HAVE LUNCH BREAK.

WE WILL RESUME AT YOU. >> WELCOME BACK.

IT IS 1:45 AND WE ARE READY TO RESUME OUR AFTERNOON HEARINGS

[Economic Equity & Opportunity]

THREE MINUTES AT THE TOP AND TWO FOR CLOSING.

EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. BEGINNING WITH THE COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE. WHEN YOU'RE A READY.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON MEMBERS OF THE COURT.

MY NAME IS JIE WU. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT OUR PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT AND THE STAFF FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT OUR DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST YEAR. SO FISCAL YEAR 2026 OUR TEAM CONTINUED TO DELIVER MEANINGFUL RESULT FOR HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES. FOR EXAMPLE, OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM PROCESS DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN 8.8 MILLION DOLLARS, THROUGH TRADE ZONE PILOT AGREEMENT TO HARRIS COUNTY AND OTHER TAXING ENTITIES.

INCLUDING FLOOD CONTROL, HELICOPTER DISTRICT, PORT OF HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

THE APPRENTICESHIP ADVANTAGE PROGRAM MANAGED BUT OUR PLANNING INNOVATION TEAM, HAS SERVED MORE THAN 1800 INDIVIDUALS, EXCEEDING THE SERVICE GOAL AND HELPING RESIDENTS ACCESS QUALITY CAREER PATHWAY.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT TEAM CONTINUED EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND N.W.B.E. THROUGH NETWORK EVENT, ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP, ONE-ON-ONE ENGAGEMENT WITH COUNTY DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING PURCHASING, ENGINEERING, FLOOD CONTROL AND WE WILL CONTINUE CREATING MEANINGFUL EVENTS FOR -- TO INCREASE OUR N.W.B.SUPPLY POOL AND N.W.B.E. PARTICIPATION.

THIS YEAR, D.D.E., OF LED IMFROMATION OF HARRIS COUNTY WORK SITE SAFE I PROGRAMMED A VANCING ONE OF THE STRATEGIC PRIORITY TO CONTRACTOR SAFETY. WORKING CLOSELY WITH COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAKEHOLDERS WE DEVELOPED THE WORK SITE SAFETY PROGRAM EXECUTIVE MANUAL ESTABLISHED COUNTY WIDE FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT CONSISTENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION ACROSS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS SO THESE ARE ACCOMPLISHMENTS REFLECTED DEDICATION AND ALL THE HARD WORK OF OUR STAFF.

OVER THE PAST FIVE YEAR, D.E.E.O. HAS GROWN WITH EXPANDED PROGRAMS, BROADER RESPONSIBILITIES, AND INCREASING EXPECTATIONS. HOWEVER OUR INTERNAL SYSTEMS AND BUSINESS OF PROCESSES HAVE NOT ALWAYS KEPT PACE WITH THE GROWTH. FISCAL YEAR 26 WE WORK TO STRENGTHEN OUR OPERATIONAL FOUNDATION BY REVIEWING AND IMPROVING STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURES, ESPECIALLY WITHIN OUR CONTRACT COMPLIANCE TEAMS. WE ALSO IDENTIFIED THE OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE OUR DATA INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT STRONGER MONITORING TO, REPORTING AND DECISION-MAKING.

THESE EFFORTS ARE INTENDED TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, STRENGTHEN ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ENHANCE THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE TO THE COMMUNITY. SO THE PROPOSED F.Y. 2027 CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE BUDGET ALLOWS US TO SUSTAIN SUCH HIGH IMPACT PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT TWO PRIORITIES THAT IS THE CONTINUES

[03:00:04]

THE BUDGET INCLUDES AN OFFSET PROPOSAL SUBMITTED UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF PREVIOUSLY LEADERSHIP.

AFTER TAKING THE INTERIM ROLE I REVIEW THE PROPOSAL AND MADE SOME REVISIONS. WHICH ARE REFLECTED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL YOU HAVE IN FRONT OF YOU.

THOSE REVISIONS PRIORITIZE RETAINING POSITIONS THAT ARE CRITICAL TO PROGRAM DELIVERY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT WHEN I ASSUME THIS ROLE, THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING SERVICE ENHANCEMENT REQUEST HAD PASSED.

SO IF THE PROPOSED OFF-SET IS NOT TAKEN, MY PRIORITY WILL BE DIRECTED THOSE RESOURCES TO STRENGTHEN THE PREVAILING WAGE MENTORING PROGRAM. IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COUNTIES AUDITOR'S OFFICE.

SOP THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF D.D.E.O. LY BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY

HAVE FOR ME. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH THE COUNTY JUDGE OFFICE.

>> HELLO. AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THAT YOU DO IN REGARDS TO EQUITY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN OUR COUNTY.

MY FIRST QUESTION IS ABOUT THE ENHANCEMENTS AND THE MORE -- I KNOW YOU ONLY BEEN ASSUMED THIS ROLE, THIS INTERIM ROLE, FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND WE ARE NOT HERE IS WERE NOT -- WHEN THE ENHANCEMENTS WERE BEING PRESENTED BUT GOING THROUGH THEM NOW, THAT YOU HAVE READ THROUGH THEM, WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IF YOU WERE NOT ABLE TO HAVE THIS BUDGET? ENHANCEMENT?

>> YEAH. SO AS I MENTIONED, IN THE OPENING STATEMENTS, YOU KNOW, WE DIDN'T SUBMIT THE DEPARTMENT -- THE DEPARTMENT DIDN'T SUBMIT SERVICE ENHANCEMENT REQUEST.

IF I HAD A CHANCE TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL SERVICES RESOURCES WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE EMERGENT NEEDS IN STRENGTHEN CONTRACT MONITORING WORK. EFFECT SPECIFICALLY PREVILLING WAY, MONITORING TO WORK SITE SAFETY, MONITORING THINGS LIKE THAT. THAT IS MY HIGH PRIORITY ITEMS.

>> GIVEN THAT WE HAVE LOST A LOT OF OUR FUNDING AND A LOT OF OUR GRANT FUNDING AS WELL, DO YOU ANTICIPATE NEEDING MORE THAN WHAT YOUR CURRENT EVALUATION IS SHOWING IN REGARDS TO A NUMBER

-- ENHANCEMENT NUMBER? >> YOU KNOW, SO IN TERMS OF APPRENTICESHIP ADVANTAGE PROGRAM, I WAS HOPING TO RECEIVE FUNDING TO CONTINUE THIS PROGRAM.

RIGHT? WITH THE EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES, YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT CREATING A ROAD MAP FOR THE PROGRAM TOGETHER.

YOU KNOW, I'M HAPPY TO PARTNER WITH EACH ONE OF YOU TO CRAFT A PLAN FOR THE EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE.

>> WONDERFUL. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. >> NO OTHER QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE.

PRECINCT ONE, FIVE MINUTES. >> GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE.

MY FIRST QUESTION IS ONE OF THE PROPOSED OFF-SET IS THE REMOVAL OF THE PREVAILING WAGE MANAGEMENT POSITION.

THE IMPACT WOULD BE SEVER. IN LIGHT OFMENT REVIEW OF PREVAILING WAGE HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MANAGE THE EFFECTS GIVEN

CURRENT RESOURCE CONSTRAINT? >> SO IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL, I TOOK THIS OFF MY LIST.

THAT WILL IMPACT THE DEPARTMENT THE MOST OF THE RANKING USE -- USED TO HAVE THE RANKING THERE. THAT IS THE LAST ONE I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE UP. YEAH.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT. AND LIKE WISE THE REMOVAL OF THE PROGRAM PLANNING ANALYSIS POSITION IS DESCRIBED AS ANOTHER DISRUPTIONIVE OFFSET. WAS WONDERING IF THAT WAS REMOVED. COULD YOU WALK US THROUGH THE KEY ACTIVITY THAT THE DIVISION OVER SEES AND IF THE POSITION IS ELIMINATED HOW MIGHT BE THE RESPONSIBILITIES BE

REDISTRIBUTED? >> UNDERCOVER THAT FOR THE QUESTION. -- THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

AS I SAID IN THE OPENING STATEMENT, WE REALLY NEEDED TO BUILD A STRONG DATA TEAM, ENHANCE THAT SUPPORT INTERNALLY, TO HELP US WITH MONITORING AND THE REPORTING AND THE DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING SO I CANNOT AFFORD CUTTING ANOTHER ANALYST POSITION BECAUSE LAST YEAR WE ALREADY CUT ONE POSITION

FROM P.P.N.I. TEAM. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

[03:05:04]

>> THANK YOU. AND YOU ALREADY COVERED THIS A BIT BUT I WANT TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO. I KNOW THE D.E.O. DID IN THE -- YOU MENTIONED THIS OCCURRED BEFORE YOU CAME ON BOARD, BUT LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT TYPES OF RESOURCE NEEDS DO YOU ANTICIPATE

THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY REQUIRE? >> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

YEAH. I WAS REVIEWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE FOR THE PREVAILING WAGE PROGRAMS, AND WHAT I SEE IS THAT DEFINITELY WE NEED TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION FOR THAT TEAM.

YOU KNOW, IMPROVING THE S.O.P.'S AND THE STREAMLINE THAT MAY BE USING DATA SYSTEM TO SUPPORT THAT.

SO THAT IS ONE THING. THE OTHER THING I SEE IS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. WE NEED SOME RESOURCES TO IMPROVE THAT EFFORT. INCREASING THAT EFFORT.

WORKING CLOSELY WITH EXTERNAL STAKE HOLD OTHERS AND ALSO ACROSS THE DEPARTMENTS, TO PROVIDE MORE TRAINING, AND EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS TO THE WORKERS WHO PERFORM AT THOSE CONSTRUCTION JOBS SITE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT. I WILL RESERVE THE REST OF MY

TIME. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT ONE.

PRECINCT TWO, YOU WILL HAVE FIVE MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. INTERIM DIRECTOR.

I'M DESMOND SPENCER. ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA. WE WANTSES TO THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE HAVE BEEN DOING AND D.E.O.

THANK YOU SO MUCH A LOT OF REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN PLAYED IN THE D.E.E.O. DEPARTMENT OVER THE PAST SEVERAL AREASES. COMMISSION GARCIA'S PRIORITY IS TO FOCUS ON COMPLIANCE. SO IF -- AS YOU CAN TELL US YOU CAN WHAT WILL BE THE OPERATIONAL IMPACT IF CERTAIN OPERATIONS LIKE EARLY CHILDHOOD, OR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WERE MOVED INTO O.C.A., WHAT WOULD BE THE OPERATIONAL IMPACT ON D.E.E.O.

>> WELL, I THINK FIRST OF ALL, YOU KNOW, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM WAS WITH D.E.E.O. AT THE VERY BEGINNING.

THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE BUILT AROUND STRATEGIES TO DO BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH AND CORPORATE RELATIONS, THINGS LIKE THAT. IN FACT, YOU KNOW, THE DEPARTMENT WAS WORKING STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO RELATE IT TO PROGRAM. SO THAT IS SOMETHING WE CAN DISCUSS WITH THE COURT OFFICES AND SEE WHAT IS THE BEST WAY, WHETHER WE COLLABORATE WITH EACH OTHER OR YOU KNOW, WE HAVE SOMEONE -- ANOTHER OFFICE TO LEAD THE WORK.

SIMILAR TO THAT, YOU KNOW, EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE, THAT IS THE LAST PROGRAM THAT WAS ADDED TO THE D.E.E.O. PORTFOLIO.

IN THE PAST YEAR OR TWO, YOU KNOW, WE WERE TRYING TO INCORPORATE THAT INTO D.E.E.O. CORE SERVICES.

YOU KNOW, AND ACTUALLY WE DO HAVE SOME ACROSS TEAM COLLABORATION ON THAT FRONT, FOR EXAMPLE IN BOTH PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED THROUGH -- THE PROCESSES ARE SIMILAR IN TERMS OF A CONTRACT COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND BUILDING CAPACITY TO THE VENDORS WHO PROVIDE THE SERVICES TO THOSE PROGRAMS, BUT IN TERM OF THE NATURE OF WORK, YOU KNOW, THERE IS -- I SEE SOME PROGRAMS WITHIN D.E.E.O. THAT CAN SIYNCH WITH EARLY CHILDHOOD OR SOMETHING RELATED TO PROVIDING WRAP AROUND SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN WORKFORCE PROGRAMS, BUT YOU KNOW, OTHER THAN THAT, YOU KNOW, I DO SEE THERE IS SOME DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM AND THE CORE BUSINESS OF D.E.E.O. SO VERY HONEST ANSWER TO THAT.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. THAT WAS I GUESS THE CRUX OF THE QUESTION. ARE THE THINGS SO MESHED IN D.E.E.O. NOW IT WOULD CAUSE AN OPERATIONAL ISSUE? IS THERE SOMEONE WORKING ON EARLY CHILDHOOD THAT IS DOING CRITICAL WORK FOR OTHER PART OF D.E.E.O. AND O.C.A.? WHAT IS THE KNOCK ON EFFECT WE ARE LOOKING FOR I GUESS?

>> THEY MIGHT BE A BETTER QUESTION FOR THE OTHER

[03:10:02]

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2. PRECINCT 3, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. I JUST WANTED TO START WITH -- I KNOW YOU MENTIONED -- WE'VE BEEN MENTIONING DATA A GOOD AMOUNT AND I ASSUME THAT MEANS SOFT WAR ENHANCEMENTS SO SPECIFICALLY SPEAKING TO THE B2G NOW, I I KNW THERE ARE SOME ENHANCEMENTS THERE AND THERE'S A DATA CLEANUP EFFORT.

DO YOU HAVE AN ESTIMATE TO THE TOTAL LIFECYCLE COST OF THAT AS WELL AS IF WE HAVE A SCHEDULED DATE OF COMPLETION, IF WE'RE ON

TARGET FOR THAT? >> WE ARE DEFINITELY ON TARGET ON THAT. ACTUALLY I JUST HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WHO IS LEADING THE TEAM TO CLEAN THE DATA IN THE B2G NOW SYSTEM.

SO I WOULD SAY WE'RE KIND OF HALFWAY THERE, BECAUSE DURING THIS PROCESS, WE ALSO IDENTIFIED SOME OTHER ISSUES THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS. SO I'M HAPPY TO PROVIDE AN UPDATED TIME LINE TO THE COURT OFFICES SO EVERYONE IS AWARE THE PROGRESS THAT IS BEING MADE AND ALSO WHEN WE CAN COMPLETE THIS WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE DATA SYSTEM FOR REPORTING AND THE MONITORING, YEAH. AND IN TERMS OF THE COST, I THINK WE JUST HAD THE RENEWAL OF THE B2G NOW SYSTEM AND WE ARE LOOKING INTO OPPORTUNITY TO ADD SOME MODULES TO STRENGTHEN THE SYSTEM, FOR EXAMPLE LIKE A CERTIFICATION, YOU KNOW.

WE CAN VALIDATE -- CLEAN THE CERTIFIED MWBE VENDORS IN THE SYSTEM, SO THAT WILL HELP A LOT IN TERMS OF REPORTING.

AND ALSO THIS WILL BE A TOOL FOR THE COURT OFFICES AND HIS OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO GO INTO THE DATABASE SO GET A LIST OF CERTIFIED LOCAL MBBES THAT YOU CAN ENGAGE DURING THE BIDDING

PROCESS. >> OKAY, THANK YOU.

AND THEN REGARDING THE CONTRACT AND WORK SITE SAFETY, DO YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE ADEQUATE NUMBER OF COMPLIANCE OFFICERS STAFFED RIGHT NOW TO ENFORCE THE WORKLOAD? AND DO YOU FORESEE ANY STAFFING NEEDS?

>> YES, IT DEPENDS ON THE SCOPE OF WORK, YOU KNOW.

SO CURRENTLY, WE HAVE FIVE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES FOR WORK SITE SAFETY MONITORING, INCLUDING ONE MANAGER, THREE MONITORS AND ONE ANALYST. SO WE RECEIVE THE FUNDING OF AROUND 400,000 EARLIER THIS YEAR TO LAUNCH THE PROGRAM, SET UP THE PROGRAM AND IN THE CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE, I THINK WE'RE GOING NO TO HOPEFULLY GETTING ANOTHER $700,000 TO CONTINUE THAT SERVICE. SO -- AND WE'LL REVISIT AT A CERTAIN POINT IN TERMS OF THE ACTUAL WORKLOAD AND THE CASE LOAD, BECAUSE WORK SITE SAFETY MONITORING IS STILL A NEW THING HERE AT THE COUNTY AND IN TERMS OF ENFORCEMENT.

FOR THE BUSINESS ASSISTANT PROGRAM, WE CURRENTLY HAVE 20 EMPLOYEES, 17 ARE GENERAL FUNDED, ONE IS GRANT FUNDED AND THE ONE IS GRANT FUNDED TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE.

I THINK WE HAVE ENOUGH STAFF ON THIS SIDE, YOU KNOW, FOR THIS PARTICULAR SERVICE. AND THEN FOR THE WORK SITE SAFETY -- SORRY, FOR THE WORKER AND THE COMMUNITY PROTECTION TEAM, WE HAVE DBRA, SECTION 3 PREVAILING WAGE.

AS WE DISCUSSED AT THE COURT MEETING LAST WEEK, FOR THE PREVAILING WAGE, OUR FOCUS IS MORE ON SERVICE TO BE PROVIDED TO USER DEPARTMENTS, ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF MONITORING WORK.

THE INVESTIGATION PART ESPECIALLY IF WE RECEIVE THE COMPLAINT AND HOW WE INVESTIGATE AND ENFORCE THAT, THAT'S THE COMPONENT THAT WE WERE NOT DOING EXACTLY LIKE WHAT WAS DISCUSSED AT THE COURT. SO THAT PART REALLY NEEDS SUPPORT, RESOURCES AND SUPPORT. AND THE OTHER ONE THAT I MENTIONED IS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.

WE DEFINITELY WANT TO DO MORE, BUT THE RESOURCES WERE NOT

[03:15:04]

PROVIDED FOR THIS LINE OF WORK. >> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3. PRECINCT 4, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> HI, DIRECTOR.

CAN YOU PLAIN THE INCREASE IN DEO'S BUDGET TO 12.9 MILLION

FISCAL YEAR 27? >> YES.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. I THINK THE BIGGEST ITEMS HERE IN THE CURRENT LEVEL SERVICE REQUEST, ONE IS THAT 4 MILLION FOR THE UPPER APPRENTICESHIP ADVANTAGE, RIGHT.

AND THE SECOND ONE IS THE WORK SITE SAFETY POLICY THAT I MENTIONED EARLY. WE WANT TO CONTINUE THIS WORK, SO THIS IS MORE LIKE A MID-YEAR SUPPLEMENTAL.

AND THEN THE THIRD ITEM IS THE PAY EQUITY INCREASES.

>> BEING, SO TWO QUESTIONS FOLLOW UP FROM THAT.

ONE IS HOW MANY EMPLOYEES BENEFITED FROM THE PAY EQUITY INCREASES? AND HOW HAS THAT IMPACTED YOUR

STAFF? >> I THINK 25 OUT OF 72, SO THAT'S MORE OR LESS ONE-THIRD OF OUR CURRENT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE THE PAY EQUITY ADJUSTMENT, YEAH. SO DEFINITELY THEY'RE HAPPY ABOUT THAT. YOU KNOW, THEY DESERVE PAY

INCREASE, YEAH, THANK YOU. >> ABSOLUTELY.

AND THEN GOING BACK TO APPRENTICESHIP ADVANTAGE, YOU MENTIONED THE INVESTMENT AND THEN I THINK YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU EXCEEDED THE GOALS OF -- AND SERVED 1800 INDIVIDUALS.

CAN YOU JUST TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND HOW YOU WERE ABLE TO EXCEED THOSE GOALS YEAH, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE TWO VENDORS, NAMELY NPOWER WHO PROVIDED TECH TRAINING FOR APPRENTICES AND ALSO THE LABOR FEDERATION.

THEY PROVIDE TRAINING IN THE TRADITIONAL TRADES AND IN ADDITION TO THAT, THEY HAVE TWO NEW TRACK.

WE WILL TRY -- ACTUALLY WE -- THEY HAVE APPLIED FOR THE DOL REGISTRATION FOR REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM AND THEY RECEIVED THAT SO DEFINITELY THEY ACHIEVED THAT GOAL AND IT IS A WAY FOR THIS REGION, BECAUSE WE BASICALLY INCREASED THE TWO REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS IN THE REGION AND HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE WITH SOLID RIGOROUS TRAINING MODULES AND THE CURRICULUM, YEAH. IN TERMS OF, YOU KNOW, DELIVERING MORE THAN THE SERVICE GOAL, I THINK ORIGINALLY WE SET A GOAL AT 1,580 AND THE ACTUAL -- THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF APPRENTICES WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE TRAINING IS MORE THAN 1800. THAT'S BECAUSE WE MADE A LOT OF EFFORT AT THE ONBOARDING, DURING THE ONBOARDING PROCESS.

SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE COUNTY'S VISION FOR THIS PROGRAM AND THE GOALS AND ALSO BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND THAT TO SUPPORT BOTH APPRENTICES AND ALSO REPORTING, WE HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE BUT ALSO HOLDING THEIR HANDS THROUGH THE -- IT IS A FEDERAL FUNDED PROGRAM. NOT EVERYONE IS FAMILIAR WITH FEDERAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS. SO OUR STAFF ACTUALLY DID A LOT OF WORKSHOP ONE ON ONE SESSIONS FOR THEM, MAKING SURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE REPORTING, YOU KNOW, MAKING SURE THE INVOICES NEED TO BE SUBMITTED ON TIME AND ACCURATE, ALL OF THAT.

THAT ALSO HELP THEM, YOU KNOW, STREAMLINING THE OPERATION INTERNALLY, SO WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS THAT NOT ONLY WILL PROVIDE THE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY, BUT WE ALSO BUILD THE CAPACITY TO THOSE VENDORS WHO IN THE FUTURE CAN PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> HAS DEO INCORPORATED THE STAFFING AND BUDGET ENHANCEMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE FOR THE PREVAILING WAGE

PROGRAM? >> NOT AT THIS TIME, JUST BECAUSE I -- I DIDN'T GET THE CHANCE TO DO THAT.

>> AND THEN HOW WILL YOU WORK WITH ONB AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY FOR THAT OVERSIGHT?

>> WELL, FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK THE ONB AND THE STAFF, YOU KNOW, HELPING -- PROVIDING SUPPORT AND HELPING ME THROUGH THIS PROCESS. IT'S 15 DAYS, FOR ME IT'S A LOT TO LEARN, BUT THANK YOU ONB AND THE STAFF FOR HELPING ME TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AND WHAT I NEED TO DELIVER AT THIS BUDGET HEARING. AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CLOSELY WORKING WITH THEM IN THE FUTURE, KIND MP BUILDING -- CREATING THE

PLAN TO ENHANCE OUR PROGRAMS. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

[03:20:06]

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 4. WE WILL NOW REVISIT FOR ANY REMAINING TIME. COUNTY JUDGE'S OH, YOU HAVE 3:02

REMAINING. >> IT THANK YOU SO MUCH.

IN THAT REGARDS TO THE ARPA FUNDED EARLY CLYDE INITIATIVES THAT HAVE COME THROUGH YOUR DEPARTMENT THAT WE KNOW ARE WINDING DOWN, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE EVALUATIONS AND THE DATA THAT YOU GUYS HAVE FOUND ON THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM AND IF THERE ARE ANY POTENTIAL PLANS AT THIS TIME TO UTILIZE THAT DATA TO POSSIBLY INVEST IN SOME ADDITIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND THEN ALSO FOR THE ONES THAT ARE CLOSING OUT, IF THERE IS ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING THAT YOU'RE GOING TO NEED TO ENSURE THAT THERE'S A SMOOTH TRANSITION OUT OF THOSE EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. YEAH, DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, MY BACKGROUND IS IN RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATION.

WE RECEIVED SOME VERY GOOD RESULTS FROM THE EXTERNAL EVALUATE FOR, FOR EXAMPLE LAST WEEK OUR TEAM PRESENTED SOMETHING RELATED TO EARLY REAC. ONE RESULT I REMEMBER IS THAT 76% OF PARENTS WHO ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM BEFORE THEY WERE NOT IN SCHOOL OR AT WORK BUT AFTER ENROLLING IN THE PROGRAM, 76% OF PARENTS ACTUALLY ARE IN SCHOOL, ENROLLED IN SCHOOL OR AT WORK.

SO THAT IS GREAT RESULTS COMPARED TO THE NATIONAL BENCH MARKS. YOU KNOW SO THOSE RESULTS IN MY OPINION, THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE CAN SHARE WITH, YOU KNOW, FOUNDATIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO SHOW THAT THIS IS A VERY POSITIVE RESULT. WE RUN THE PILOT AND WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO CONTINUE TO FIND THE FUNDINGS AND TO CREATE THE PROGRAMS TO CONTINUE THE SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL -- YOU KNOW, THE FAMILY AND THE RESIDENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

>> YEAH, ACTUALLY LAST YEAR, WE WORKED CLOSELY WITH OCAS GRANTS AND THE PARTNERSHIP TEAM AND ALSO WITH SOME OF THE COURT OFFICES TO SEEK FUNDING, GRANT FUNDING AND MAYBE PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION SUPPORT TO CONTINUE SOME OF THE PROGRAMS. SO WE WERE -- YOU KNOW, WE EXPLORED OPPORTUNITIES LIKE

THAT. >> THANK YOU.

AND DO YOU ANTICIPATE NEEDING ANY SORT OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE CLOSE-OUT OF THE PROGRAMS?

>> IN TERMS OF THE CLOSE-OUT OF THE PROGRAM, I DON'T FORESEE ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING NEEDED. I THINK IT WAS TWO WEEKS -- YOU KNOW, BEFORE I CAME BACK, THERE WAS A DISCUSSION ABOUT A CONTINGENCY PLAN TO ENSURE SUCCESS FOR CLOSE-OUT FOR THE PROGRAM. I HAD CONVERSATIONS, DID OTHER -- -- OH, SORRY.

YEAH, I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH CURRENT STAFF AND THE FORMER

STAFF AND WE HAVE A GOOD PLAN. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE. PRECINCT 1, YOU HAVE 2:08

REMAINING. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, BUT IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO

DO SO. >> OH, YEAH, I JUST WANT TO ADD ONE THING ABOUT PREVAILING WAGE MONITORING, WHETHER WE NEED ADDITION -- YOU KNOW, AND THE NEXT THING I'M GOING TO FOCUS ON IS RENEWING THOSE INTERLOCK CONTRARY AGREEMENTS AND MOUS MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE ENOUGH RESOURCES TO DELIVER SERVICES THAT IS IN THE SCOPE OF WORK. SO I'M GOING TO WORK WITH THE DATA TEAM AND WITH PROGRAM STAFF TO CREATE A BETTER METHOD TO ESTIMATE A STAFFING PLAN, YEAH. SO THAT WE HAVE CONCRETE NUMBER TO GO INTO THOSE NEGOTIATIONS, YOU KNOW, BEFORE PROBABLY THE ESTIMATE WAS AROUND THE NUMBER OF PROJECTS.

BUT FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, SOMETHING LIKE THE LBJ EXPANSION, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS RATHER THAN ONE OR 2 MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT, YOU KNOW.

THAT IS NOT ALIGNED IN TERMS OF RESOURCES, WE GOT THE CAPACITY WE HAVE VERSUS THE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE EXPECTATION. SO THAT WOULD BE ONE OF THE

FOCUS AREAS. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT. AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING

[03:25:01]

THAT METHOD. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 1.

PRECINCT 2, YOU HAD 1:18 REMAINING.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD THAT TIME TO DIRECTOR LEE CARTER IF

SHE HAS ANY COMMENTS. >> THANK YOU.

BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING WITH DIRECTOR WU.

SHE HAS OVER FOUR YEARS AT DEEO AND THE COUNTY.

I WANT TO THANK THE TEAM FOR CARRYING ON WITH COURT DIRECTIVES AND PRIORITIES AT THIS TIME.

TO RESPOND ON SOME OF THE THINGS SAID, I'VE BEEN ALREADY WORKING CLOSELY WITH THEM ON THE ILAS AND HAVE NOTIFIED THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND WE'RE LASER FOCUSED ON ENSURING ANY RENEWALS WILL HAVE APPROPRIATE STAFFING FOR THE PREVAILING WAGING ON THAT PORTION. THEY DO HAVE FEDERAL STAFFING FOR THE FEDERAL COMPLIANCE. ON THE ECONOMIC ECONOMIC DEVELO, EARLY CHILDHOOD, OUR ARPA PANEL WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY.

WE HAVE ALL THE RESOURCES. THERE ARE TWO GENERAL FUND POSITIONS THAT WILL BE RETAINED AND I'M HAPPY TO DISCUSS ANY OPTIONS OPTION FOR THOSE AND THAT COULD BE MOVED OR STAY WITHOUT INTERFERING WITH ARPA COMPLIANCE, HOWEVER THE COURT SEES FIT.

FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WE WILL HAVING A MEETING SOON WITH THE COURT OFFICES. THERE WAS ANALYSIS DONE BY ERNST & YOUNG, SOME OF YOUR TEAMS PARTICIPATED AND WE'LL GIVE YOU MORE UPDATES AS THAT INFORMS THE COURT ON WHERE THEY SEE THAT HEADED FOR THE COUNTY. BUT AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR THE COLLABORATION AND WE'LL CONTINUE TO WORK TO DELIVER.

>> THANK YOU, ADMINISTRATOR. AND THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2.

PRECINCT 3, YOU HAD 21 SECONDS REMAINING.

>> NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU PRECINCT 3. PRECINCT 4, YOU HAD 15 SECONDS

REMAINING. >> NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.

I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR STEPPING IN AND FOR LEADING THOSE 15 DAYS. AND IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 4. WITH THAT DIRECTOR, YOU HAVE 2

MINUTES FORECLOSING REMARKS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONTINUED SUPPORT OF DEEO.

I'M VERY GRATEFUL. I ALSO WANT TO EXTEND MY APPRECIATION TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT IN THE BUDGET AND OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION FOR THEIR PARTNERSHIP AND THEIR GUIDANCE THROUGH THIS PROCESS. SO MOST IMPORTANTLY, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE DEDICATED EMPLOYEES OF DEEO.

THAT STORY WAS NOT TOLD. THEIR PROFESSIONALISM, RESILIENCE AND UNWAVERING COMMITMENT HAVE ALLOWED THE DEPARTMENT TO CONTINUE DELIVERING POSITIVE RESULTS.

AND I'M GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO IN SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY. DEEO'S MISSION IS TO CONNECT VALUE AND EMPOWER PEOPLE, BUSINESS AND THE COMMUNITIES.

MY COMMITMENT IS TO LEAD THIS DEPARTMENT WITH TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND COLLABORATION TO DELIVER HIGH QUALITY SERVICES AND MEANINGFUL RESULTS. SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE HARRIS COUNTY IN THIS ROLE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. AND THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY.

OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL COME FROM THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT

CENTER. >> THANK YOU, COURT OFFICES AS

[Children's Assessment Center]

THIS TEAM HAS ELECTED TO UTILIZE THEIR 5 MINUTES FOR INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AT THE TOP, THEN EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 1.

>> THANK YOU, GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS KERRY MCCRACKEN.

I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER. I HAVE WITH ME HERE TODAY ROB SANCHEZ, OUR COO, WHO AMONG OTHER THINGS OVERSEES THE FINANCES OF THE CAC. I WANT TO START WITH A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE MISSION AND THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE AT THE CAC.

[03:30:05]

WE ARE SUPPORTED BY THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS OF TEXAS AND WE ARE IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 264 OF THE TEXAS FAMILY CODE WHICH CODIFIES AND REGULATES OUR ADVOCACY CENTERS OPERATE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

WE WORK WITH 60 PARTNER AGENCIES AND WE SEE BETWEEN 4 AND 5,000 NEW CASES EACH YEAR. UNFORTUNATELY, WE KNOW WE ARE BARELY SCRATCHING THE SURFACE. FAMILIES ARE REFERRED TO US BY EITHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OR CPS AND ALL SERVICES WE PROVIDE ARE FREE OF CHARGE. WE PROVIDE FORENSIC INTERVIEW SO THAT THE CHILD IS NOT REQUIRED TO REPEAT THEIR STORY.

WHICH OFTEN TRAUMATIZES A CHILD FURTHER.

WE PROVIDE A MEDICAL EXAM. WE PROVIDE THERAPY, NOT ONLY FOR THE VICTIM-CHILD BUT FOR THE NON- OFFENDING CAREGIVER AND THE SIBLINGS, BECAUSE WE KNOW CHILD ABUSE AFFECTS THE WHOLE FAMILY.

AND WE HAVE A TEAM THAT ACCOMPANIES CHILDREN TO COURT, BECAUSE YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW SCARY THAT CAN BE.

WE ALSO HAVE A TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GROW OUR TRAINING DEPARTMENT FROM A STAFF OF 5 TO A STAFF OF 10 THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF COMMISSIONERS COURT. WE WERE ABLE MAKE THAT CHANGE OR THAT IMPROVEMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT WITH ARPA FUNDS BUT I'M PROUD TO SAY TODAY WE HAVE CONTINUED TO USE OUR BUDGET TO CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT PROGRAM AT THAT LEVEL OF 10, WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT. WE TRAIN PARENTS, PARTNERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY CHILDREN, BECAUSE, AT THE END OF THE DAY WE WOULD LIKE TO PUT OURSELVES OUT OF BUSINESS AND WE BELIEVE THAT PREVENTION TRAINING IS THE KEY.

SO THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR THAT.

WE ARE ASKING FOR THREE ENHANCEMENTS THIS YEAR... YOU ASKED US TO RANK THEM IN ORDER. SO I'M GOING TO START WITH THE FIRST ONE WE RANKED, WHICH IS OUR MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM OR MDT COOPERATEDNATOR. SINCE THE CREATION OF THE MDT PILOT IN 2015, THE DEPARTMENT HAS GROWN SUBSTANTIALLY.

PARTLY DUE BECAUSE OF THE FAMILY CODE 264 BUT ALSO OF SENATE BILL 1806, WHICH CREATED THE PARAMETERS THAT ALLOWED US TO REVIEW DFPS INTAKES. CASE VOLUME HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN RECENT YEARS AND WITH THIS GROWTH THE CASE REVIEW PROCESS IS INVOLVED INTO A CRITICAL MDT FUNCTION WITH STAFF CONDUCTING COMPLETE -- EXCUSE ME, COMPLEX CASE REVIEWS, IDENTIFYING INVESTIGATIVE GAPS, COORDINATING ACROSS AGENCIES AND DEVELOPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CASES INVOLVING PROFESSIONAL REPORTERS. THE TYPE OF CASES WE'RE REVIEWING HAVE BECOME MORE COMPLEX.

THE TEXAS FAMILY CODE TALKS ABOUT THE KIND OF CASES THAT WE WILL INVESTIGATE, TRADITIONALLY WE HAVE FOCUSED ON THOSE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASES BUT NOW WE ARE BROADENING THAT TO REALLY TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE CASES OF SERIOUS BODILY HARM, BECAUSE THOSE CASEDS NEED EVERY BIT OF ATTENTION AND COORDINATION THAT OUR OTHER SEXUAL ABUSE CASES DO AS WELL.

THE MDT COORDINATOR IS AN ESSENTIAL SUPPORT TO ATTRACT, FACILITATE THESE COMPLEX CASE REVIEWS, STRENGTHEN THE COORDINATION ACROSS AGENCIES AND TO ENSURE TIMELY FOLLOW-UP WITH INVESTIGATIONS. THE SECOND ENHANCEMENT WE'RE ASKING FOR IS FOR A CHILDREN'S SERVICES TECHNICIAN.

DUE TO DEMANDS THAT OFTEN PULL STAFF OF OUR ACTIVITY CENTER TO PERFORM OTHER TASKS ELSEWHERE IN THE BUILDING AND DUE TO THE INCREASED COMPLEXITY OF THOSE TASKS, AN ADDITIONAL TEAM MEMBER IS NEEDED TO MEET THE DEMAND. AND THE THIRD ENHANCEMENT WE'RE REQUESTING TODAY IS FOR AN ADDITIONAL STAFF MEMBER FROM OUR PREVENTION AND TRAINING TEAM. TO STREAMLINE OUR COURSE OFFERINGS, REGISTRATION PROCESS AND COURSE CERTIFICATES, WE HAVE ADOPTED AN ELECTRONIC LEARNING PORTAL CALLED LEARNUPON.

LEARNUPON ALLOWS USERS TO LOG IN AND ACCESS TRAININGS AND IN SIX SHORT MONTHS I'M HAPPY TO REPORT THAT WE ARE ALREADY UP TO ALMOST A THOUSAND USERS. SO LIKE I SAID, TRAINING IS IMPORTANT TO US AND IN GIVES OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, OUR PARTNERS AND OUR STAFF A STREAMLINED WAY TO ACCESS TRAININGS AND KEEP TRACK OF THEIR CERTIFICATES AND THOSE TYPE OF THINGS.

>> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. >> I KNEW I WAS THERE.

>> EACH COURT OFFICE WILL NOW BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 1.

>> HELLO, I WANT TO BEGIN BY FIRST HAVING A DISCUSSION ABOUT SOME OF YOUR PROPOSED OFFSETS FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT.

[03:35:02]

CAN YOU PLEASE SPEAK TO THAT AND HOW -- WHAT IMPACTS ON THOSE SERVICES YOU PROVIDE TO CHILDREN.

>> CHILDREN THAT COME TO THE CAC WE OFFER A MEDICAL EXAM, AND IT'S A REALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THAT INVESTIGATIVE PIECE.

FOR SO MANY REASONS. CLEARLY, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE'RE LOOKING FOR FORENSIC EVIDENCE, BUT WE ALSO ARE SERVING A COMPLIANT POPULATION THAT MAY HAVE NEVER HAD A MEDICAL EXAM AND THE D.A.'S OFFICE HAS ASKED THAT WE SEE AS MANY CHILDREN FOR THAT MEDICAL EXAM AS POSSIBLE, BECAUSE WE'RE CHECKING FOR THE OVERALL WELFARE OF THE CHILD, IS THIS CHILD PROPERLY FED, THOSE TYPE OF THINGS.

WE ARE ALSO AGAIN, IF THE VICTIMIZATION WAS RECENT, YOU MAY FIND PHYSICAL EVIDENCE. IT'S ALSO EMPOWERING FOR THAT CHILD TO GET A MEDICAL EXAM, BECAUSE MANY CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY IN YOUR TEENS, WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THAT THEY'RE OKAY.

THEY LIKE THAT A DOCTOR CAN TELL THEM THAT, GUESS WHAT, YOU'RE NOT DAMAGED, YOU LOOK LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.

SO EVERYTHING WE DO AT THE CAC IS DESIGNED TO HEAL AND THAT IS ONE MORE STEP IN THAT HEALING PROCESS.

>> ANOTHER ONE OF THE OFFSET PROPOSALS INCLUDED A PROPOSAL -- OPERATIONAL SERVICES AS WELL. CAN YOU PLEASE SPEAK TO THE

IMPACT OF THAT POTENTIAL OFFSET. >> I'M GOING TO LET ROB TAKE

THAT ONE. >> SO THE -- OUR BUILDING TODAY IS OWNED BY OUR FOUNDATION, SO WE HAVE A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY. SO THAT BUILDING IS OWNED BY THEM BUT OFTENTIMES WE USE CERTAIN CONTRACTS THAT ARE SERVICED BY OR PROCURED BY THE COUNTY, AND TWO OF THOSE SPECIFICALLY ARE OUR SECURITY CONTRACT AND OUR CLEANING CONTRACT, WHICH ARE BOTH PROCURED BY THE COUNTY, PAID THROUGH OUR GENERAL BUDGET, BECAUSE OF THE SCALABILITY THAT WE CAN GAIN AS OPPOSED TO TRYING TO GET CONTRACTS OUT ON OUR OWN.

SO WE WOULD HAVE TO SCALE THOSE SERVICES BACK, AS ASKED FOR THE OFFSETS. WHAT WOULD HAVE TO GIVE, BECAUSE YOU CAN ONLY SCALE THOSE BACK SO FAR, WHAT WOULD HAVE TO GIVE IS THE DISCRETIONARY THINGS THAT WE DO FOR THE KIDS.

SO WE WOULD HAVE TO STOP THINGS LIKE GRADUATION PROGRAMS, UBER RIDES, WE WOULD HAVE TO STOP CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES, CHILDREN'S PARTIES, GRADUATION GIFTS, ALL THE THINGS THAT WE DO FOR THE KIDS TO HELP THEM HEAL AND FEEL MORE NORMAL, WE WOULD HAVE TO STOP THAT IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THIS OFFSET.

>> YOUR FINAL OFFSET PROPOSAL HAS INCLUDED CHANGES TO YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES WHICH SHIFTING ALLOCATION FROM CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND TRAINING.

CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT SPECIFIC PIECE AS WELL.

>> YEAH, SO THAT SPECIFICALLY IS AROUND TRAVEL AND TRAINING AND LICENSING FOR OUR SPECIFIC STAFF.

SO EVERY YEAR, THEY HAVE TO GO TO PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, THEY HAVE TO GET THEIR LICENCES RENEWED AND AS PART OF OUR BUDGET AND A LOT OF THOSE THAT WE PAY FOR THOSE, WE PAY FOR EXTENDED LICENSE, WE PAY FOR THEM TO KEEP UP THAT PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. SO AGAIN, WHAT WE WOULD HAVE TO DO TO OFFSET THAT IS WE WOULD HAVE TO ELIMINATE A LOT OF THE DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES THAT WE DO HAVE CONTROL OVER, BECAUSE THERE IS A CERTAIN LEVEL OF LICENSING THAT IS A MINIMUM REQUIREMENT THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO DO AND THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL TO, OBVIOUSLY, BECAUSE IF THEY HAVE TO GO GET TRAINING AND IT'S ONLY THIS ONE PLACE IN THE COUNTRY AND THEY HAVE TO GO THERE TO GET THAT TRAINING, THEN WE WOULD HAVE TO DO THAT. BUT IT WOULD STOP A LOT OF THAT AND THEN THE OFFSET WOULD BE A LOT OF THOSE DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES THAT WE SPEND ON THE KIDS.

>> SHIFTING BACK TO YOUR SERVICE ENHANCEMENT REQUESTS, I KNOW YOU SPOKE IN DETAIL WITH REGARD TO THE MDT COORDINATOR.

CAN YOU SPEAK A LITTLE BIT MORE TO THE NEED FOR THE CHILDREN'S SERVICES TECHNICIAN AND THE EFFECT THAT WOULD HAVE FOR YOUR

SERVICE. >> SO THE CHILDREN'S SERVICES TECHNICIAN, AGAIN WE HAVE WHAT'S CALLED THE ACTIVITY CENTER AND CHILDREN THAT ARE AT THE CENTER, IN BETWEEN SERVICES, THAT'S A PLACE THAT THEY CAN GO. THERE'S NO THERAPY IN THERE.

THEY JUST GO, THEY HAVE A GOOD TIME, THEY GET TO BE KIDS.

AND AGAIN, EVERYTHING WE DO IS PART OF THE HEALING SO IT'S REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT. THEY MAY HAVE JUST LEFT A VERY INTENSE FORENSIC INTERVIEW AND THEY GET TO GO IN THERE AND DECOMPRESS. SO ASK HIS WE'VE WE'VE HE'S SOLD WE'VE BROUGHT ON MORE SERVICES AND MORE COMPLEX SERVICES THAT HAVE REQUIRED THAT SOMETIMES THOSE STAFF -- AS ENVIRONMENTAL FOUR IN THE ACTIVITY CENTER -- SOMETIMES THEY HAVE TO LEAVE AND GO HELP OUT IN DIFFERENT WAYS. ONE OF THOSE WAYS IS TO HELP WITH OUR PROGRAM WITH YOUTH WITH PROBLEMATIC SEXUAL BEHAVIORS.

IT IS A DIVERGENT PROGRAM WE HAVE IN -- WITH THE D.A.'S OFFICE. IT'S THEIR DIVERSION PROGRAM, WE

[03:40:01]

THE RATIO IS 4 KIDS PER ADULT. SO THE MOST WE CAN HAVE IN THE ACTIVITY CENTER IS 16. AND IF YOU HAVE SOMEBODY PULLED IN ANOTHER DIRECTION, YOU KNOW, WE'RE DEFICIENT.

AND THE LAST THING WE WANT TO DO IS TURN KIDS AWAY.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 1.

PRECINCT 2, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> HI, DIRECTOR MCCRACKEN AND ROB.

THANK YOU GUYS FOR BEING HERE TODAY AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE CRITICAL WORK YOU GUYS DO. MY FIRST QUESTION IS GIVEN THE CAC'S UNIQUE ROLE IN ADDRESSING TRAUMA FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE NON- NEGOTIABLE SERVICES THAT MUST BE PRESERVED AT ALL COSTS, EVEN IF OTHER AREAS HAVE TO BE REDUCED?

>> THAT'S HARD. IT'S LIKE PICKING YOUR FAVORITE KIDS. THE FORENSIC SERVICES ARE ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT. THAT FORENSIC INTERVIEW IS HOPEFULLY THE ONLY TIME THAT CHILD WILL TELL THEIR STORY, BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THE MORE TIMES A CHILD DOES TELL THEIR STORY, IT FURTHER VICTIMIZES, TRAUMATIZES THE CHILD, RELIVING THAT. SO WHEN THEY TELL THE STORY, IT'S RECORDED AND IF THERE'S AN INVESTIGATION ONGOING AND LET'S SAY THE LEAD INVESTIGATOR CHANGES FROM ME TO ROB, HE CAN WATCH THAT VIDEO AND THAT CHILD DOESN'T HAVE TO BE REINTERVIEWED. SO THAT'S NOT ONLY A GREAT INVESTIGATIVE TOOL, BUT IT'S AGAIN DESIGNED TO NOT FURTHER TRAUMATIZE THE CHILD. AND THEN REALLY OUR PRIMARY FUNCTION IS REALLY THAT HEALING OF THE CHILD AND THE FAMILY.

SO THERAPY WOULD BE THE SECOND THING THAT I WOULD NEVER EVER WANT TO PART WITH. YOU KNOW, AGAIN WE DO OUR WORK WITH AN INVESTIGATIVE MDT TEAM OF 60 PARTNERS AND WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT ROLES, LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATES IF THERE'S A CRIME.

CPS INVESTIGATES IF A CHILD IS SAFE, WHERE THEY ARE LIVING AND OVERSEES IF THEY NEED TO BE PLACED SOMEWHERE ELSE.

WE STAY OUT OF THAT. WE STAY IN OUR LANE WHICH IS PROVIDING THE INTERVIEW, FACILITATING THAT TEAM, BECAUSE THE TEAM DOES GET TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT BEST OUTCOMES FOR THE CHILD. BUT THAT THERAPY AND HEALING PIECE. WE REALLY ARE THAT THERAPY AND HEALING PIECE. SO WE WOULD NOT BE WHO WE ARE IF

WE PARTED WITH THAT PIECE. >> THANK YOU.

MIGHT HAPPEN NEXT QUESTION IS WHAT TRENDS OR EMERGING NEEDS HAS THE CAC OBSERVED OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS AND WHAT OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR COURT OFFICES TO BETTER SUPPORT THE WORK YOU GUYS DO IN ADDRESSING THOSE NEEDS?

>> I'M SO GLAD YOU ASKED. SO WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED IS ONE OF THE LARGEST BARRIERS TO CHILDREN COMING TO OUR SERVICE FOR THOSE -- CENTER FOR THOSE FREE SERVICES THAT THEY PROBABLY CANNOT GET SOMEWHERE ELSE IS LOCATION.

HARRIS COUNTY IS HUGE. WE HAVE ONE AND ONLY -- ONE AND ONLY FACILITY, IT'S IN RODNEY ELLIS' DISTRICT BUT HOW BIG IS YOUR PRECINCT, RIGHT? SO WE'VE DONE STUDIES AND AT MINIMUM WE NEED TO ADD 4 CENTERS, BECAUSE THE LAST THING WE WANT IS CHILDREN NOT GETTING SERVICES JUST PLAIN BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET TO US. WE DO OFFER UBER RIDES, SO WE DO OFFER GAS CARDS, WE TRY TO OFFSET THAT IN ANY WAY WE CAN.

BUT LET'S BE HONEST IF THE CAREGIVER HAS TO TAKE OFF WORK, PULL THAT KID OUT OF SCHOOL ONCE A WEEK FOR THERAPY AND THEY'RE AN HOUR AWAY, THAT IS A HARDSHIP.

SO WE SPEND A LOT OF OUR ENERGY AND TIME TALKING ABOUT HOW TO FILL THAT GAP. WE HAVE CONTRACTED WITH THERAPISTS IN OTHER PARTS OF HARRIS COUNTY, THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WE'VE DONE. BUT IT'S NOT ENOUGH.

SO WE HAVE ALREADY TALKED TO SOME OF OUR COMMISSIONERS AND SORT OF PREPARED THEM FOR WHAT'S COMING, BUT I THINK THAT IS ABSOLUTELY WHAT WE ALL NEED TO LOOK AT, IS WAYS TO MEET OUR

FAMILIES WHERE THEY ARE. >> THANK YOU.

AND MY FINAL QUESTION IS THE CAC BRINGS TOGETHER LAW ENFORCEMENT, CPS, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS.

HOW IS THIS MULTIDISCIPLINARY MODEL IMPROVED OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN AND WHERE DO YOU SEE OPPORTUNITIES TO STRENGTHEN

THOSE PARTNERSHIPS? >> LIKE I SAID BEFORE, WE HAVE DIFFERENT ROLES, RIGHT. IT'S TOO BIG OF A JOB FOR ANY ONE AGENCY. AND WE ALL PROVIDE DIFFERENT EXPERTISE. SO AGAIN YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATES CRIMES, AS A TEAM WE'RE KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE, RIGHT, BECAUSE WE'RE GETTING THOSE BAD GUYS OFF THE STREET. DFPS OR CPS IS KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE. IS THAT CHILD SAFE WHERE THEY ARE? AND AGAIN, WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS. AND WE MEET.

WE HAVE CASE REVIEWS EVERY OTHER WEEK AND WE SIT IN A ROOM AND WE TALK ABOUT WHAT'S GONE RIGHT, WHAT'S GONE WRONG AND WHEN WE NEED TO DO NEXT STEPS TO KEEP THAT CASE MOVING FORWARD SO WE CONTINUALLY WORK TO IMPROVE. WAYS TO IMPROVE THAT -- IT'S JUST CAPACITY. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF OUR PARTNERS, INCLUDING OURSELVES, ARE SHORT-STAFFED.

IF EVERY ONE OF THOSE TEAMS HAD MORE PEOPLE, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO

[03:45:05]

SERVE MORE CHILDREN. >> THANK YOU.

THAT'S IT. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2.

PRECINCT 3, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU. ARE YOU SEEING A CHANGE IN THE TYPES OF SERVICES THAT YOU NEED TO PROVIDE, OR DIFFERENT THINGS

TRENDING THESE DAYS? >> I DON'T KNOW THAT THEY -- WELL, YES. THE FIRST THING THAT CAME TO MIND -- AND THIS IS NOT NEW AND IT'S NOT TRENDING BUT ONE THING WE HAVEN'T MENTIONED SO FAR IS WE ALSO SERVE CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN SEX TRAFFICKED. SO SEX TRAFFICKING HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE DAWN OF TIME.

IT'S CHILD ABUSE. SO WE'VE ALWAYS SERVED THAT POPULATION. BUT AS YOU KNOW THERE'S BEEN A LOT MORE ATTENTION BROUGHT TO IT IN RECENT YEARS.

AND I WILL TELL YOU WE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE THAT POPULATION. WE'RE PROUD TO SERVE THAT POPULATION BUT THEIR NEEDS ARE VERY DIFFERENT.

SO AGAIN THAT'S TRAINING FOR STAFF, AND JUST THE WAY WE APPROACH THEM. WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT TRENDS, UNFORTUNATELY THE CELLPHONE CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM.

SO MANY CHILDREN ARE LURED INTO TRAFFICKING OR ENCOURAGED TO GO MEET SOMEBODY THAT ISN'T WHO THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE BY USE OF THAT CELLPHONE SO IT'S VIDEO GAMES, IT'S CHAT ROOMS AND ALL THE THINGS. AND SEXTORTION HAS BECOME A PROBLEM. SO YEAH, THOSE ARE THE TRENDS WE'RE SEEING. AND IT'S HARD TO KEEP UP, TO BE HONEST. I SAID IT'S HARD TO KEEP UP.

SO ICAC, HOUSTON INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN IS OFFICED IN OUR BUILDING AND THEY INTERCEPT CYBERTIPS AND CHATS AND THE NUMBERS -- I HONESTLY CAN'T TELL YOU THEIR NUMBERS -- BUT HAVE JUST MULTIPLIED IN RECENT YEARS, AND IT'S BECAUSE OF THE TECHNOLOGY THAT THE BAD GUYS HAVE AND THEY CAN'T KEEP UP.

>> OKAY. YEAH, I DON'T THINK YOU ADDRESSED THIS, I DIDN'T HEAR IT.

HOW DID THE PAY EQUITY STUDY IMPACT YOUR DEPARTMENT?

>> SO I HEARD YOU ASKED -- DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY MEMBERS WERE

IMPACTED? >> IT WAS ABOUT HALF OF OUR

TOTAL. >> SO WE APPLAUD THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR BRINGING THIS -- MAKING THIS A PRIORITY.

PAY EQUITY IS SO IMPORTANT. LIKE ROB SAID ABOUT HALF OF OUR STAFF RECEIVED INCREASES. SOME OF THEM WERE HAPPY.

SOME OF THEM WERE NOT, AS YOU CAN IMAGINE I THINK IT'S BEEN TYPICAL ACROSS DEPARTMENTS. I DO PERSONALLY HAVE SOME OTHER CONCERNS ABOUT IT AND I WOULD LOVE IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTACT ME OFFLINE TO ADDRESS THAT, I WOULD LOVE TO TALK ABOUT IT IN ANOTHER FORUM, BUT I WILL SAY AS PERTAINING TO WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE TODAY, THE BUDGET, ONE THING THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDRESSED, WE WOULD HOPE THAT THE COURT WOULD ENCOURAGE HRT TO FINISH THE PHASE 2 BEFORE THE BUDGET NUMBERS GO IN, BECAUSE ANYONE THAT MIGHT GET AN ADJUSTMENT AS PART OF PHASE 2, WE WOULD LIKE TO ASSUME THAT THE BACKPAY AND THAT INCREASE WILL BE IN THE BUDGET, BECAUSE AT THIS MOMENT, IT'S NOT.

>> OKAY. AND SO IS -- HOW IS YOUR

STAFFING LEVEL RIGHT NOW? >> YOU MEAN DO WE HAVE

VACANCIES? >> HAVE YOU A LOT OF EMPTY POSITIONS? IS IT DIFFICULT TO STAFF YOUR

POSITIONS? >> LET ME JUST ASK -- WE HAVE ABOUT 9 OPEN POSITIONS AT THE MOMENT.

THE POSITIONS, ABOUT 70% OF THOSE ARE PROGRAM FACING OR CHILD FACING POSITIONS. SO THEY'RE VERY TECHNICAL.

THEY'RE HIGHLY LICENSED AND YOU HAVE TO BE VERY COMPETITIVE.

AND THAT RATE CHANGES WEEKLY, MONTHLY, CONSTANTLY, AND WE COMPETE WITH EVEN SOME OF THE OTHER HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND WE COMPETE DEFINITELY WITH WHAT'S GOING ON OUTSIDE OUR DOORS. THOSE ARE DIFFICULT, BUT THE INTERVIEW PROCESS IS LONG. YOU HAVE TO VET THEM.

YOU HAVE TO -- WE BACKGROUND CHECK EVERYBODY BUT YOU HAVE TO CHECK LICENSING AND THERE'S A LOT OF REQUIREMENTS.

THAT'S ALWAYS BEEN FOR US A CHALLENGE, OUT OF THOSE.

BUT NINE IS NOT THAT MANY. WHAT IS CONCERNING IS THAT THE MAJORITY OF THOSE ARE CHILD FACING POSITIONS.

THAT'S OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE RIGHT NOW.

AND WE HAVE ABOUT 118 PEOPLE, JUST TO GIVE YOU SOME SCALE.

9 OUT OF 118. >> OKAY.

THAT'S ALL I HAVE RIGHT NOW. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3. PRECINCT 4, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

GOOD SEE YOU AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE, COMMISSIONER BRIONES IS INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR THE WORK YOU DO. YOU BRING TOGETHER EVERY ASPECT OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM FOR THANK YOU FOR THE CARE THAT YOU TAKE.

A LOT OF MY COLLEAGUES ASKED SOME EXCELLENT QUESTIONS ALREADY BUT I REMEMBER LAST YEAR THE FOUNDATION WAS ABLE TO TAKE OFF A SPECIFIC OFFSET -- I THINK IT WAS MAYBE FOR COUNSELORS.

[03:50:02]

FOUNDATION IS PICKING UP? >> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT --

>> OFFSET WISE, MAYBE TAKING FROM --

>> YEAH, YEAH, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HOW WE TOOK THE CLINICIANS

FROM THE ARPA FUNDING. >> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> YEAH, WE'VE CONTINUED TO DO THAT.

WE HAVE FUNDED HARRIS COUNTY FOR THOSE ARPA POSITIONS.

WHEN OUR ARPA GRANT WAS UP, WE KEPT THOSE 4 POSITIONS, SO THERE WERE 2 TRAINERS AND 2 CLINICIANS THAT WE'VE CONTINUED TO TAKE ON.

THAT'S IN ADDITION TO THE 3 -- THAT WAS ABOUT 400,000.

THAT'S IN ADDITION TO THE 3.6 MILLION THAT WE ALREADY PAID BACK, THE FOUNDATION PAYS BACK TO THE COUNTY.

SO WE PAY THEM BACK FOR ABOUT $4 MILLION WORTH OF POSITION OUT OUR CURRENT GENERAL BUDGET. SO UP SEE THE GENERAL BUDGET THERE. HARRIS COUNTY GETS REIMBURSED FOR ABOUT 4 MILLION. EVERY YEAR, WE LOOK FOR NEW WAYS OF TAKING THAT ON. WE MENTIONED CONTRACTING.

SO WE GET MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS AND KINGWOOD AND THESE OTHER PLACES, THE FOUNDATION PAYS FOR THAT.

SO WE TAKE THAT ON WITH THE FOUNDATION, INSTEAD OF PASSING THAT LEVEL ONTO THE COUNTY, WE GO TAKE THAT ON.

WE'RE TRYING TO TAKE ON INITIATIVES THAT NEED QUICK ONBOARDING, THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE THE SAME BUDGET CYCLE AS OUR GENERAL FUND. AND THEN WE DECIDE WHETHER THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE BRING TO THE COUNTY AND SAY HEY, WOULD YOU TAKE THIS ON OR SOMETHING THAT WE DO LONG-TERM.

SO WE DOUBLED OUR COUNTRY THERAPISTS NUMBERS FROM LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR, SO THAT IS A NUMBER THAT WE'VE TAKEN ON IN

THE FOUNDATION. >> FANTASTIC, THANK YOU MUCH AND APPRECIATE Y'ALL'S DILIGENCE IN LOOKING AT CREATIVE WAYS TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. YOU ALLUDED TO THIS JUST A LITTLE BIT, SOME 69 OF THE CASE LOAD COMPLEXITY RECENTLY.

DO YOU SEE THE CHILDHOOD ASSESSMENT CENTER CONTINUING TO EXPAND THE SCOPE ON THE TYPES OF CASES THEY CONTINUE TO TAKE ON

IN FUTURE YEARS? >> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.

I MEAN, LIKE I HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE, WE ARE ACCREDITED BY THE NCA AND CACS OF TEXAS AND THE TEXAS FAMILY CODE DOES SPELL OUT THE TYPE OF CASES THAT WE DO SEE.

SO IN ADDITION TO SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, WE WILL INTERVIEW DEVELOP ATLY DELAYED ADULTS AND CHILDREN WHO HAVE WITNESSED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR HOMICIDE OR SOME TYPE OF MURDER OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, SO OUR SCOPE IS LARGER -- WE HAVE ROOM FOR GROWTH BUT WE'RE NOT GOING TO GROW OUTSIDE OF THOSE PARAMETERS, BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE [INDISCERNIBLE] TO BE FRANK. BUT YOU NEVER KNOW, WE WILL FOLLOW THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.

LIKE I 15EUD, SAID WE'VE CERTAIN RECENT YEARS PUT A LITTLE MORE EMPHASIS IN CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING.

CERTAINLY AS IT PERTAINS TO TRAINING, LIKE I SAID BEFORE, WE GO INTO SCHOOLS AND TRY TO TRAIN CHILDREN TO BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS AND THAT'S AN AREA FOR THE OLDER CHILDREN, OBVIOUSLY, IS GETTING INTO SCHOOLS AND TALKING TO THEM ABOUT THE DANGERS OF TRAFFICKING SO WE'RE ALWAYS EVOLVING.

>> THAT ACTUALLY HEEDS VERY WELL INTO MY NEXT QUESTION WHICH IS KIND OF WHAT'S YOUR BLUE SKY VISION FOR TRAINING DEVELOPMENT

OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? >> TO BE HONEST, TO GET INTO EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.

NOW THAT'S A TALL ORDER. AND WE DO A VERY GOOD JOB.

THERE'S A LOT OF SCHOOLS, SO I'VE TALKED TO PROBABLY EVERY ONE OF YOU OR SOMEBODY ON YOUR TEAM ABOUT INTRODUCE US TO THE SUPERINTENDENTS, THE PRINCIPALS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS, BECAUSE IT'S REALLY A MESSAGE EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO HEAR.

THE PROGRAM WE DO IS -- IT'S MONIQUE BURR, IT'S CALLED CHILD SAFETY MURDERS SO IT'S RESEARCH BEING IT'S EVIDENCE BASED AND IT ACTUALLY TEACHES MORE THAN JUST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION.

IT'S SAFETY TRAINING SO THE COMPONENTS ARE CYBERSAFETY, BULLYING, PHYSICAL ABUSE, MENTAL ABUSE, NEGLECT.

SO IT'S A VARIETY OF THINGS. SO SOMETIMES YOU WILL HEAR PEOPLE SAY, LIKE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TEACH MY KID ABOUT SEX AND WE'RE LIKE, WE'RE NOT, WE'RE HERE TO TEACH THEM ABOUT SAFETY.

WHEN YOUR CHILD WAS 5 YOU TOLD THEM NOT TO CROSS THE STREET WITHOUT LOOKING BOTH WAYS AND HOLDING MY HAND.

SAME THING. IT'S ABOUT SAFETY.

SO SPREAD THE WORD. ANYBODY THAT WANTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT, PLEASE TELL THEM TO CONTACT US, BUT YEAH, THAT'S MY BLUE SKY PICTURE, GETTING INTO EVERY SCHOOL IN HARRIS COUNTY.

>> ABSOLUTELY. WE APPRECIATE A CALL TO ACTION SO WE'LL TALK WITH THE TEAM. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND I'LL

RESERVE THE REST OF MY TEAM. >> COUNTY JUDGE'S OH, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE AND FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE COUNTY. SO YOU TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HIRING AND RETENTION BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW THIS MIGHT HAVE AFFECTED DUE TO THE HIRING FREEZE.

>> I WILL SAY THANKFULLY OUR CLINICIAN, OUR CLIENT SERVING

[03:55:03]

AND YOU'RE COMING INTO THIS UNFAMILIAR PLACE, YOU'RE SCARED, YOU'RE ANXIOUS. SO IF THEY GET TO THAT FRONT DESK AND THEY HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE, THE ANXIETY GOES UP.

IF THEY GO AROUND THE CORNER WHEN THEY'RE FILLING OUT THEIR PAPERWORK, IF WE DON'T HAVE ADEQUATE STAFF TO PROCESS, ANXIETY GOES UP. SO I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOU THAT REALLY, I WOULD LOVE IF ALL OF OUR POSITIONS WERE EXEMPT, BECAUSE ALL ADMINS ARE IMPORTANT.

BUT UNLIKE MAYBE A SHORTAGE AT THE DMV WHERE YOU HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE LONGER FOR YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE, THIS HAS REAL EFFECTS.

FAMILIES THAT ARE ALREADY SO ANXIOUS, IF OUR STAFF IS OVERWORKED AND WE'RE NOT PROCESSED QUICKLY, THIS IS A PROBLEM, AND I WILL TELL YOU SOME OF OUR METRICS FOR CLIENT SATISFACTION HAVE GONE DOWN SLIGHTLY IN THE LAST YEAR DUE TO THAT INTAKE PROCESS AND THE SLOWING DOWN.

SO THAT WOULD BE MY REQUEST TO YOU ON THE HIRING FREEZE.

>> GREAT, THANK YOU. I WAS ALSO CURIOUS TO KNOW IF AND IF SO HOW YOUR DEPARTMENT WAS IMPACTED BY THE PAY EQUITY

STUDY. >> LIKE I SAID, HALF OF THEM WERE HAPPY, HALF OF THEM, YOU KNOW -- WE HAVE MIXED RESULTS.

ROB THANKFULLY SAT DOWN WITH EVERY SINGLE STAFF MEMBER, WHETHER THEY WERE GETTING AN INCREASE OR NOT, MANY OF THEM UNDERSTOOD MAYBE WHY THEY WEREN'T.

I WILL SAY IT'S GOING TO MAKE -- OR IS ALREADY MAKING FUTURE HIRING A LITTLE BIT COMPLICATED, BECAUSE SO MANY OF OUR PEOPLE WERE JUST BROUGHT TO THAT BOTTOM LEVEL, SO NOW IF WE BRING THERE N A BUT PERSON, IT'S GOING TO BE DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY PAYING THEM MORE THAN OUR EXISTING STAFF WHO WERE HERE EVEN IF WE FELT LIKE THERE MIGHT BE SOME KIND OF JUSTIFICATION.

SO I THINK IT IS GOING TO COMPLICATE FUTURE HIRING.

I DO APPRECIATE THE DERBY APPRECIATE WHERE WE'RE GOING WITH THIS. ROB TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW WE TRADE THERAPISTS WITH JUVENILE PROBATION AND HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

AND I DO BELIEVE THAT ASSUMING THAT THEY'RE ALL AT THE SAME PAY GRADE, THAT WE'LL EVEN THAT OUT A LITTLE BIT.

BECAUSE IN THE PAST, THEY WOULD MOVE ABOUT I THINK JUST PARTIALLY TO GET BETTER PAY. SO I APPLAUD THAT AND I THINK THAT WILL BE HELPFUL IN THE FUTURE.

>> GREAT, THANK YOU. AND CAN YOU DISCUSS WHETHER THERE ARE ANY POTENTIAL CHANGES YOU EXPECT TO IMPACT YOUR

DEPARTMENT THROUGH LEGISLATION? >> I'LL SEE IF HE HAS A DIFFERENT ANSWER. HONESTLY I DON'T KNOW OF ANYTHING RIGHT NOW BUT I CAN TELL YOU EVERY LEGISLATIVE SESSION IMPACTS US IN SOME WAY. AND IF NOT US SPECIFICALLY, OUR PARTNERS. AND I WILL TELL YOU SPECIFICALLY DFPS IS ONE OF OUR BIGGEST PARTNERS.

WE LIKE TO REFER TO OUR CLIENTS AS OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, BUT TECHNICALLY IT'S DFPS OR LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT BRING THE FAMILIES TO US. SO THEY'RE OUR CLIENTS.

EVERY LEGISLATIVE SESSION, THE LEGISLATURES DO THINGS TO CHANGE DFPS. I'M JUST GOING TO SAY IT THAT WAY. MAYBE LIMIT OR SCOPE OR -- SO EVERY TIME THEY MAKE CHANGES LIKE THAT, IT DOES AFFECT THE WAY THEY DO THEIR INVESTIGATIONS AND THEIR ABILITY TO BRING US -- THE KIDS THAT NEED OUR SERVICES SO DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING

SPECIFIC? >> YEAH, JUST REAL SPECIFICALLY, SHE'S TALKING ABOUT FROM A -- PROGRAMMATICALLY AND DIFFERENT THINGS THAT MAY GO TO PARENTAL RIGHTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT WHICH IS ALL I THINK GOING IN A DIRECTION THAT HELPS US.

BUN WE ALSO GET FUNDING FROM THE STATE AND WE GET FUNDING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. SO THAT LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS THE STATE DECIDES, THE HHSC DECIDES HOW MUCH FUNDING WE GET FROM THE FOUNDATION.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FROM A COUNTY PERSPECTIVE, OUR BUDGET, RIGHT, IN TOTAL IS TWICE WHAT YOU SEE HERE, BECAUSE THE FOUNDATION COVERS THAT OTHER SIDE, AND A LOT OF THAT IS THROUGH FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING SO THAT LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO US.

A COUPLE YEARS AGO, WHEN FEDERAL FUNDING GOT A LITTLE -- WHATEVER IT IS, WE WERE WORRIED. WE WERE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR ABILITY TO CARRY ON WHAT WE WERE CARRYING ON FOR OUR KIDS.

IT'S LEVELED A LITTLE BIT NOW, BUT THAT'S THE PART FROM A FUNDING STANDPOINT THAT WE'RE ALWAYS CONCERNED WITH.

>> GREAT, THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE. WE WILL NOW REVISIT FOR ANY REMAINING TIME. PRECINCT 1, YOU HAVE NO REMAINING TIME. PRECINCT 2, YOU HAD 21 SECONDS

[04:00:01]

REMAINING. >> I DON'T HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL

QUESTIONS, THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2.

PRECINCT 3, YOU HAD 46 SECONDS REMAINING.

>> NO FURTHER QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.

PRECINCT 4, YOU HAD 7 SECONDS REMAINING.

>> WAS THERE JUST ANYTHING YOU WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT THAT YOU

DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO MENTION? >> JUST THAT THE CAC IS ACTUALLY A PLACE OF HOPE. A LOT OF PEOPLE HEAR WHAT WE DO THERE AND THINK IT'S A PLACE OF SADNESS AND I WANT YOU GUYS TO TAKE THAT AWAY TODAY, WITH YOUR ACTUALLY SAVING THE LIVES AND IMPROVING THE LIVES OF HARRIS COUNTY CHILDREN WHICH WILL MAKE HARRIS COUNTY BETTER IN THE FUTURE.

>> WE APPRECIATE YOU. >> THANK YOU, COURT OFFICES.

THAT WILL CONCLUDE THE QUESTION PORTION, AND THANK YOU DIRECTOR, AND THANK YOU TO YOUR ENTIRE TEAM.

OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL COME FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC

LIBRARY. >> THANK YOU AND WELCOME TO THE

[Library]

EACH COURT OFFICE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH PRESINCT 2, DIRECTOR.

>> EDWARD MELTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO PRESENT OUR BUDGET FOR THE FY '27 FISCAL YEAR.

OUR MISSION IS ENRICHING LIVES TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES AND WE HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS BY THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM LIBRARIES AND SCIENCES AS AN IMLS MEDALIST AND WE HAVE ALSO THIS PAST YEAR BEEN RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY BY THE LIBRARY JOURNAL JERRY KLEIN FOUNDATION FOR LIBRARY IMPACT AWARD. SO WE ARE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED IN TERMS OF THE IMPACT THAT WE HAVE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES AND THE WORK THAT WE DO. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WANT TO FOCUS ON FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR IS HOW DO WE RESTORE AND MAINTAIN OUR TEXAS LIBRARY ACCREDITATION.

THROUGH THE TEXAS LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION, WHICH WE ALL REFER TO AS TSLACK WITH THE FY '25 BUDGET WE ACTUALLY -- THAT WAS -- WE DIDN'T MEET THAT CRITERIA IN TERMS OF BUDGETING 15% OF OIFER ALL OUR OVERALL BUT BETWEEN OUR MATERIALS AND RESOURCES THAT WE PROVIDE. WITH THAT LACK OF NOT BEING ABLE TO MEET THAT CRITERIA, GOING INTO 2026, IT'S KINDS OF COMPLICATED BECAUSE THE STATE IS ON A DIFFERENT YEAR CYCLE THAN THE COUNTY. SO GOING INTO 2026, THE LIBRARY WILL NOT HAVE ACCREDITATION. WE'LL BE ON -- WHAT THEY CALL A PROVISIONAL ACCREDITATION. WE HAVE THREE YEARS IN ORDER TO BRING IT BACK INTO ACCREDITATION, AND WITH THAT WE REALLY WANT TO FOCUS ON HOW DO WE HAVE ENOUGH FUNDING IN OUR BUDGET IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THAT 15%.

TYPICALLY IN THE PAST, WE'VE USED OUR LABOR SAVINGS FROM -- IN ORDER TO TRUE UP OUR -- OR OFFSET OUR BUDGET FOR COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT, SO ANY SAVINGS THAT WE HAD FROM LABOR WE WOULD ALWAYS TRANSFER OVER TO OUR COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT BUDGET AND FOR THE -- TRADITIONALLY THAT HAS HELPED US OUT TO MAINTAIN THAT ACCREDITATION. BUT WE SEE THAT WITH FY '25 AND NOW EVEN GOING INTO FY26 WE WON'T BE ABLE TO MEET THAT CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION SO THAT'S WHY IT'S CRITICAL FOR FY27 WHEN IT'S REVIEWED FOR THE STATES THAT WE HAVE THAT ALLOCATION -- BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR OUR COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO MEET THAT CRITERIA. SO THAT'S REALLY THE IMPORTANT FACTOR THAT WE WANT TO EMPHASIZE TODAY IN TERMS OF OUR ACCREDITATION THROUGH T SLACK. WE HAVE $900 IN RESOURCE SAYING THAT WE BENEFIT FROM TSLAC AND WE HAVE -- WHICH IS VERY

[04:05:02]

ACCREDITED FOR THAT PROGRAM. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

EACH COURT OFFICE WILL NOW BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 3.

>> THANK YOU. IS ANY PART OF YOUR JOB STATUTORILY REQUIRED, THAT YOU KNOW OF?

>> NO. >> OKAY.

AND SHIFTING GEARS, THEN, LOOKING AT WHAT THE LIBRARY HAS ACCOMPLISHED IN THIS FISCAL YEAR, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD

OF? >> THE THING THAT WE'RE MOST PROUD OF AT THE LIBRARY IS REALLY THOSE IMPACT EXPERIENCES THAT WE HEAR FROM OUR CUSTOMERS EVERY DAY.

IT'S NOT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COME IN BUT IT'S THOSE LIFE CHANGING MOMENTS, SO TODAY I RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM A STUDENT AND HIS PARENT -- AND HIS MOM IN THAL DEAN AREA AND THAT PARENT EXPRESSED HOW FOR HER CHILDREN TO ATTEND THAT NASA CAMP TO, EXPOSE HIM TO STEM ACTIVITIES AND OTHER EXPOSURE OUTSIDE OF THE COMMUNITY, IT HELPED TO BROADEN HIS PERSPECTIVE AND GAVE HIM A DIFFERENT VIEW OF HIS OPPORTUNITIES VERSUS SOME OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACT THAT HE HAS WITHIN HIS COMMUNITY. SO THOSE ARE THE TYPE OF THINGS THAT MAKES US REALLY PROUD. WE ALSO DID A LOT OF GREAT WORK WITH IMMIGRATION SERVICES IN TERMS OF CITIZENSHIP AND ESL SERVICES AND THAT WAS THROUGH A HOUSTON ENDOWMENT GRANT AND WITH THAT WE WERE ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE BECOME CITIZENS AND NATURALIZATION SERVICES SO WE'VE SEEN PEOPLE WHO COME THROUGH OUR DOORS, THEY WILL COME IN FOR ESL, THEN THEY WILL GO TO HAVE -- GO THROUGH THE NATURALIZATION PROCESS, BECOME A CITIZEN. THEN THEY WILL COME BACK TO GO TO OUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM WHICE WITH THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND INTEND WE PASS THEM ON TO GO INTO FURTHER EDUCATION SO THOSE ARE THE TYPE OF THINGS THAT WE LOOK AT IN TERMS OF IMPACT FOR OUR COMMUNITY. AND SO WE -- THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY ITSELF IN TERMS OF HOW MANY PEOPLE WE SERVE BUT THE TRUE IMPACT IS THOSE LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES THAT PEOPLE HAVE WHEN THEY COME TO OUR LIBRARIES.

>> OKAY. AND THEN -- THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THAT YOU FACE?

>> THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THAT WE FACE IS STAFFING.

AND WHEN I SAY STAFFING, THIS YEAR IN TERMS OF THE STRATEGIC HIRING FREEZE, WE HAD TO -- WE'VE HAD TO PIVOT IN TERMS OF TRYING TO BALANCE OUT WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE FOR THE ORGANIZATION, BUT I THINK GOING FORWARD WE ARE GOING TO BE MORE STRATEGIC IN TERMS OF HOW WE RESTRUCTURE THE ORGANIZATION TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CREATE BALANCE AND EQUITY IN TERMS OF HOW WE PROVIDE SERVICES IN A MORE EQUITABLE WAY IN TERMS OF OUR STAFFING CAPACITY ACROSS

THE ORGANIZATION. >> AND ARE YOU FULLY STAFFED

NOW? >> WE ARE NOT FULLY STAFFED.

WE HAVE ABOUT 30 VACANCIES RIGHT NOW.

>> OKAY. AND WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES WITH STAFFING? IS IT --

>> IT'S JUST -- NOT HAVING ENOUGH PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO DO ALL THE WORK THAT WE WANT TO DO AS AN ORGANIZATION.

BUT WE CAN -- WE PIVOT IN THOSE SITUATIONS.

SO I DO WANT TO SAY I HAVE AMAZING STAFF.

THEY ARE DEDICATED TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY SO THAT'S WHY WE'RE ABLE TO DO THE EXCEPTIONAL WORK THAT WE DO AS A LIBRARY

SYSTEM. >> OKAY, THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3. PRECINCT 4, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE, PRECINCT 4 IS REALLY APPRECIATIVE OF ALL OF THE SERVICES AND THE ROLE THAT LIBRARIES PLAY IN OUR COMMUNITY. YOU GUYS PROVIDE SO MUCH FREE ACCESS TO THINGS LIKE EDUCATION, DIGITAL SKILLS, WORKFORCE PROGRAMING AND KIND OF THE OTHER BENEFITS.

SO WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU. I KNOW YOU TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE RESTORING ACCREDITATION AND YOU TALKED ABOUT THE RESOURCE SHARING. WHAT OTHER RISKS ARE THERE IF THE LIBRARIES FACE ACCREDITATION LOSS?

>> IT ALSO IMPACTS OUR ABILITY TO APPLY FOR STATE GRANTS THROUGH THE TSLAC. SO WITH THAT, CURRENTLY WE RECEIVE 1.6 MILLION FOR -- WHICH HELPS US WITH OUR BROADBAND AGAIN SO WITH THAT 1.6 WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO EXPAND LIBRARY PARTS IN TERMS OF HAVING A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN HAVE TELEHEALTH EXPERIENCES IN A PRIVATE BOOTH WITHIN A LIBRARY.

IT'S ALSO GOING TO ALLOW US TO BUY MORE COMPUTERS IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN AND ALLOW US TO PROVIDE GREATER ACCESS TO BROADBAND TO CLOSE THAT DIGITAL DIVIDE.

SO WE DON'T WANT TO LOSE THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR THOSE GRANTS. BUT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE ARE VERY STRATEGIC ABOUT IS THAT WITH OUR ABILITY TO BIBILITY A

[04:10:02]

THEY GAVE US AN ADDITIONAL 800,000 PLUS BECAUSE THEY KNEW WE WERE TRUSTED PARTNERS WHO COULD EXECUTE THAT 1.6 MILLION.

SO WITH THAT, WE HAVE A STRONG REPUTATION MUCH BEING ABLE TO DO THE WORK IN TERMS OF GRANT OPPORTUNITIES ESPECIALLY WITH THE STATE HAVING A TIGHT TURNAROUND TIME, WE'RE ABLE TO TURN THOSE THINGS AROUND. SO WE DON'T WANT TO LOSE THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE GRANT ABILITIES TO APPLY FOR THOSE GRANTS, ALSO WITH THE INNER LIBRARY LOAN, THAT ALLOWS FOR US TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE MATERIALS FROM OTHER LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF TEXAS AND WE DON'T WANT TO LOSE THAT ABILITY TOO, BECAUSE THAT HELPS SHORE UP OUR CORE SERVICES IN TERMS OF MATERIALS AND RESOURCES THAT WE DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE.

ESPECIALLY WITH THE DATABASES, WE HAVE OVER 60 DATABASES THAT WE HAVE THROUGH TECH SHARE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THOSE DATABASES TO OUR

CONSTITUENTS. >> I KNOW IT'S A LITTLE EARLY TO SEE THE MEASURABLE IMPACTS OF PAY EQUITY, BUT CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE BIOLINGUAL PAY INCENTIVES ON STAFFING AND OPERATION.

>> WE ARE SEEING IT DOES BENEFIT QUITE A FEW OF OUR STAFF IN TERMS OF US COMPENSATING THE STAFF THAT HAVE THOSE WHAT WILL SKILLS. WE HAVE QUITE A FEW BRANCHES THAT HAVE SPANISH SPEAKING COMMUNITIES, VIETNAMESE SPEAKING COMMUNITIES. IT HELPS US TO PROVIDE BETTER COMPENSATION FOR THOSE STAFFING. WE DO SEE A BENEFIT, ALSO WITH TRANSLATING MATERIALS INTO DIFFERENT LANGUAGES AND ALSO PROVIDING THAT PUBLIC SERVICE IN TERMS OF PEOPLE COMING IN AND

SPEAKING DIFFERENT LANGUAGES. >> GREAT.

AND YOU TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT STAFFING BEFORE BUT YOUR OFFSETS INCLUDE MORE THAN 20 BRANCH ADMIN PCNS AND A COUPLE OF ADULT LITERACY AND PASSPORT SERVICE PCNS.

AS LIBRARIES CONTINUES TO GROW, HOW WILL THESE OFFSETS AFFECT YOUR BRANCH LEVEL SERVICE DELIVERY?

>> THOSE WERE THE ORIGINAL OFFSET THAT WERE PART OF WHAT WE SUBMITTED BUT WORK WITH ONB, WE ARE LOOKING AT REDUCING ONLY TWO FULL-TIME PCNS OUT OF OUR BRANCH ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND TWO PART-TIME PCNS OUGHT OF OUR COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND ALSO HR. BUT IF WE HAD TO TAKE THOSE 20 STAFF, IT WOULD MEAN A REDUCTION IN SERVICE IN TERMS OF HOURS, OPERATIONS, BEING ABLE PROVIDE THE LEVEL OF SERVICE AND

PROGRAMS THAT WE DO. >> AND THEN CAN YOU KIND OF TAKE US THROUGH THE DATA YOU RELY ON TO EVALUATE THE STAFFING NEEDS AT INDIVIDUAL BRANCHES? AND WHAT KIND OF ADJUSTMENTS DO YOU MAKE WHEN YOU NEED TO MAKE SHIFTS?

>> SO WE HAVE QUITE A FEW DATA SETS THAT WE LOOK AT.

WE LOOK AT THINGS LIKE THE SIZE OF THE BUILDING, HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING THROUGH, HOW MANY PROGRAMS WE PROVIDE, WHAT'S THE CAPACITY THAT WE HAVE IN TERMS OF MEETING ROOMS, CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE BRANCHES WHERE WE HAVE AVAILABLE STAFF TO BE ABLE TO TRANSITION OR MOVE STAFF TO PROVIDE COVERAGE.

SO IT'S ABOUT TEN OR TWELVE METRICS THAT WE LOOK AT IN TERMS OF HOW WE DECIDE HOW TO PROVIDE STAFF.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE LOOKING AT THIS YEAR IS ESTABLISHING BASELINES. WE USED TO WORK ON MINIMUM STAFFING LEVELS. THIS YEAR WE'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT BASELINE STAFFING LEVELS.

THAT WAY WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE A -- ONCE WE GET TO A CERTAIN THRESHOLD WE WON'T HAVE TO REDUCE SERVICES OR REDUCE PROGRAMING. WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THAT PROVIDE THAT IN A CONSISTENT AND SUSTAINABLE WAY.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 4.

COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR

QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.

SO MY FIRST QUESTION GOES BACK TO YOUR ACCREDITATION STATUS.

WHAT ARE THE BROADER RISKS OR IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE DELIVERY IF THE BUDGET DEPENDENT REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET?

>> SO IF WE LOSE ERATE THAT MEANS THAT THE -- AND THAT 2.8 MILLION, IF THE COUNTY DOESN'T ALLOCATE US FUNDING FOR ERATE WE WON'T BE ABLE TO PROVIDE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY OR ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY TO ANY OF OUR LIBRARIES ACROSS THE COUNTY.

THAT'S A HUGE IMPACT. THAT'S ONE OF THE MOST MAJOR IMPACTS IN TERMS OF ACCREDITATION.

THEN WITH THE DATABASES, THAT'S ANOTHER IMPACT THAT WE HAVE, BECAUSE PEOPLE THINK ABOUT DATABASES JUST AS RESEARCH, BUT IT'S REALLY MORE THAN THAT. BECAUSE YOU HAVE DATABASES FOR [INDISCERNIBLE] MECHANICS WHO WANT TO DO WORK, WE HAVE RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE IN THE -- IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES IN TERMS OF GETTING CERTIFICATIONS. WE HAVE DIFFERENT DATABASES IN ORDER TO HELP PEOPLE WITH THEIR INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, THOSE

[04:15:01]

AVAILABLE LOCALLY. >> GREAT, THANK YOU.

IF FUNDING FOR THE ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM ESL AND CITIZENSHIP SERVICES IS REDUCED OR NO LONGER MAINTAINED, WHAT SPECIFIC OUTCOMES DO YOU EXPECT TO BE AFFECTED? AND HOW WILL YOU MEASURE THESE IMPACTS?

>> SO IF WE DON'T HAVE THE FUNDING FOR THE CITIZENSHIP AND ASL WE'LL HAVE TO REDUCE THE SERVICES SO THE IMPACT IS WE WON'T HAVE THE IMPACT THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE NOW.

WITH THE GRANT THAT WE HAVE FROM THE HOUSTON ENDOWMENT FUNDING, IT WAS TO HELP US TO EXPAND ACROSS THE COUNTY.

SO NOT ONLY WERE WE PROVIDING THAT SERVICE WITHIN OUR LIBRARIES, WE WERE GOING OUT TO PRECINCTS, VARIOUS COMMUNITY CENTERS, VARIOUS PLACES WHERE PEOPLE NEEDED THOSE SERVICES SO WE WOULD JUST HAVE TO FOCUS INTERNALLY IF TERMS OF CONTINUING TO PROVIDE THAT SERVICE.

BUT WE WON'T HAVE THE BREADTH OR REACH THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE.

>> THANK YOU. CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE EXTERNAL FUNDING SERVICES, FOR EXAMPLE PARTNERSHIPS AND PHILANTHROPY YOU'RE PURSUING OR PLAN TO PURSUE TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR COUNTY FUNDING AND WHAT RISKS OR DEPENDENCIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH

THESE SOURCES? >> SO WE HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOUSTON LITERACY FOUNDATION.

THEY FUND OUR CURIOSITY CRUISES SERVICES WHICH IS OUR OUTREACH FOR LEVEL READING WHERE WE GIVE AWAY BOOKS AND THEN PROVIDE STEM ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNT. THEY PURCHASE VEHICLES FOR US, AND THEY ALSO HAVE PROVIDED FUNDING FOR ALL OF OUR FAMILY PLACED LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNT.

ALL COUNTY LIBRARIES WHICH IS OUR EARLY LITERACY INITIATIVE THAT HELPS FOR PARENTS TO ENGAGE AND WORK WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND TRANSFORM OUR SPACES, CHILDREN'S SPACES INTO LEARNING ACTIVITY SPACES WITH MANIPULATIVES. AND THEN WE ALSO HAVE FUNDING FROM THE CARNEGIE FOUNDATION THIS YEAR, FOR CITIZENSHIP.

WE ALSO HAVE PURSUED FEDERAL FUNDING IN ORDER TO DO LIBRARY KIOSKS, WHICH IS -- WHICH WERE IN -- CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 7 WHERE WE'RE PUTTING IN KIOSKS WHERE PEOPLE CAN CHECK OUT BOOKS TO HELP US EXPAND OUR REACH WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.

AND THEN WE'RE ALSO CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR PARTNERSHIPS IN TERMS OF LEVERAGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR -- TO EXPAND A LIBRARY WITHOUT US HAVING TO DO A LARGE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN TERMS OF BUILDING BUILDINGS, SO FOR A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT IS CURRENTLY WE'RE WORKING WITH MEMORIAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES IN ORDER TO HAVE MAKER SPACE LIBRARY AND A COMPUTER LAB ON THEIR NEW CAMPUS THAT WE'RE BUILDING OUT.

WE PLAN TO HAVE THAT IN PLACE BY AUGUST OF THIS YEAR.

WE KNOW CONSTRUCTION WE BE A LITTLE CRITICKY BUT THOSE ARE THE TYPE OF PARTNERSHIPS THAT WE LEVERAGE IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO EXPAND OUR REACH AND FOOTPRINT WITHIN THE COUNTY AND SO WE LOOK FOR THOSE TYPE OF OPPORTUNITIES ALSO.

>> GREAT, THANK YOU. I HAVE ONE LAST QUESTION REAL QUICK. CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT ANY PROGRAMS OR INITIATIVES THAT WERE RELATIVELY SMALL ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT COULD DELIVER SIGNIFICANT MEASURABLE BENEFITS LIKE IMPROVED LITERACY RATES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS?

>> I THINK THE BIGGEST THING FOR THE BUCK FOR US WITH THAT WOULD BE THE ESL AND CITIZENSHIP. THOSE PROGRAMS ARE ESTABLISHED, WE'RE TRUSTED PARTNERS WITHIN THAT SPACE.

AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT TRUSTED PARTNERS, WE DO COLLABORATE ON ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS, WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO COLLABORATE AND WORK WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP US TO SUPPLEMENT THE WORK THAT WE DO. BUT ESL AND CITIZENSHIP WOULD BE THE EASIEST LOW HANGING FRUIT FOR US TO ADD ADDITIONAL HOURS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THAT SERVICE.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COUNTY JUSTICE OFFICE. PRECINCT 1, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.

GOOD AFTERNOON, DIRECTOR MELTON. MY NAME IS LYNN A HIDALGO.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS AFTERNOON.

WILL YOUR STAFF BE AFFECTED BY THE STAFFING CUTS PROPOSED?

>> NO. WITH THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT RESTRUCTURING TO REBALANCE THE STAFFING ACROSS THE SYSTEM.

AND ACTUALLY LOOKING AT HOW CAN WE UTILIZE EXISTING STAFF, REASSIGN THEM TO DO DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORK, WORK ON SYSTEM WIDE SCHEDULING IN TERMS OF INCORPORATING SOME OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF INTO OUR BRANCH SERVICES WHICH IS OUR FRONT LINE IN ORDER TO HELP BUILD CAPACITY IN TERMS OF

STAFFING. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

AND CURRENTLY NOT ALL REVENUE GENERATED FROM PASSPORTS GOES BACK TO THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, IS THAT RIGHT?

[04:20:03]

>> CORRECT. AND SO WITH THE -- OH, EXCUSE

ME, GO AHEAD. >> NO, I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS THAT THAT HAS.

>> SO WITH PASSPORT SERVICES, WE GENERATE ABOUT $820,000 IN REVENUE. WE USE ABOUT 635 FOR DEDICATED DEDICATED -- 8 DEDICATED STAFF FOR THAT SERVICE AND ABOUT 100,000 FOR SUPPLIES. SO WE GENERATE ABOUT -- IT'S NET PROFIT OF ABOUT 86,000. BUT WE DID DO SOME PILOTS THIS YEAR IN TERMS OF UNDERSTAND THAT IF WE COULD EXPAND THAT SERVICE AND THAT REVENUE TO COME BACK TO THE LIBRARY, WE COULD PROBABLY GENERATE MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS IN REVENUE FOR -- THROUGH PASSPORT SERVICES. WITH THAT EXPANSION AND HAVING THAT REVENUE TO COME BACK TO THE LIBRARY, IT WILL HELP US TO COMPENSATE THE STAFF WHO ARE DOING THAT WORK.

RIGHT NOW WITH THE DESIGNATED 8 STAFF, THEY ARE COMPENSATED THROUGH THE -- THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT PAY RATE NOW THAN WHAT THEY PREVIOUSLY HAD. BUT WE HAVE QUITE A -- WE HAVE A LOT OF STAFF WHO ARE PASSPORT -- WE HAVE 90 STAFF WHO ARE PASSPORT AGENT CERTIFIED BUT THEY DON'T RECEIVE ANY COMPENSATION FOR DOING THAT WORK. SO WHAT WE WOULD WANT TO DO IS BE ABLE TO BRING THAT REVENUE BACK IN IN ORDER TO HELP COMPENSATE AND BALANCE OUT THE EQUITY AND PAY FOR THOSE STAFF WHO ARE ALSO PROVIDING THE PASSPORT SERVICES.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT. I HAVE NO FURTHER QUESTIONS BUT IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD, I WOULD LIKE

TO GIVE YOU THE TIME. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 1. PRECINCT 2, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR MELTON.

DESMOND SPENCER FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU AND YOUR DEPARTMENT DO TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA GENUINELY APPRECIATES IT. I APOLOGIZE IF YOU TOUCHED ON THIS EARLY AND SOME OF THE QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCREDITATION.

IF THAT WERE TO HAPPEN, ABOUT HOW MUCH IN GRANT FUNDS WOULD THE LIBRARY BE INELIGIBLE FOR, IF THAT WERE TO HAPPEN?

>> THAT WOULD BE -- THAT WOULD BE CLOSE TO 1.6 MILLION.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU. THAT'S ALL THE QUESTIONS I HAVE

FOR NOW, ACTUALLY. >> THANK YOU.

>> BUT THE OVERALL VALUE FOR TSLAC ACCREDITATION IS $5.7 MILLION. AND THAT'S ALL SERVICES THAT WE

GET FROM TSLAC. >> GOT IT.

BUT IF YOU NO LONGER HAVE THE ACCREDITATION, YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET 1.6 MILLION IN GRANTS IN THE FUTURE?

>> THAT'S JUST IN GRANTS, BUT OVERALL IN TERMS OF SERVICE CUTS

WOULD BE 5.7 MILLION. >> GOT IT.

UNDERSTAND. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 2.

WE WILL NOW REVISIT FOR ANY REMAINING TIME.

PRECINCT 3, YOU HAVE 1:58 REMAINING.

>> I HAVE NO OTHER QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.

PRECINCT 4 AND THE COUNTY JUSTICE OFFICE DID NOT HAVE ANY REMAINING TIME. PRECINCT 1, YOU HAD 2:31 REMAINING WHICH YOU'VE ALLOCATED TO DIRECTOR MELTON.

AND OF COURSE PRECINCT 2 YOU HAD 4:11 REMAINING.

>> THANK YOU. OKAY, DIRECTOR, THEN YOU WILL HAVE APPROXIMATELY FOUR AND A HALF MINUTES FOR YOUR CLOSING REMARKS TO USE PRECINCT 1'S ALLOCATION.

>> THANK YOU. I DO WANT TO APOLOGIZE, I DIDN'T INTRODUCE DAISY TORRES WHO IS OUR FINANCIAL AND BUDGET DIRECTOR AND SO I DO APOLOGIZE FOR NOT INTRODUCING HER.

BUT TO THE BUDGET, I DO THINK THAT IT'S CRITICAL, AS LEADING LIBRARY SYSTEM WITHIN THE COUNTRY, TO HAVE TSLAC ACCREDITATION. WE ARE LEADING THE INDUSTRY ACROSS -- YOU KNOW, PEOPLE ACROSS -- LIBRARY SYSTEMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE LOOKING TOWARDS US IN TERMS. WORK THAT WE DO, ESPECIALLY HERE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

WE ARE BOLD, WE ARE INNOVATIVE, WE ARE DOING SOME REALLY GREAT IMPACTFUL WORK. AND I JUST WANT WANT THAT TO STOP US OR PROHIBIT US FROM DOING THE WORK THAT WE'RE CURRENTLY DOING. WE'RE VERY STRATEGIC IN HIGH WE DO THIS WORK. WE ALWAYS ARE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO LEVERAGE PARTNERSHIPS IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE WORK THAT WE DO AND I FEEL LIKE AND ANYWAY I'M BIAS THAT HAD WE ARE A GREAT LIBRARY SYSTEM FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THROUGHOUT THE NATION AND THAT'S ALL THAT I HAVE.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

AND THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY TEAM. WITH THAT, COLLEAGUES, WE HAVE REACHED OUR AFTERNOON BREAK. WE WILL PAUSE HERE AND RESUME AT 3:30 WITH A PRESENTATION FROM THE COUNTY AUDITOR.

THANK WELCOME BACK, COURT OFFICES.

IT IS 3:30 P.M. AND WE ARE READY TO BEGIN OUR FINAL

[County Auditor]

[04:25:02]

WE WELCOME THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. THEY HAVE ELECTED TO USE THEIR 5 MINUTES FOR INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AT THE TOP, THEN EACH COURT OFFICE WILL BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 4. AUDITOR POST, WHEN YOU'RE READY.

>> AM I ON? OKAY, I'M MIKE POST.

I'M THE COUNTY AUDITOR. WITH ME TODAY IS LESLIE WILKES.

LESLIE IS THEIST IF ASSISTANT COUNTY AUDITOR.

WE DO NOT HAVE ANY BUDGET NUMBERS TO SHARE TODAY.

AS I'M SURE MOST OF YOU ARE AWARE, THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S BUDGET IS APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT JUDGES.

WE ARE SCHEDULED TO MAKE A PRESENTATION OF OUR PROPOSED BUDGET TO THE DISTRICT JUDGES ON JULY 30TH.

AND AS I THINK MOST OF YOU ARE AWARE, STATUTES REQUIRE THE DISTRICT JUDGES TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE AUDITOR'S BUDGET AND THEN SUBSEQUENT TO THAT HEARING THAT THEY WILL TAKE A FINAL VOTE AND APPROVE A BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY AUDITOR.

NOW, THE BUDGET THAT THEY APPROVE FOR THE AUTHENTIC AUDITOR WILL BE PUT INTO A COURT ORDER AND OF COURSE THAT WILL BE CONVEYED TO THE COMMISSIONERS AND TO DANIEL RAMOS.

THE TENTATIVE DATE FOR THAT PUBLIC HEARING IS AUGUST 26TH.

SO THAT'S THE SCHEDULE OF WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR US GET OUR BUDGET. ABOUTBUT LESLIE AND I ARE HERE D

READY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU, AUDITOR POST.

EACH COURT OFFICE WILL NOW BE ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS, BEGINNING WITH PRECINCT 4.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, AUDITOR POST, LESLIE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. UNDERSTANDING AS YOU MENTIONED THAT WE WON'T HAVE NUMBERS TO DIG INTO TODAY, LET'S TALK A BIT AT A HIGH LEVEL ABOUT OPERATIONS AND THE WAY THAT THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE SUPPORTS COUNTY OPERATIONS.

WHAT SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED BY THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE OF ANY KNOWN OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS THAT ARE IMPACTING SERVICE DELIVERY TODAY?

>> OKAY, WELL, THE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS THAT ARE IN THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE ARE MOSTLY THERE BECAUSE OF STATUTE.

AND SO WHAT IS IT THAT THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE DOES HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY? WE DO INTERNAL AUDITS.

INTERNAL AUDITS CAN BE EITHER ONES THAT WE ARE PRESCRIBED TO DO BECAUSE THE STATUTE SAYS EVERY QUARTER THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE IS GOING OUT AND AUDIT THE DISTRICT CLERK, FOR INSTANCE. THEY CAN ALSO BE AUDITS THAT WE CHOOSE TO DO BECAUSE OF HERE IS A RISK, HERE IS AN AREA WHERE WE FEEL LIKE WE CAN ADD SOME VALUE. THEY CAN ALSO BE REQUESTED AND CURRENTLY WE'RE WORKING ON A COUPLE OF AUDITS THAT WERE REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONERS. SO THAT IS ONE.

AND I'M GOING TO LIST SEVERAL. WE ALSO HAVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DEPARTMENT. SO ALL THE DISBURSEMENTS ARE GOING THROUGH A CENTRAL GROUP IN THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE.

AND STATUTE SAYS THAT THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE HAS TO ACTUALLY APPROVE EACH OF THESE DISBURSEMENTS.

SO WE GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS AND APPROVAL PROCESS AND THEN EVERY COMMISSIONER'S COURT, THERE'S AN AGENDA ITEM WE CALL THE COURT LIST, THAT AGENDA ITEM IS ASKING COMMISSIONERS COURT TO APPROVE THE ITEMS THAT THE AUDITOR HAS ALREADY APPROVED.

SO ONCE THAT AGENDA ITEM HAS BEEN APPROVED BY COMMISSIONERS, THEN THE TREASURER, BECAUSE IT HAS BOTH THE COUNTY AUDITOR APPROVAL AND THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT APPROVAL, THE TREASURER MAKES THE FINAL DISBURSEMENT. WE ALSO KEEP THE BOOKS, SO WHEN THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR COMES IN AND DOES AN AUDIT, THEY'RE

[04:30:05]

SO WE'RE MAINTAINING BOOKS FOR HARRIS COUNTY, THE TOLL ROAD, THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. WE ALSO HAVE A GRANTS ACCOUNTING FUNCTION. SO FOR THE DIFFERENT GRANTS THAT THE COUNTY GETS, WE KEEP THE BOOKS ON THOSE GRANTS AS FAR AS EXPENDITURES, REVENUE WE'VE RECEIVED, AND I'LL REPORT TO THE GRANTING AGENCIES THAT ARE FINANCIAL IN NATURE OR REPORTS OR REQUESTS, BECAUSE A LOT OF OUT GRANTS ARE REIMBURSEMENT GRANTS, AND WE SPEND AND YOU GET REIMBURSED.

ALL THOSE GO THROUGH THE GRANTS ACCOUNTING GROUP WITHIN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. WE DO THE PAYROLL FOR HARRIS COUNTY, SO THAT'S ABOUT 19 TO 20,000 PEOPLE THAT GET PAID EVERY OTHER WEEK, THAT PAYROLL DEPARTMENT IS PART OF THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. WE DO THE BANK RECONCILIATIONS.

BANK RECONCILIATIONS ASK ANY AUDITOR THEIR KEY CONTROL, AND WE HAVE A 300 300 AND SOME BANK ACCOUNTS SO WE HAVE A GROUP THAT'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE BANK RECONCILIATIONS.

WE HAVE AN ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE GROUP, SO THERE ARE DIFFERENT GROUPS THAT WE BILL BECAUSE THEY NEED TO PAY US, PATROL SERVICES, THAT'S A BIG ONE. SO THAT'S ANOTHER GROUP WITHIN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. WE HAVE A REVENUE ACCOUNTING GROUP THAT TRACKS THE VARIOUS REVENUES, BUT ONE OF THEIR KEY FUNCTIONS IS TO DO THE ANNUAL REVENUE ESTIMATE.

AND THOSE NUMBERS ARE GIVEN TO THE BUDGET OFFICE AS A BASIS FOR SORT OF THE CEILING ON HOW MUCH THE BUDGET CAN BE FOR THE DIFFERENT FUNDS. GENERAL FUND, MOBILITY FUND, THE DIFFERENT FUNDS. WE HAVE A VENDOR VERIFICATION GROUP -- I'M TAKING UP ALL YOUR TIME.

WE HAVE A VENDOR VERIFICATION GROUP, BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF FRAUDSTERS OUT THERE AND THEY WANT TO IMPERSONATE OUR VENDORS, AND WE NEARLY LOST 880,000 A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, AND I CREATED THIS GROUP. AND LESLIE HOW MUCH HAS THAT

GROUP CAUGHT -- >> IT'S BEEN OVER 6 MILLION.

IT'S BEEN OVER 6 MILLION SINCE THEY WERE CREATED.

>> SO THEY -- THEY THROUGH THEIR INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION, THEY'RE ABLE TO STOP SOME OF THESE PAYMENTS FROM GOING OUT TO FRAUDSTERS. AND THEN FINALLY, MY LAST GROUP I CALL SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES, AND THEY'RE THE ONES THAT KEEP THE FORMS. YOU CAN GO OUT ON THE AUDITOR'S INTERNET, YOU CAN GET ALL THE FINANCIAL FORMS. YOU CAN LOOK AT ALL THE PROCEDURES, TELL YOU HOW TO HANDLE CASH AND DO DIFFERENT THINGS.

THAT GROUP MAINTAINS ALL THAT. THAT IS WHAT WE DO, IN A NUTSHELL. AND OUR WHOLE DEPARTMENT IS REALLY DEDICATED TO DOING THE THINGS I JUST ENUMERATED.

SO WE'RE -- AND AGAIN I'M TALKING A LOT, I KNOW.

WE'RE UNLIKE SOME OF THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS, BECAUSE A LOT OF DEPARTMENTS, THEIR CLIENTS ARE THE PUBLIC OUT THERE, BUT THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE IS FOCUSED -- OUR CLIENTS ARE THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS. WE'RE DOING A PAYROLL FOR THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS. WE'RE PAYING THE BILLS FOR THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS. WE'RE KEEPING THE BOOKS FOR THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS. SO OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS ARE

OUR MAIN CLIENT. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 4.

COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR

QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE. YOU SPOKE TO AUDITS THAT ARE REQUIRED BY STATUTE AND THOSE THAT COME FROM COMMISSIONERS COURT. BUT YOU'VE ALSO TALKED ABOUT THERE ARE SOME AUDITS THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO DO OR WANT TO DO AS A DEPARTMENT. DO YOU HAVE PRIORITY AREAS FOR AUDITS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO AS AN OFFICE AND WHAT -- WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRIORITIZE THIS UPCOMING YEAR?

>> WELL, I HOPE I UNDERSTOOD THAT.

BUT YOU ARE RIGHT. THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE DOES THIS SORT OF VARIETY OF AUDITS. NOW, WE NEVER HAVE AS MANY AUDITORS AND AS MANY CAPABILITY AS WE WOULD LIKE.

THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS HERE AT HARRIS COUNTY THAT COULD BE AUDITED, BUT THE STATUTORY AUDITS THAT WE DO, WE'VE GOT A GROUP WITHIN THE INTERNAL AUDIT DIVISION, WE CALL IT COMPLIANCE AUDIT. THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM.

[04:35:01]

YOU'VE GOT TO AUDIT THEM FOUR TIMES A YEAR.

I MEAN, ALREADY THAT'S WHAT, 64 OR WHATEVER -- AND SAME WAY WITH CONSTABLES, AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.

THE RISK BASE, WHAT WE DO ON THOSE, I CALL THEM RISK BASED, THE ONES THAT WE DECIDE TO DO, WE GO THROUGH EVERY YEAR AND WE CONTACT EITHER THROUGH AN INTERVIEW OR THROUGH A SURVEY ALL THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT HEADS AND WE ASK THEM, ARE THERE SOME ISSUES, ARE THERE SOME AREAS WHERE YOU HAVE CONCERNS, WHERE DO YOU SEE THE RISKS? SO WE GET THAT INPUT AND THEN WE PRIORITIZE THOSE AND WE DO AS MANY OF THOSE AS WE HAVE RESOURCES TO DO. THEN WE GET THE COMMISSIONERS WHO WILL ASK FOR AUDITS AND WE MAKE THOSE A PRIORITY.

WE ALSO -- AND I DIDN'T MENTION IT BEFORE -- WE ALSO MAINTAIN THE COUNTY'S FRAUD WASTE AND ABUSE HOTLINE.

THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT COMMISSIONERS ASKED US TO DO A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO. AND THAT'S ANOTHER PART OF WHAT THIS INTERNAL AUDIT GROUP DOES. AND WE MAINTAIN SOME DASHBOARDS THAT ARE USED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, THAT ALSO WAS DONE IN THIS INTERNAL AUDIT GROUP, BECAUSE WE'VE GOT SOME HIGHLY TECHNICAL PEOPLE IN THAT GROUP, AND THE VENDOR DASHBOARD IS PROBABLY THE VENDOR INVOICE DASHBOARD IS THE PRIME EXAMPLE OF THAT, BUT WE'VE DONE OTHER DASHBOARDS FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS. AND WE MAINTAIN THOSE.

WE TRY TO DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN DO WITH THE RESOURCES WE HAVE.

BUT -- AND WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS.

IF THERE'S AN AUDIT YOU FEEL LIKE NEEDS TO BE DONE, LET US

HEAR FROM YOU. >> THANK YOU.

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THAT YOUR BUDGET IS SET BY DISTRICT JUDGES, CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH WHAT SERVICES YOU'VE FOUND AN ADDITIONAL BUDGET NEED FOR AND WHAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE

YOU FINDING A NEED FOR? >> OKAY, I'M HAVING A LITTLE TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING YOU -- OR HEARING YOU.

BUT SO EVERY YEAR I GO TO THE DISTRICT JUDGES WITH MY BUDGET PROPOSAL. AND I WILL SAY THIS: I THINK WE'RE A PRETTY DYNAMIC ORGANIZATION, IN THAT WE MAKE A LOT OF ADJUSTMENTS, NOT TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT BUT IF WE FEEL LIKE, YOU KNOW, THE MIXTURE OF SUPERVISORS, SENIOR ACCOUNTANTS, WE LOOK AT THAT EVERY YEAR IN DETAIL, SO IF YOU LOOK AT MY BUDGET, WHICH EVENTUALLY WILL BE AVAILABLE, YOU WILL SEE THE PLUSES AND MINUSES EVERY YEAR, OH, WHERE THEY TOOK THIS SUPERVISOR POSITION AND THEY TURNED IT INTO AN ACCOUNTING POSITION BECAUSE IN OUR ANALYSIS, WE REALIZED WE DIDN'T REALLY NEED THAT MANY SUPERVISORS, WE REALLY FIELDED AN NEEDED AN ACCOUNTANT MORE.

SO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING ACTUALLY OF ALL THOSE GROUPS THAT I ENUMERATED, THEY'VE BEEN ABLE REALLY WITH THE NEW -- WITH THE PEOPLESOFT SOFTWARE FIGURE OUT SOME PRETTY NEAT WAYS TO DO THINGS IN A MORE AUTOMATED FASHION.

SO MAYBE I'M TAKING ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE AND PUTTING THEM OVER IN GRANTS BECAUSE WE'VE GOT ALL THIS NEW MONEY COMING IN AND THOSE PEOPLE ARE WORKING ALL THOSE EXTRA HOURS.

SO IT'S DYNAMIC BUT MY -- BUT MY OVERALL BUDGET -- LOOK, THE COUNTY IS FACING TOUGH TIMES. AND I'M NOT ABOUT TO GO TRY TO BULK UP, YOU KNOW, I'M JUST NOT. BECAUSE YOU'RE ALL BEING ASKED -- ALL THESE DEPARTMENTS ARE BEING ASKED, YOU KNOW, HOW CAN YOU REDUCE, LIKE I THINK IT'S 8% THIS YEAR, AND I'LL JUST SAY THAT THE COUNTY AUDITOR, IF THE BUDGET THAT'S APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT JUDGES IS WITHIN 5% OF WHAT IT WAS THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THEN THERE'S NO INPUT FROM COMMISSIONERS COURT.

IF THE DISTRICT JUDGES APPROVED A 6% INCREASE IN MY BUDGETS, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT COULD CUT IT BACK TO 5.

[04:40:01]

NOW, THAT INCLUDED 1.5% INCREASE, BECAUSE I HAVE THE BUDGET FOR THINGS LIKE HEALTH CARE, BECAUSE I DON'T GET AN INPUT FROM DANIEL ANYWHERE IN THE YEAR.

SO WHEN YOU ADD THE BENEFITS AND THE GALLAGHER, YOU KNOW, THAT WAS HALF MY BUDGET. THE INCREASE -- THE YEAR BEFORE THAT, MY TOTAL INCREASE WAS 1.45%.

60% OF THAT WAS BECAUSE OF HEALTH CARE.

SO -- I AM REALLY STRIVING TO STAY IN LINE WITH THE REST OF THE COUNTY. I'M NOT TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BEING UNDER A DIFFERENT BUDGET WAY OF DOING THE BUDGET.

>> THANK YOU. PRECINCT 1, YOU NOW HAVE 5

MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, AUDITOR POST AND THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE.

I THINK MY FIRST QUESTION -- AND YOU TOUCHED ON SOME OF THIS WHEN YOU WERE DISCUSSING YOUR OPERATIONS, BUT AS ARPA AND OTHER MULTIYEAR COVID GRANTS KIND OF WIND DOWN THIS YEAR, WILL YOUR OFFICE HAVE TO TAKE ON ADDITIONAL WORK TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE FUNDS ARE CLOSED, THAT THESE PURCHASE ORDERS ARE CLOSED AND HOW WILL YOUR BUDGET REFLECT THAT WORK, THAT

ADDITIONAL WORK? >> WELL, THAT'S AN INTERESTING QUESTION, BECAUSE I'VE BEEN SORT OF THINKING ABOUT IT.

IN THE INTERNAL AUDIT GROUP, WE CURRENTLY HAVE THREE ARPA FUNDED POSITIONS. NOW, THEY'RE WHAT I CALL TIME LIMITED POSITIONS. SO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THOSE POSITIONS KNOW THAT, AT THE END OF '27, THAT MONEY IS GOING AWAY AND POTENTIALLY THEIR JOB IS GOING AWAY.

BUT AS YOU'RE POINTING OUT, THERE'S A LOT OF MONITORING OF THESE GRANTS. IF YOU WERE TO ASK ME, YOU KNOW, WHAT I, MIKE, DO YOU WORRY ABOUT THE MOST IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THE FINANCIAL REALM, I WOULD PROBABLY SAY ARE WE MONITORING OUR GRANTS? ARE WE SURE THAT WE'RE CROSSING THE TS AND DOTTING THE IS? I DON'T HAVE TO SEE ANY MONEY CLAWED BACK. AND WE HAVE RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR GRANTS. THAT'S WHAT THESE THREE PEOPLE DO. THEY MONITOR ARPA GRANTS AND THEY'RE GETTING PAID FOR BY THE ARPA GRANT.

SO DO I LET THEM GO OR DO I REPURPOSE THEM AND FIND ANOTHER PLACE FOR THEM IN THE GRANT AREA? BECAUSE I THINK IT JUST -- IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO. AND WE GET A LOT OF GRANT MONEY HERE. LESLIE, I'LL LET YOU CHIME IN ON

THIS. >> RIGHT, SO AS MIKE MENTIONED, THEY ARE WORKING ON THE -- CURRENTLY ALREADY AUDITING THOSE PROGRAMS. AND SO IN TERMS OF THE WORKLOAD, I THINK THAT THAT'S JUST GOING TO BE THE SAME AS WHAT THEY'RE USED TO ALREADY DOING. I'M SORRY A MATTER OF FINDING A PLACE FOR THEM ONCE THEY'RE FINISHED WITH THAT, BECAUSE THERE IS PLENTY OF WORK TO BE DONE ON THE VARIOUS GRANTS THAT

ARE REMAINING. >> THANK YOU.

AND THEN ANOTHER QUESTION WE HAD IS, YOU KNOW, FOR PRIORITIES SUCH AS PROMPT PAY, IF YOU CAN JUST GIVE US SOME INFORMATION ON THE OPERATIONAL WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO JUST KIND OF IN DASHBOARDS AND IMPLEMENTING TRANSPARENCY?

>> I'M GOING TO LET LESLIE ANSWER THAT ONE.

>> YES. SO THROUGHOUT THE WORK THAT WE'RE -- THE COMP PAY, ALSO THE DASHBOARDS, WE'RE CONTINUING TO ENHANCE THOSE SO THE DEPARTMENTS WILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION TO BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT THEY HAVE OUT THERE AND THE -- LOOKING AT THE DATES AND THE ITEMS, THE AGING AND WE'RE VERY ENCOURAGED BY WHAT WE'VE SEEN, SINCE WE'VE GONE LIVE ON THE AUTOMATION OF THE INTEREST PAYMENTS AND WE HAVE WORKED WITH THE DEPARTMENTS. WE HAD THE POSITION OF OUR PROMPT PAY LIAISON WHO HAS BEEN AVAILABLE TO WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENTS ON JUST VARIOUS ISSUES THAT THEY'VE ENCOUNTERED.

WE'VE LEARNED THAT A LOT OF THE ISSUES THAT THEY'RE FACING ARE BUSINESS PROCESS RELATED MORE SO THAN THE TECHTHOLOGY ITSELF.

AND REALLY JUST WORKING TO HELP THEM WITH TRAINING MATTERS, WITF ISSUES THAT WE HAVE FOUND, DEPARTMENTS MAYBE NOT HAVING A

[04:45:01]

WHAT WE'VE SEEN. >> THAT'S GREAT, THANK YOU.

I HAVE INTO FURTHER QUESTIONS AT THIS TIME.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 1.

PRECINCT 2, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, AUDITOR POST AND FIRST AUDITOR WILKES.

IT'S A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP AND YOUR ASSISTANCE WITH THE VARIOUS DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF PRECINCT 2. MY FIRST QUESTION IS I KNOW THE ERP COMING UP, THE NEW ERP IS PRIMARILY A U.S. INITIATIVE, BUT WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS THAT YOU'RE LOOKING FORGIVEN KIND OF THIS IS ANOTHER GOROUND AT PUTTING IN A NEW ERP FOR HARRIS

COUNTY? >> I MAY BE -- WELL, I DEFINITELY AM -- NOT MAYBE, I DEFINITELY AM IN A VERY SMALL GROUP HERE AT HARRIS COUNTY, BECAUSE BACK IN 1999, I WAS INVOLVED TO SOME DEGREE WHEN THE COUNTY WENT FROM A LEGACY SYSTEM TO THIS THING CALLED IFIS, AND IMPLEMENTED THAT.

IT WAS A BAD IMPLEMENTATION. AND THEN I WAS HERE AND INVOLVED WHEN WE WENT FROM IFIS TO PEOPLESOFT.

SO NOW WE'RE GOING TO PEOPLESOFT TO SOMETHING ELSE.

SO I'M GOING TO BE INVOLVED, HOPEFULLY, IN THAT -- THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN ALL THREE.

SO YOU KNOW, SEVERAL THINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO ME.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THE FUNCTIONS, THE BUSINESS PEOPLE HAVE TO BE VERY INVOLVED AND THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN TO -- IN MY OPINION TO THE EXTENT IT SHOULD HAVE WHEN WE IMPLEMENTED PEOPLESOFT AND WE WERE REALLY, REALLY SCRAMBLING WHEN PEOPLE SOFT WENT LIVE. ESPECIALLY IN THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AREA. AND HAD TO REWORK A LOT OF THINGS. I WANT THE -- WHOEVER THE COMPANY IS TO UNDERSTAND FAIRLY EARLY SOME OF THE THINGS THAT -- I DIDN'T THINK THAT THE PEOPLESOFT PEOPLE OR CHERRY ROAD UNDERSTOOD EARLY. THERE'S FUNCTIONS THAT THE COUNTY JUST NEEDS AND THEY'RE NOT GOING TO JUST TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES. I'LL GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.

WE NEED SOME SORT OF A CASH RECEIVING FUNCTION.

SO WHEN WE WERE IMPLEMENTING PEOPLESOFT, THEY JUST KEPT PUTTING THAT -- OH, YEAH, YEAH, WE'LL HEAR -- AND IT GOT DOWN TO, WAIT A MINUTE, WE CAN'T GO LIVE WITHOUT THAT.

AND THEN IT WAS LIKE, OH, WELL, WE'LL FIND A THIRD PARTY.

THERE'S THIRD PARTIES OUT THERE THAT SELL THIS AND WE'LL BOLT IT ON AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A THIRD PARTY THAT WOULD WORK WITH US. SO THEY ENDED UP UNIVERSAL SERVICES BUILDING IT. WE'VE WASTED THREE YEARS, BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THAT THEY NEEDED TO BUILD IT.

I MEAN, I CAN GIVE YOU MORE EXAMPLES SO -- I'M HOPING TO BE ABLE TO SIT DOWN -- AND I'M SURE I'LL GET THE OPPORTUNITY -- WITH WHOMEVER THE INTEGRATOR AND THE SOFTWARE COMPANY IS AND I WANT TO GO THROUGH THESE SITUATIONS LIKE THE ONE -- BECAUSE I GIVE YOU MORE EXAMPLES, I'M NOT GOING TO BUT -- AND SAY UNDERSTAND -- BECAUSE -- AND THAT'S MY THIRD THING.

YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WE HAVE STATUTES THAT REQUIRE US TO DO THINGS IN A CERTAIN WAY, AND I THINK THEY NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THOSE REQUIREMENTS ARE FAIRLY EARLY IN THE PROCESS.

AND NOT TRY TO REMEDY THEM NEAR THE END WHEN THEY FINALLY GET THE UNDERSTANDING. I HOPE THAT ANSWERS, BUT THOSE

ARE MY THOUGHTS. >> TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION VERY QUICKLY -- IT NEEDS TO WORK FOR GOVERNMENTS.

[04:50:03]

I AM KNOW IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S IMPORTANT FOR OUR DEPARTMENTS AND IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US AS WELL AND THE TRAINING ON HOW TO DO THAT. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. THE QUESTION IS HOW HAS PAY EQUITY AFFECTED THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE SINCE YOU'VE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEFT THAT ARE KEY PERSONNEL?

>> YOU'RE ASKING DAVID ABOUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEFT THE

AUDITOR'S OFFICE. >> YES, SIR.

>> YEAH. I MEAN, UNFORTUNATELY, I WISH WE COULD JUST SIGN THESE PEOPLE TO LIKE A 20-YEAR CONTRACT AND MAKE THEM STAY. BUT THE MOST RECENT IS BRANDI SHAW. BRANDI SHAW IS OR WAS OUR DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING.

SHE KNEW HARRIS COUNTY BEFORE SHE CAME HERE BECAUSE SHE WAS ONE OF THE DELOITTE MANAGERS WHO WAS ACTUALLY AUDITING US.

SHE JUST VERY RECENTLY LEFT. THAT POSITION IS OPEN RIGHT NOW.

THAT IS SO KEY AND SO HARD TO FILL, BECAUSE YOU NEED SOMEBODY THAT UNDERSTANDS HOW TO PUT AN ACFER TOGETHER.

THAT'S THE GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS, RIGHT.

SO WE DO -- WE DO HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TURNOVER IN OUR DEPARTMENT. BUT I ALSO CAN TELL YOU WE'VE GOT A LOT OF SEASONED PEOPLE TOO.

SO AS I LOOK -- AND I LOOK AT ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND I LOOK -- I THINK OF REGGIEIANS HE'S WHO ISE DIRECTOR.

JOLAND IS ONE OF OUR DIRECTORS, SHE'S BEEN WITH US A NUMBER OF YEARS SO IT'S A -- YOU KNOW, THE CUP MIGHT BE HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL, BUT I AM VERY THANKFUL WE HAVE SOME PEOPLE WITH LOTS OF YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WHO CONTINUE TO BE KEY PLAYERS IN THE

AUDITOR'S OFFICE. >> THANK YOU.

PRECINCT 3, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOREIGN QUESTIONS.

>> I WON'T BE LONG. I WAS GOING TO ASK MIKE ABOUT PAY EQUITY, I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE PROMPT PAY ACT AND I HAVEN'T ASKED YOU ABOUT HOW IS THE MOVE GOING, DID YOU FILL TH-

>> (LAUGHS) WELL, WE DID MOVE AND WE ARE NOW AT 101L 101 LAMAD I'M VERY HAPPY TO HAVE GONE THROUGH IT.

I AM KNOW IT WAS A LITTLE BIT OF A STRUGGLE.

BUT WE GOT GREAT FACILITIES. I WANT TO COMPLIMENT THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. THEY HAVE REALLY MADE THIS A GREAT MOVE AND WE JUST HAVE GREAT PHYSICAL ACCOMMODATIONS

DOWN AT 1010 LAMAR. >> BACK IN BUSINESS.

>> WE'RE BACK IN BUSINESS. COME SEE US.

>> OKAY. I REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS. I'VE TALKED TO MIKE.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT 3. WELL, AND THAT CONCLUDES, THEN, OUR COURT QUESTIONS SEGMENT. SO THANK YOU TO AUDITOR POST AND TO THE ENTIRE OFFICE. OUR FINAL PRESENTATION FOR THE

[Engineering]

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. >> WELCOME COURT OFFICES IT IS 4 P.M. AND WE ARE READY TO BEGIN

[04:55:06]

QUESTIONS BEGINNING WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> THANK YOU.

GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, GOOD AFTERNOON.

AS HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEER I'M HONOURED TO SHARE HOW HOUR OFFICE DELIVERS FOR MORE THAN 5 MILLION PEOPLE WHO CALL HARRIS COUNTY HOME. TODAY OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ENGINEERS MANAGING 643 ACTIVE PROJECTS WITH A PORTFOLIO VALID OVER 4 BILLION.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY SPANNING BUILDING PERMITTING, REAL PROPERTY, TRANSPORTATION, DISASTER RECOVERY AND MANY MORE. EVERY ONE OF OUR EFFORT IS ALIGNED WITH THE COUNTY'S STRATEGIC PLAN TO MAKE HARRIS COUNTY THAT A SAFER MORE INCLUSIVE MORE RESILIENT AND MORE SECURE. SO I'LL START TALKING ABOUT OUR BUDGET AND I'LL GO POINT BY POINT AND OUR STRATEGIC PLAN SAFER BEGINNING WITH WELL MAINTAINED INFRASTRUCTURE AND THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR THEIR COMMITMENT FOR MAKING HARRIS COUNTY BETTER AND INVESTING IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. TODAY OUR TEAM MAINTAINS 1126 ACTIVE TRAFFIC SIGNALS NEARLY 1800 SCHOOL ZONE FLASHERS AND PROTECTING 305 SCHOOLS IN THAT UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY. LAST FISCAL YEAR WE COMPLETED 693 TRAFFIC STUDIES.

AGAIN, AS WITH ALL THIS GROWTH IN HARRIS COUNTY AS YOU KNOW WE GET ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND WE DO STUDIES TO ENSURE THE COUNTY IS SAFE, IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATION OUT OF THE STUDIES IN MANY PLACES. OUR VISION IS ZERO, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN WAS APPROVED IN AUGUST 2025 AND THERE'S MANIESTS GOING ON -- EFFORTS GOING ON ACROSS DIFFERENT COMM COMMITTEES. WE HAVE OUR GEO METRIC DESIGN GUIDELINES BEING UPDATED AS WE SPEAK THAT'S GOING TO BE PRESENTED TO THE COURT IN THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR. OUR GRANT TEAM RECEIVED WERE ABLE TO SECURE ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY 300 MILLION DOLLAR TRANSPORTATION FUNDING IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT INUS CLOOVETY OUR DEPARTMENT IS INCLUSIVE, OPEN FOR BUSINESS, AND LAST YEAR, THIS YEAR SO FAR YOU KNOW FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 37%, LAST YEAR OF 2025 WE WERE AT 51%. AGAIN, IN TOTAL WE SPENT ABOUT OVER 600 BILLION DOLLARS, 600 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN LAST YEAR.

SO YOU CAN ESTIMATE THE VOLUME FROM THERE. I WANT TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT TO RESIL RESILIENTSY.

SO OUR FACILITIES, AGAIN WE SUPPORT THE SOLAR FILE PROGRAM AND OUR NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM MOVED OUT OF RESIDENTS OUT OF FLOOD HAZARD AREAS THAT'S THE PART THAT COUNTY ENGINEERING IS DOING ALONG WITH A PARTNERSHIP. MANY OF OUR PROJECTS ARE COMPLETE, MOST OF OUR PROJECTS ARE COMPLETE OR IN CONSTRUCTION. SO I KNOW MY TIME HAS RUN OUT BUT WITH THAT SAID OUR BUDGET THIS YEAR IS FOCUSED ON COUNTY PRIORITIES. WE HAVE SOME ENHANCEMENT PLANS AS REQUESTED AND I'M REGULAR TO TAKE QUESTIONS. WE KNOW WE'RE IN A TIGHT BUDGET

YEAR BUT I'M HAPPY TO SUPPORT ALL THE COUNTY EFFORTS. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

EACH COURT OFFICE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS BEGINNING WITH --

>> IT'S 45 MINUTES SO 8 MINUTES EACH. >> APOLOGIES, ALL.

EACH COURT OFFICE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED 8 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS BEGINNING WITH

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

APPRECIATE THE GENERIC OVERVIEW OF THE BUDGET. I'M LOOKING AT SOME SPECIFICS I HAVE TALKED TO MR. RAMOS EARLIER IN THE WEEK, THE BUDGET THAT I WAS LOOKING AT ON MONDAY HAD 20 FISCAL YEAR 27 BLANKS UNDER DISASTER RECOVERY, RESILIENTSY, ZERO.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING, ZERO, HUMAN RESOURCES, ZERO. COMMISSIONER'S COURT ADMINISTRATION, ZERO, CONTRACTS, ZERO. RECORDS, ZERO.

FLEET MANAGEMENT ZERO, PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT, ZERO. SPECIAL PROJECTS, ZERO.

[05:00:01]

PARKING, ZERO. CIP DESIGN MANAGEMENT, ZERO. CIP CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, ZERO AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING OPERATION ZERO. SO INADEQUATE.

AFTER I COMPLAINED OR ACT CONFUSED I NOTICED THAT TODAY EVERY THAT -- AT LEAST, THERE'S STILL 8 REMAINING, I THINK 1, 2, 3, 4 -- 7, 8 REMAINING ZEERS, AS AS ASSET MANAGEMENT, FLEET MANAGEMENT, FACILITIES.

SO OCA HAS NOTED HAS 28 PROGRAMS LISTED IN THEIR BUDGET WITH ONLY 10 RECEIVING FUNDING.

IS THERE A REASON WHY WE'RE DOING BUDGETING THAT WAY? AND DIRECTOR, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU FIRST, AND THEN I'M GOING TO ASK THE PERSON THAT'S PUTTING ALL THIS TOGETHER DO YOU THINK THIS IS READY FOR PRIMETIME REVIEW? IN TERMS OF THIS LACK OF

INFORMATION? SO I'LL START WITH YOU. >> COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU.

AGAIN, INITIALLY I DIDN'T HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE QUESTIONS CAME UP BECAUSE WE DIDN'T SEE WHAT YOU RECEIVED IN TERMS OF THE DETAILS WE HAVE ALL THE DETAILS. THE REPORT THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED, AGAIN, I READ WILLIAM'S FOOT NOTE, UNEDITED REPORT FROM PEOPLE SOFT, I THINK A LOT OF THIS DATA WE CAN POPULATE AND WE HAVE IT. SO THE LEVEL OF DETAILS THAT YOU NEED, WE HAVE THE INFORMATION. NOW IN TERMS OF PUTTING IT IN A BUDGET BOOK, I WOULD REFER THAT

TO THE BUDGET DIRECTOR. >> DANIEL. >> SO COMMISSIONER, I THINK THE CONFUSION MIGHT BE THE PRE-BUDGET BOOK THAT WE PUT OUT FOCUSSING SPECIFICALLY ON THE GENERAL FUND BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE COMMISSIONER'S COURT HAS THE MOST FLEXIBILITY.

WHAT WE'VE LEARNED FROM THIS IS FOR A DEPARTMENT IT'S COMPLICATED --

>> WHAT WAS THE WORD YOU USED? >> FLEXIBILITY WITH THE GENERAL FUND.

SO I SPENT AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME ON THE GENERAL FUND AND ALSO THE LARGEST SOURCE OF FUND THAT'S WE HAVE SO WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THIS IS THAT DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE LARGE AND COMPLEX LIKE ENGINEERING WE DO HAVE TO GO THE EXTRA STEP AND PUT TOGETHER SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT WAS SENT OUT YESTERDAY AND EARLIER TODAY THAT SHOWS A COMPREHENSIVE OF ALL FUNDS AND

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. >> IT'S REALLY HARD TO UNDERSTAND PRIORITIES AND YOU FIND YOUR PRIORITIES AND YOU DON'T FUND YOUR PRIORITIES THAT AREN'T A PRIORITY IT'S REALLY HARD TO UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET. YOU START WITH YOUR REVENUE, HOW MUCH REVENUE DO YOU ANTICIPATE, WHAT ARE YOU FUNDING BECAUSE YOUR LIMITED, I KNOW HAVING DONE A FEW BUDGETS OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS YOU HAVE THE REVENUE SIDE AND THE EXPENSE SIDE. YOU MUST LIST ALL YOUR EXPENSES.

NOW SOME OF THE REVENUE MIGHT BE RELATED TO GRANTS, SOME OF IT COULD BE RELATED TO FUNDING AND METRO IT'S ALL DIFFERENT BUT THE FUNDING SOURCE WHETHER IT'S GENERAL OR OTHER SHOULDN'T REALLY MATTER. I NEED TO KNOW, AT LEAST MY OFFICE NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES. HOW ARE YOU FUNDING IT? GIVE ME THE DETAILS.

AND THEN WE CAN LOOK AT IT. I THINK THE OTHER THING I WOULD SAY IS OFFICE COUNT'S ENGINEER IS REQUESTING 100 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS TOWARDS VISION ZERO.

10 0 MILLION A YEAR. WE WOULD -- WHY WOULD OCE GET THE FUNDING INSTEAD OF THE PRECINCTS. AGAIN, THE PLACE THAT CLEARLY UNDERSTANDS THE NEEDS OF THOSE AND HAVING WORKED WITH EACH ONE OF THE PRECINCT OFFICES, I KNOW THEIR PRIORITIES ARE TO LOOK AT THEIR DETAIL SO THAT THEY CAN COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR OFFICE. IT'S HARD TO OPERATE I THINK FOR YOU TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO THE NEEDS WITHIN THE PRECINCT WITHOUT HEARING THAT BACK SO I FIND THAT INTERESTING THAT THAT'S NOT COMING THROUGH THE PRECINCTS.

I THINK IT WAS PRETTY CLEAR BEFORE WHEN WE DISCUSSED HOW THAT WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED SINCE 49% OF THE ROADS ARE IN PRECINCT THREE. I APPRECIATE THE COURT GIVING ME A BIT MORE FUNDING THIS YEAR AND THAT'S APPRECIATED. THAT WAS 30 SOMETHING PERCENT.

SO THERE SHOULD BE THAT LEVEL OF DETAIL. THE BUDGET LAST YEAR DID NOT INCLUDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE. THE PRECINCTS REQUESTED THAT WE HAVE THAT THIS YEAR. OCE SUBMITTED A SERVICE ENHANCEMENT TO FUND BATTERY

[05:05:01]

AGAIN, THE LACK OF DETAIL, THE LACK OF SPECIFICITY IS SAD. FOR THE CURRENT BUDGET PROPOSED AN INCREASE IN PERMANENT STAFF OF -- PERMIT STAFF OF 15 PLANNERS TO HELP WITH HIGH PROFILE PROJECTS. I UNDERSTAND THAT TERM IS CONSHE YARGE SERVICE.

BEFORE WE GO TO THAT ON HIGH PROFILE PROJECTS I THINK WE WOULD NOT TO GET DETAILS WORKED OUT ON HOW WE'RE DOING PERMITTING AND WE'RE NOT HITTING ON ALL SLECYLINDERS.

YOU AND I BOTH GET FEEDBACK EVERY WEEK ON THE PERMITTING. SO I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THOSE -- THAT LEVEL -- I MEAN, IT'S JUST ALMOST HARD TO START -- NOWHERE TO START.

THIS REALLY ISN'T READY FOR REVIEW. AND DANIEL, I REALLY NEED FOR US IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND IT WHEN WILL THIS BE A COMPLETED BUDGET THAT WE CAN REVIEW?

WHAT MIGHT WE HAVE THAT? WE DON'T HAVE ONE TODAY. >> I MEAN, COMMISSIONER I THINK WE WOULD NEED TO SIT DOWN AND UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR.

>> I TOLD YOU MONDAY WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR AND I TOLD YOU TODAY WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR, I'M LOOKING FOR A BUDGET THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE BLANKS. INCLUDES FLOOD CONTROL COMPLETED THEIR FULL BUDGET. THEY SHOWED ALL THEIR GRANT FUNDING, ALL THEIR EXPENSES, ALL

THE DETAIL, IF THEY CAN DO IT, OCE CAN DO IT. >> OKAY.

WE'LL REVIEW WHAT FLOOD CON CONTROL -- >> I'M SURPRISED THAT YOU WOULD

THINK THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE BUDGET. >> WELL, COMMISSIONER, AGAIN, .

>> LAST YEAR WE SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE FUNDING COMING OUT OF HETRA, WE SAID OKAY WE NEED TO TELL A YEAR, WE'LL GET IT STRAIGHT AND I REMEMBER THAT CONVERSATION, WELL THIS IS

CLEARLY AN INCOMPLETE BUDGET. >> COMMISSIONER, WE'VE GIVEN YOU ALL THE PIECES OF INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE, WHICH IS ALL OF THE COUNTY'S -- ALL OF COUNT'S EN ENGINEER FUNDING BY SOURCE, BY PROGRAM, WE'VE IDENTIFIED WHERE ALL THE PCNS ARE BUDGETED, WE CAN GIVE YOU THE LIST OF PCNS BY FUND, WHEN THEY ARE FILLED AND HOW MUCH THE SALARIES ARE FOR IT SO IF THERE ARE LEVELS OF DETAIL BEYOND THAT I WILL DEFER TO THE COUNTY ENGINEER.

>> WELL CURRENTLY, MR. -- D DR. RAHMAN IS LISTED IN FINANCE. THAT'S WHERE HE'S -- WE GOT 83 EMPLOYEES IN FINANCE AND 102 EMPLOYEES IN THE DIRECTOR'S OFFICE.

SO WHERE THE EMPLOYEES ARE LISTED ON THE BUDGET, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

WE'LL I GUESS GET TOGETHER BUT THIS -- THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE BUDGET FOR THE FIFTH TIME AND IT'S NOT ODD, IT'S JUST CLEARLY THERE'S NOT ENOUGH DETAIL HERE TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHERE TO SPEND THE MONEY 'CAUSE -- WHAT IS YOUR PLAN ON THE MONEY WE GET FROM THE SURPLUS, THE 44

MILLION COMING OUT OF HECTRA. >> THAT'S UP TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT.

>> LAST YEAR THEY CAME THROUGH THE PRECINCTS. >> IT WILL COME THROUGH THE PRECINCTS AGAIN THE RECOMMENDATION IS AT THE TABLE AND 11 OF THAT WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE COUNTY ENGINEER DAY ONE TO BE ABLE TO DO SIGNAL MAINTENANCE, THE OTHER MOBILITY FUNCTIONS THAT THEY'VE HISTORICALLY DONE AT LEAST SINCE WIFI BEEN HERE.

>> MY LAST POINT TO BE MADE, WE KNOW THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS LOOKING REALLY HARD ON EVERYBODY'S BUDGET ON HOW THE MONEY IS SPENT. PARTICULARLY THE 44 MILLION.

I WOULD HOPE THAT YOU COULD COMMUNICATE WHERE THAT MONEY IS BEING SPENT, HOW THAT MONEY IS BEING SPENT, WE HAVE TO SAY IT CAN'T BE SPENT ON MARKETING AND PR AND FINANCE.

IT'S GOT TO BE SPENT ON A MOBILITY-RELATED ITEM. WE KNOW THAT.

YOU KNOW THAT. AND WE KNOW THAT'S GOING TO BE AN IMPORTANT ISSUE.

HOPEFULLY WE CAN FIGURE THAT OUT BUT AT LEAST FOR THIS BUDGET PURPOSE WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS THE PLAN -- HOW ARE YOU GOING TO ASSESS AND AUDIT THE 44 MILLION, THE PRECINCTS, WE NEED TO KNOW

THAT. THE 11 MILLION PER PRECINCT. >> UNDERSTOOD.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE YOU WILL

NOW HAVE 8 MINUTES FOR QUESTION. >> JULIET WITH THE COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE, THANK YOU FOR COMING IN ADDITION TO RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO ADDITIONAL ROAD AND BRIDGE WORK

[05:10:03]

MAY BE FOR EFFICIENCIES OR SAVINGS WITH THAT. >> ABSOLUTELY.

I WILL DEFER THIS TO CHIEF PENA, LEADING OUR DOWNTOWN MASTER PROJECT SO HE CAN GIVE US THE

LATEST AND GREATEST. >> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION, CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY.

HARRIS COUNTY RETAINED PJL TO STUDY FOR THE DOWNTOWN COMPLEX. IT'S EVALUATING THE UTILIZATION OF BUILDINGS, THE DEPARTMENT OF GROWTH PROJECTIONS AND IT'S ALSO EVALUATING LONG TERM FACILITY NEEDS. AND IT'S DESIGNED TO GIVE THE COURT, THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT A DATA-DRIVEN ROAD MAP ESS ESSENTIALLY FOR PLANNING AND RELOCATION AND STAFFING, NOT STAFFING BUT OFFICE SPACE NEEDS FOR THE COUNTY. THE PLAN IS CURRENTLY THE FINAL DRAFT IS BEING REVIEWED BACK IN DECEMBER OF 2025, THE SPACE PLANNING COMMITTEE AUTHORIZED THE EXTENSION FOR THE DELIVERABLE FROM DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR TO THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WHICH WE ARE CURRENTLY AT. THE COURT HAS ALSO ASKED FOR US TO REENGAGE SOME OF THE STAKEHOLDERS, MATTER OF FACT RIGHT BEFORE THIS MEETING WE HAD A STAKEHOLDER MEETING WITH THE COUNTY JUDGES AGAIN JUST TO ENSURE THAT THE DATA THAT THEY'VE RECEIVED IS ACCURATE SO IT CAN BE INCORPORATED FINALLY INTO THAT PLAN.

THE TIME LINE FOR THAT DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN IS THE FINAL DRAFT IS DUE THIS MONTH.

IT WILL BE RECEIVING A FINAL REVIEW BY OCE AND THEN IT WILL BE SOCIALIZED TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT OFFICES AND THEN FINALLY ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT IF ONCE WE

GET ALL THE FEEDBACK. >> OKAY. GREAT.

THANK YOU. AND IS THERE CURRENTLY A SYSTEM FOR REGULARLY REPORTED TO COURT

ON THE STATUS OF COUNTY FACILITIES? >> SO WE WILL REPORT ESSENTIALLY TO COMMISSIONER'S, NOT A FORMAL PRESENTATION, LET ME DO IT THAT WAY.

WE DO REPORT INSTANCES OR INCIDENTS THAT INVOLVE FACILITIES IN CERTAIN AND THE INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONER'S PRECINCTS. BASED ON REQUESTS FOR BASED ON -- YEP, ALL REQUESTS BUT THERE IS NO FORMAL PRESENTATION TO THE COURT THAT WE PROVIDE.

>> OKAY. WE WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU IF POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM TO ALLOW FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY AROUND COSTS AND DECISION MAKING FOR THE COUNTY FACILITIES.

>> RECEIVED. >> AND HOW DOES OCE APPROACH MAKING STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO COUNTY FACILITIES, SPACE PLANNING AND PARKING, SPECIFICALLY IN TERMS OF THE 5

YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN. >> I'M SORRY, CAN YOU REPEAT THAT.

>> SURE, HOW DOES OCE APPROACH MAKING STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO COUNTY FACILITIES,

SPACE PLANNING AND PARKING? >> SO WHAT WE DO IS WE HAVE A STRATEGIC PLAN RIGHT ON MAINTENANCE FOR THE FACILITIES. SPECIFICALLY ON THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.

SO WE PROJECT THE NEEDS OF REPLACEMENTS AND MONETARY EXPENDITURES FOR FACILITIES ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE EQUIPMENT OF 5 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD. AND IT'S A REVOLVING PLAN AND WE'LL MAKE THE REQUESTS BASED ON WHAT WE ANTICIPATE WILL NEED REPLACEMENT OR UPGRADES INFRASTRUCTURE-WISE. BECAUSE THE FACILITIES HAVE HAD DEFERRED MAINTENANCE OVER THE YEARS WE DO EXPERIENCE A LOT OF EMERGENCY REQUESTS FOR ITEMS THAT COULD BE CAPITALIZED AND WE ADDRESS THOSE THROUGH THE W WORKABLE AND O&B TO CAPITALIZ ON THE PROJECTS BUT SERIOUSLY ESSENTIALLY IT'S THROUGH THE CAPITAL PROJECT PLAN WHERE WE ADDRESS MAINTENANCE PROBLEM.

>> IF I CAN -- COUNTY ALSO HAS A CAPITAL PROJECTS REQUEST TIME LINE WHERE A LOT OF THIS DEPARTMENT YOU KNOW IFS SAID I NEED TO NEW BUILDING, POLLUTION CONTROL SAID I NEED NEW OFFICES AND IF THEY NEED CAPITAL FUNDING THEY AT THE TIME START REQUESTING AND WE COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT, WHAT IS YOUR NEEDS AND WE DO HIGH LEVEL COST ESTIMATE THAT GETS SUBMITTED TO THE BUDGET DIRECTOR AND FOR YOUR OFFICES TO CONSIDER.

>> OKAY. THANK YOU. NO ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AT THIS

TIME. >> THANK YOU, COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE.

PRECINCT ONE YOU WILL NOW HAVE 5 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU, DR. RAMANO I

[05:15:02]

WILL REDUCE FUNDS FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES. >> I'LL REFER THIS QUESTION TO THE BUDGET DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR RAMOS. I HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT HIM NOT ABOUT COMMERCIAL PAPER BUT TOWARDS THE SPECIAL FUNDS THAT CAN ONLY BE USED FOR CODE-RELATED ACTIVITIES AND I'M NOT VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT IT SO I'LL DEFER TO DIRECTOR RAMOS

HOW IT CAN BE SUBBED. >> WE'RE EXPLORING THE OPTION OF USING SOME SPECIAL FUNDS THAT WERE CREATED BY THE STATE TO SUBPLANT SOME OF THE MAINTENANCE COSTS ESPECIALLY AT THE COURTHOUSE LIKE GENERAL MAINTENANCE THAT AREN'T ALLOWED TO BE CAPITALIZED.

>> UNDERSTOOD. THANK YOU. IS THE PROPOSED CUT TO LABOR WITHIN THE WATERSHED PLANNING GROUP AN ESSENTIAL POSITION FOR LIFE AND SAFETY?

>> I WOULDN'T SAY THAT THIS IS ESSENTIAL POSITION TO THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND SAFETY BUT IT'S MORE COMPLIANCE. SOMETIMES THE BAD ACTORINGS DON'T DO THEIR JOB AND IT COULD TURN INTO A LIFE AND SAFETY ISSUE. SO IF YOU HAVE CHEMICAL SPILL I JUST WANT TO GIVE AN EXAMPLE ON A COUNTY ROAD WAY AND IT'S A TOXIC CHEMICAL THAT CAN BE AN EXPOSURE INCIDENT FOR RESIDENTS. THEY DO SAMPLE THE WATER AND, OF COURSE, WE WORK WITH POLLUTION CONTROL AND MOST OF THE HAZMAT SPILL AND DO WE HAVE OTHER RESOURCES IN OUR DEPARTMENT IS THAT THE ONLY INSPECTOR THAT WE HAVE, NO, WE HAVE INSPECTORS THAT CAN GO AND TAKE CARE OF THESE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS SO I JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A REAL REALISTIC ANSWER. IT WILL IMPACT OUR WORK FORCE AND ABILITY WE ONLY HAVE A FEW INSPECTORS FOR SUCH A BIG COUNTY SO WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT ENFORCING THAT KIND OF -- YOU KNOW, ENSURING EVERYBODY IS ACTING RIGHT AND THERE IS NO BAD ACTORS.

A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO ON THE WATER QUALITY SIDE OUR SANITARY SPILLS TO OUR OPEN DITCH AND ARE COMPLAINT BASED SO IT DOES REDUCE OUR ABILITY TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND QUICKLY AND OUR SERVICE LEVEL GOES DOWN. SO IF A RESIDENT HAS COMPLAINED I HAVE A SMELL IN MY DITCH INSTEAD OF TAKING 3 DAYS IT WILL TAKE 4 DAYS. I'M JUST HYPOTHETICALLY SAYING I

DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER. >> SO THE FINAL QUESTION WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR PERMIT RUNNING COMPANIES VERSES INDIVIDUALS SUBMITTING PERMITS. PERMIT RUNNING COMPANIES COMPANIES THAT SPECIALIZE IN SUBMITTING PERMITS FOR LARGE ENTITIES.

>> I'M GOING TO DEFER THAT QUE QUESTION.

JUST COME ON DOWN HERE, YOU KNOW, I'LL TELL YOU THERE ARE A LOT OF THE LARGE PERMIT SUBMITTERS IN OUR COUNTY LIKE LARGE ENGINEERS FIRMS THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO, THEY KNOW OUR PROCESS, SO WE HAVE A MUCH LONGER SUCCESS RATE. I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE HOW MANY OF THOSE PERMIT COMPANIES WE HAVE AND IF THEY ARE ALREADY WORKING IN HARRIS COUNTY THEIR SUCCESS RATE IS MUCH BIGGER AND QUICKER TURN AROUND AND WITH THAT I'LL LET

DR. ETIAN COME IN. >> SURE, VERY BRIEFLY WE DO HAVE ENGINEERING FIRMS I GUESS THAT DO HAVE MORE EXPERIENCED THAN OTHERS THOSE THAT ARE MORE EXPERIENCED TEND TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL SO WHEN THEY SUBMIT A PLAN TO US TO REVIEW, THOSE PLANS SEEM TO BE BETTER THAN SOME OTHERS.

SO AGAIN, WE DO HAVE -- SO THE ENGINEERS FIRMS WHO ARE MORE EXPERIENCED TEND TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN THOSE WHO ARE NOT. SO RIGHT NOW OUR GOAL IS TO REVIEW -- TO HAVE THREE REVIEWS, NO MORE THAN THREE REVIEWS FOR PLANS. SO -- BUT SOME SUBMITTERS WE REVIEW THEM MORE THAN THREE. AND THAT'S A CONCERN BUT THE EXPERIENCE ENGINEERING FIRMS THEY PROVIDE BETTER SUBMITTALS SO THEY HAVE A HIGHER SUCCESS RATE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'LL RESERVE THE REST OF MY

[05:20:07]

TIME. >> THANK YOU, PRECINCT ONE.

PRECINCT TWO, YOU WILL NOW HAVE 8 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. CHIEF OF STAFF, I'D LIKE TO EXTEND MY SINCERE APPRECIATION TO DR. RAHMAN AND THE EXPIRE ENGINEERING TEAM FOR COMPLETING THE MAJORITY OF THE DIVISION DRAINAGE PROJECTS. YOUR WORK ENABLED THE COUNTY TO PROPERLY ACCOUNT FOR EXXENDTURES AND STRATEGICALLY ALIGN THEM WITH THE MIT PORTFOLIO WHICH HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY BENEFICIAL AS ADD ADDITIONAL DRAINAGE PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ADDED TO YOUR PORTFOLIO THAT WILL HELP FLOOD CONTROL I WANTED TO ASK WHETHER YOUR TEAM HAS THE RESOURCES AND CAPACITY NECESSARY TO TAKE ON THIS UPCOMING WORK?

>> THANK YOU. DEFINITELY, YOU KNOW, CAPACITY DEPENDS ON HOW MANY PROJECTS SO IF YOU'RE GOING TO SEND ME 20 PROJECTS IN A MONTH IT MAY BE DIFFICULT AND HOW BIG IS THIS PROJECT? IS THAT A SMALL AREA PROJECT SOME ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS. WE ESTIMATE WORK LOAD BASED ON THE PREVIOUS YEARS AND A LOT OF THE TIME WHAT WE CAN SEE TOMORROW. A LOT OF THE TIME AS YOU KNOW IN HARRIS COUNTY, THE CAPITAL PROJECTS WORK, THE FUNDING IS WITH PRECINCT. SO WE REALLY DON'T KNOW WHEN I'M GOING TO RECEIVE A PROJECT THAT HAS 20 SIGNAL PROJECTS ON WHICH MONTH AND CAN WE RUN ALL THESE ON 2 P.M. ALLOCATED TO EACH PRECINCT AT THE SAME TIME. SO I'LL SAY OUR RESOURCE RECAN DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY HANDLE A LOT OF THOSE AS WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED MANY OF THOSE PROJECTS.

WE HAVE A TEAM THAT IS BUILD TO DELIVER RESIDENT NEIGHBORHOOD SUB DIVISION PROJECTS. SO WE DO HAVE CAPACITY BUT IT'S

NOT UNLIMITED. >> ALL RIGHT.

SWITCHING GEARS, COMMISSIONER -- HAS TAKEN A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN ADVANCING THE INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WITHIN THE PERMITTING PROCESS CAN YOU PLEASE CONFIRM WHETHER YOUR DEPARTMENT RECEIVED ANY BUDGET ALLOCATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS

INITIATIVE. >> THE QUICK ANSWER IS NO.

BUT WE HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY SENDING BACK AND FORTH EMAIL AS YOU KNOW WE WENT -- WE'RE GOING THROUGH A PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR A COMPANY TO COME IN AND -- YOU KNOW, COMPANY THAT'S GOING TO DO THIS WORK FOR US AND WE'RE WORKING IN COLLABORATION WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICE BUDGET DEPARTMENT TO GET THIS SETTLED.

YOU KNOW, I THINK THE CODE ALREADY HAS VOTED FOR SOME SORT OF FUNDING TO COME BUT OUR ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT -- HE RECEIVED -- HE HASN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING YET.

>> SO THE STORY HERE IS UNIVERSAL SERVICES WAS ALLOCATED COMMERCIAL PAPER FOR A HOME GROWN SOLUTION THERE WAS A POLICY DECISION OR OPERATIONAL DECISION MADE TO MOVE TOWARDS AN OFFICE SHELF. WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS THIS WEEK. SO I JUST WANT TO PREFACE WE'RE ACTIVELY TRYING TO PIVOT HERE. UNIVERSAL SERVICES WAS ALLOCATED FUNDING TO BE ABLE TO BUILD AN IN-HOUSE SOLUTION.

THERE WAS A PIVOT TO AN OFFICE SHELF, WE PLAN ON DOING OUR BUDGET TRANSFER AS SOON AS THE NEXT COURT TO BE ABLE TO FUND THAT SO IT'S NOT THAT -- YOU KNOW, WE GOT A COURT DIRECTION AND IGNORED IT, WE AL KALTED FUNDING TO WHERE WE THOUGHT THE SPENDING WOULD BE, A DECISION WAS MADE TO PIVOT, WE'RE HAVING TO PIVOT WITH GENERAL FUND KNOWLEDGE AS OPPOSED TO

COMMERCIAL PAPER. >> IS THAT FUNDING STRICTLY FOR UNIVERSAL SERVICES OR IS THAT GOING TO OCE AS WELL.

>> THE UNFORTUNATE PART ABOUT MOVING FROM A KIND OF IN-HOUSE GROWN SOLUTION IS TO AN OFFICE SHELF WE CAN'T PAY FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS WITH COMMERCIAL PAPER.

SO WE CAN PAY FOR THE SETUP COSTS, YOU KNOW, IF THERE IS MODIFICATIONS THAT NEED TO BE MADE OR IMMIGRATIONS WITH OUR EXISTING SYSTEMS BUT WE CAN'T JUST -- YOU KNOW, FOR YOUR MICROSOFT SUBSCRIPTION WE CAN'T JUST CAPITALIZE THAT BECAUSE THERE'S NO ASSET FOR US TO CAPITALIZE.

SO UNFORTUNATELY IT'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE A SWAP FROM COMMERCIAL PAPER TO GENERAL FUND BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING FROM A HOME GROWN SOLUTION TO AN OFF-THE-SHELF.

>> GREAT. THANK YOU.

I GUESS ONE MORE QUESTION FOR ME.

AND I THINK YOU ALLUDED TO THIS EARLIER GIVEN THE PROJECT DEMAND IS OFTEN NOT KNOWN IN ADVANCE CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW YOUR TEAM APPROACHES RESOURCE PLANNING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS SPECIFICALLY WHAT METHODS OR FRAMEWORKS DO YOU USE TO ALLOCATE STAFF, FORECAST WORK LOAD AND ENSURE ADEQUATE CAPACITY WITH THE VOLUME AND TIMING OF INCOMING PROJECTS ARE

UNCERTAIN. >> ABSOLUTELY.

[05:25:01]

SO WE'LL BE TALKING TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF BUT HEY WHAT ARE YOU THINKING IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, ARE WE EXPECTING A LOT OF PROJECTS WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO INITIATE AND LARGEST INITIATIVE LIKE BILL AND PARK, OR RIVER SIDE HOSPITAL WE KNOW HALF OF OUR CAPITAL PROJECTS ARE FACILITIED RELATED SO WE LITERALLY HAVE -- WE ALMOST KNOW WHAT IS THE CERTAINTY AND THE OTHER HALF THAT COMES FROM PRECINCT IS WHERE WE'RE VERY CLOSE WITH THE PRECINCT TEAM TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE.

AGAIN AS YOU KNOW WE'RE TIGHT -- OUR RESOURCES ARE TIED TO THE FISCAL YEAR SO A LOT OF THE TIME WE DO OPEN COMMUNICATIONS WITH Y'ALL HEY LOOK, I GOT 6 P.M. IN YOUR PRECINCT TEAM IF YOU'RE GOING TO ADD THIS ADDITIONAL WORK AND YOU STILL WANT TO MOVE THIS AS FART AS YOU WANT THERE ARE OTHER METHODS; RIGHT? SO WE CAN GET OTHER RESOURCES TO ADD THAT BUT WE ARE STILL VERY CLOSE WITH PRECINCT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE'RE EXPECTING IN THE FUTURE.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT TWO. PRECINCT FOUR, YOU WILL NOW HAVE

8 MINUTES FOR QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.

DR. RAHMAN, FIRST I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR YOUR CONSISTENT PARTNERSHIP IN COLLABORATION.

I KNOW WE AT PRECINCT FOUR HAVE GIVEN YOU SOME PRETTY TOUGH REQUESTS EVEN SOME -- ESPECIALLY SOME UNREASONABLE DEADLINES BUT YOU GUYS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GREAT PARTNERS.

YOU'VE HIT HOME RUNS ON TSEVERA OF OUR PRIORITY PROJECTS AND THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN MISTAKE-FREE BUT WHEN MISTAKES HAVE BEEN MADE, YOU'VE BEEN QUICK TO ADMIT AND THEN QUICK TO RESPOND SO I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR THAT. FIRST QUESTION IF YOU DON'T MIND, JUST FOLLOWING UP ON QUESTION FROM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, CAN YOU PLEASE HIGHLIGHT FOR US YOUR TOP PRIORITIES FOR

THIS COMING FISCAL YEAR? >> ABSOLUTELY.

YOU KNOW, FIRST OF ALL, I'LL START WITH BUILDING OUT THE PRECINCT PROJECTS AS FAST AS WE CAN; RIGHT? OUR PRIORITIES FOR FACILITIES IS DEFINITELY TO OPERATE OUR FACILITY AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. WHETHER IT'S -- WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AND THERE ARE MANY QUESTIONS ON HOW YOU PRIORITIZE AND WE LOOK INTO THE LIFE AND SAFETY ISSUES FIRST AND WE LOOK INTO THE EMERGENCY REPAIR AND IN TERMS OF DEFERMENT AND WE'RE GOING TO HEED THE ONE THAT COULD COST YOU $10 MORE THAT COULD COST ME $2 TODAY.

IN TERMS OF OUR PRIORITIES ARE STRICTLY ALIGN WITH COUNT'S STRATEGIC PLAN, MAKING THE COMMUNITY SAFE, YOU KNOW, INVESTING ON INFRASTRUCTURE, BUT I'LL START OUR PERMIT DEPARTMENT, THAT'S ONE OF THE KEY FOCUSES FOR ALL THE OFFICES THAT ARE HERE AND WE'VE BEEN WORKING REALLY CLOSELY WITH GH -- ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS COUNTY EVEN CITY, CITY OF HOUSTON WE'RE PRIORITIZING THE PERMITTING OPERATION AS WELL.

OUR MAINTENANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE WHETHER YOU TALK ABOUT SUPPORTING DURING DISASTER RECOVERIES ON ANOTHER PRIORITY WE ARE ENTERING INTO DISASTER SEASON.

ALONG WITH THAT I HAVE ALSO SUBMITTED SOME ENHANCEMENTS REQUESTS THIS YEAR AGAIN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY YOU MENTIONED THAT EARLIER AND MADE SOME ADDITIONAL PRIORITY I'LL TALK ABOUT THE VISION ZERO, THE BIG ON FAST; RIGHT? SO WE DO DATA REQUEST ABOUT 100 MILLION DOLLARS AGAIN I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY THE REQUEST, THE FUNDING COULD GO TO PRECINCT, COULD GO TO ENGINEERING FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE FROM INFRASTRUCTURE PERSPECTIVE, TO REDUCE THAT 33 HIGH ENGINEERING, THE COUNTY WILL NEED TO INVEST. HOW THE FUNDS GET DISTRIBUTED THAT'S A POLICY CONVERSATION AND THIS 33 CORRIDOR THAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED THROUGHOUT THE STUDIES MOST OF INJURIES ARE HAPPENING THAT DETAIL EN ENGINEERING WORK HAS NOT BUN DONE, THE HIGH LEVEL ESTIMATE THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.

DOES THAT NEED TO BE CASH, CP, ANOTHER BOND, THOSE ARE MORE POLICY CONVERSATIONS FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT SO I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I'M CLEAR ON THAT CONVERSATION ON OUR REQUEST. WE HAVE REQUEST FOR IMPROVEMENTS, I'M GOING ON THE PRIORITY LIST, SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS FOR PERMIT DIVISION WE HAVE HEARD AGAIN AND AGAIN FROM STAKEHOLDERS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT THAT WE NEED TO DO BETTER. WE MET ALL THE GOALS THAT WE AGREED WITH GHB IN OUR FIRST YEAR WHEN WE SAID DIVSH YOU KNOW, WE'RE GOING TO DO ON EVERY PERMIT CATEGORY, EVERY

[05:30:02]

WHEN A STREET GETS BUILT BY A DEVELOPER HOW QUICKLY -- YOU KNOW, WE INSPECT, WE OWN IT, THE PRECINCTS SIGN OFF AND YOU TAKE OVER THE MAINTENANCE; RIGHT? SO THAT'S AN AREA THEY WANT TO DO IT QUICKLY SO THAT YCKET A IMPACTS THEIR CLOSE OUT OF THE LOT. SO THIS JUST FOR CLARITY THAT 15 PLANNER THEY ARE NOT ALL PLANNERS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE CATEGORIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN THE BUDGET SOFTWARE.

AND THEY ARE PLANNED VIEWERS IF YOU WILL THAT'S MUCH BETTER SO A LOT OF THIS IS GOING TO GO TO THE CIVIL PLANNED SCMITIONER IF YOU WILL AND YOU KNOW THIS BUSINESS AND INSPECTORS.

SO OUR GOAL IS TO NOT ONLY KEEP THE SERVICE LEVEL WHAT WE HAVE TODAY, ALSO IMPROVE. IF AGAIN, WE DO KNOW WE HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KNOW THAT.

AND THE SECOND PART OF THE BUSINESS WE HAVE IS BUSINESS SERVICE ON THE CONTRACT DIVISION.

WE HAVE PROCURED TO PAY WE KNOW FROM THIS BOARD THAT IS ONE OF THE COUNTY'S TOP PRIORITIES. WE WANT TO PAY OUR VENDORS REQ QUICKER AND MAKE SURE YOUR CONTRACTS GET DONE QUICKER. I'VE HEARD FROM ALL OF YOUR OFFICES YOU KNOW CONTRACTS FROM THE COUNTY GO TO MULTIPLE DIVISION BUT WE WANT TO DO OUR PART WHAT WE CAN TO ADD ENOUGH RESOURCES TO MOVE CONTRACTS QUICKER AND PAY VENDER QUI QUICKER THE BATTERY BACKUP PROGRAM IS A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF INITIATIVES WE HAVE OVER 1000 SIGNALS AND THOSE BATTERIES HAVE A 5 YEAR LIFE SIGNAL.

WE HAVE A LOT OF SIGNALS THAT LASTED 40 BUT THAT BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM, 5 TO 10 GRAND A PIECE BUT WE DO NEED TO HAVE A PROGRAM WHERE WE'RE GOING AND CHECKING -- AND HAVING AND REPLACING THOSE BATTERIES. THE REASON BEING DURING A DISASTER THE RESILIENTSY OF OUR SIGNAL SYSTEM IS GOING TO DEPEND A LOT ON THAT. LAST TIME WHEN THE STORM HIT IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON IT TOOK MONTHS FOR MANY OF THEM SIGNALS TO GET BACK UP AND RUNNING AND WE DID IT WITHIN 10 DAYS BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF STORM WE'RE GOING TO GET.

SO IT DEPENDS ON THE TYPE OF STORM AND COMPLEXITY OF THE STORM BUT I WOULD SAY OUR SIGNAL SY SYSTEM'S HEALTH IS GOING TO DEPEND ON SOME OF THESE INITIATIVES AND I THINK WE NEED TO START THINKING ABOUT IT AND AGAIN, THIS IS A NEW PROGRAM WE'RE TALKING ABOUT AND BUILDING OPERATION SERVICES WE HEAR FROM ALL OF YOU, COMMUNITY CENTERS THAT HEY, I NEED THIS DONE, THAT DONE AND WHAT WE'RE THINKING ABOUT IN THE REQUEST IS MORE TO HAVE 5 ROVERS SO THEY WILL BE ROAMING AROUND DIDN'T COUNTY BUILDING FACILITIES TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS RIGHT AND BATHROOMS ARE CLEAN AND MAINTENANCE WORK AND WATER PIPE IS NOT LEAKING OR TAKING ANY CALLS YOU KNOW AS CALL REQUEST TO IMMEDIATELY ASSESS WHAT IS NEEDED SO WE CAN DIRECT IT SO AS I SAID THOSE ARE SOME OF MY HIGH LEVEL REQUESTS TO ENSURE BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE FOR YOUR COUNTY.

>> I'LL JUST JUMP STRAIGHT INTO QUESTIONS BECAUSE WE'RE RUNNING SHORT ON TIME. SO WE'VE -- WE'VE HISTORICALLY UNDER CHARGED ON PERMIT FEE AND WE HAD A FEE UPDATE AND I UNDERSTAND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE SOME ADJUSTMENTS HERE IN YEAR T TWO, PERMITTING IS A HIGH PRIORITY FOR US AND FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS.

WHEN ARE WE GOING TO RECEIVE THE PROPOSAL FOR YOUR YEAR TWO

ADJUSTMENTS? >> OUR GOAL IS TO -- YOU KNOW, GET -- AGAIN THE COURT VOTED TO BRING IT BACK IN FREE PHASES SO WE DO THE FIRST PHASE, THE SECOND FRAY PHRASE AND WE ACCEPT IN SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER TIME FRAME.

>> TRAFFIC SIGNALS ALSO A HIGH PRIORITY WHAT DOES OCE NEED FOR LABOUR AND NONLABOUR TO FULLY SUPPORT COUNTY SIGNALS.

>> THE PROJECTION AND HISTORICALLY IT VARIES WE HAVE A SPAN FROM 5 TO 6.5 MILLION DOLLARS OUR REQUEST THIS YEAR WAS 6.2 MILLION DOLLARS. AGAIN, THIS CAN CHANGE IF WE GET TO A DISASTER IT'S A DIFFERENT SCENARIO BUT I WOULD SAY 6.2 MILLION DOLLARS WHAT'S LABOR AND NON NONLABOR THAT INCLUDES -- I TAKE IT BACK.

I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT NUMBER, WE HAVE 17 POSITIONS.

DO YOU HAVE THAT LABOR FUNDING. >> 17 POSITIONS.

>> SO I HAVE TO GET THAT NUMBER TO YOU BUT THOSE ARE -- YOU KNOW, AND WE HAVE NONLABOR FUNDING THAT INCLUDES OUR BILL

[05:35:01]

>> THANK YOU PRECINCT FOUR. WE WILL NOW REVISIT EACH OFFICE TO DETERMINE IF THEY HAD ANY REMAINING TIME.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD NO REMAINING TIME.

COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE, YOU HAD 3 MINUTES AND 2 SECONDS REMAINING.

THANK YOU, COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE.

PRECINCT ONE, YOU HAD 2 MINUTES AND 59 SECONDS REMAINING.

>> I HAVE NO ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT ONE. PRECINCT TWO, YOU HAD 2 MINUTES

AND 5 SECONDS REMAINING. >> JUST ONE QUESTION FOR YOU DR. RAHMAN, HOW WILL STAFFING LEVELS CHANGE FROM FY27 COMPARED TO FY26? ANY CRITICAL VACANCIES OR NEW POSITIONS AND ARE THERE ANY ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES IN RECRUITING OR RETAINING STAFF, ANY KEY TECHNICAL OR OPERATIONAL

ROLES? >> SO IN LAST YEAR WE HAVE LOST 17 POSITIONS THROUGH THE BUDGET REDUCTION PROCESS.

BUT OUR NET GAIN WE DID RECEIVE 22 POSITIONS FOR THE SAFETY INITIATIVES. IN THAT -- YOU KNOW, WE ARE NOT IN A NET LOSS FROM LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR WITH THE SAFETY POSITIONS. OF COURSE, THAT IS ADDITIONAL WORK. THE CHALLENGE HAS BEEN AND I'LL TELL THIS -- YOU KNOW IN TERMS OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION, A LOT MORE IS TOWARDS THE EMPLOYEE MORALE AND I'LL TELL IT ON THE MIC BECAUSE OUR OFFICES -- OUR FOLKS THEY HAVE TO DO MORE WITH LESS AT THE SAME TIME THEY HAVEN'T BEEN GIVEN A PERFORMANCE RAISE FOR THIS WOULD BE THE CONSECUTIVE SECOND YEAR.

SO WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT MORALE AND RECRUITING PEOPLE THEY ARE LIKE DO I GO TO HARRIS COUNTY OR GO TO ANOTHER AGENCY.

THAT'S THE CHALLENGE; RIGHT? AND AGAIN COMPETING WITH A LOT OF AGENCIES IN THE SAME REGION. I'M COMPETING WITH EVEN A PRECINCT TO BE HONEST WITH YOU AND I HAVE A PROJECT MANAGE R I OFFERED 120,000 AND SOMEONE OFFERED 150, I CAN'T KEEP THEM.

THERE ARE MOBILITY CHALLENGES ONE FROM ONE DEPARTMENT TO ANOTHER DEPARTMENT AND THERE ARE CHALLENGES BUT I'LL TELL YOU THIS AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES.

SO I'LL END IT WITH A GOOD NOTE THAT OUR OFFICES AND WE HIRED 68 STAFF MEMBERS IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS SO WE ARE RECRUITING AS FAST AS WE CAN AND WE'RE MAKING PROGRESS.

>> THANK YOU, PRECINCT TWO. PRECINCT FOUR YOU HAVE NO REMAINING TIME. AND THEREFORE DR. RAHMAN YOU NOW HAVE 2 MINUTES FOR CLOSING REMARKS.

>> THANK YOU. ONCE AGAIN, I WANT TO ADDRESS ALL OF YOU AND SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND IMPROVEMENTS THAT WE ARE MAKING, THE PROGRESS WE ARE MAKING. YOU KNOW, AGAIN IN TERMS OF BUDGET LEVELS AND DETAILS WE HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION, WE ARE HAPPY TO WORK WITH OUR BUDGET OFFICE TO PROVIDE ANY LEVEL OF DETAILS YOU NEED. YOU KNOW, THE BUDGET BOOK, AGAIN, AS REQUESTED WHATEVER INFORMATION IS NEEDED WE'LL PROVIDE THAT. BUT OUR OFFICE REMAINS COMMITTED TO SUPPORT THE COURT OFFICES AND THE COUNTY AS A WHOLE TO IMPROVE OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, MAKE IT SAFER, MAKE IT BETTER, MAKE IT MORE -- YOU KNOW, MORE RESILIENT.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

AND WITH THAT CONCLUDES OUR FINAL PRESENTATION FOR TODAY.

WE WILL RESUME TOMORROW MORNING AT 10 A.M. WITH A PRESENTATION FROM HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.