When Texans elect someone to public office, they entrust that individual with far more than a title. They place their confidence in that official to understand the law, exercise sound judgment and faithfully carry out the responsibilities of the office.
That is why education for elected officials is not simply a box to check. It is an essential part of the public trust.
I am honored to serve on the Texas Association of Counties County Investment Academy Education Committee. The committee brings together county treasurers, a county judge, county auditors and public-finance professionals from across Texas. Collectively, we help ensure that the Academy’s educational programs remain practical, timely and responsive to the real challenges facing Texas counties.
On July 27, our committee met in Austin with the Academy’s Advisory Resource Group. We reviewed evaluations from the 2026 Conference of the County Investment Academy and the Basics of County Investments Course. We also worked on educational topics and speakers for the Texas Public Funds Investment Conference in November and began developing the 2027 Basics of County Investments Course.
This process is important. Meaningful education does not happen by simply repeating last year’s agenda. We study participant evaluations, identify changes in Texas law, monitor economic conditions and listen to county officials who are doing this work every day. We then use that information to develop programs that serve both those who are new to public finance and experienced officials seeking advanced instruction.
The County Investment Academy is a cooperative partnership between the Texas Association of Counties and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox. Its programs help county officials and employees understand the laws governing public investments, economic and market developments, investment risks, ethics, municipal bonds, local government investment pools and other subjects directly affecting the management of taxpayer funds.
The Academy’s programs are open to all county officials and employees. Academy membership begins with the successful completion of the Basics of County Investments Course and is maintained by earning 15 hours of approved education each calendar year. Academy programs also provide training that satisfies applicable requirements of the Texas Public Funds Investment Act.
Texas law appropriately recognizes the importance of education. Under Texas Local Government Code Section 83.003, a newly elected county treasurer must complete an introductory course during the first year in office and at least 20 hours of continuing education during each subsequent 12-month period. The Texas Public Funds Investment Act separately establishes investment-training requirements for local-government treasurers, chief financial officers and investment officers.
Those legal requirements establish an important minimum. However, responsible public service should never be limited to doing only what is required.
Texas county government operates under a distinctive combination of constitutional duties, state statutes, regulations and locally adopted policies. The Legislature meets every two years, and each session can produce changes affecting public finance, purchasing, cybersecurity, open government, elections, emergency management, personnel practices and many other county responsibilities. Economic conditions, technology and financial risks can change even faster.
An official who stops learning risks falling behind.
That is particularly important when managing public money. County officials must understand not only which investments are legally authorized, but also the risks associated with liquidity, maturity, diversification, interest-rate changes, financial institutions, fraud and cybersecurity. Decisions must be made with the county’s cash-flow needs in mind and with the understanding that these funds belong to the taxpayers.
In a large and rapidly growing county such as Fort Bend, yesterday’s practices may not be sufficient for tomorrow’s responsibilities. Education helps us evaluate new tools, strengthen internal controls, anticipate emerging risks and make informed decisions while remaining firmly within Texas law.
Education also creates something equally valuable: a statewide network of experienced public servants. Texas has 254 counties, ranging from small rural communities to some of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation. While our counties differ greatly in population and resources, we often face similar responsibilities. Learning from the experiences of other officials allows us to share proven practices, identify potential problems and avoid having every county reinvent the wheel.
Serving on the County Investment Academy Education Committee gives me an opportunity both to contribute what we have learned in Fort Bend County and to bring valuable knowledge home from other Texas counties and public-finance professionals.
Voters have every right to expect their elected officials to know their responsibilities, remain current on the law and continually improve how their offices serve the public. Continuing education strengthens accountability, professionalism and public confidence.
Public service requires humility—the willingness to recognize that none of us knows everything and that there is always more to learn. I remain committed to that principle and to helping provide Texas county officials with the education they need to protect public funds and serve their communities well.
Bill Rickert serves as the Fort Bend County Treasurer and as a member of the Texas Association of Counties County Investment Academy Education Committee.
