Executive Director               President Kenneth L. Simons, CPA         The Honorable Cole Word 1514 S. New Road Bosque County Judge Waco, TX 76711 P.O. Box 647 (254) 292-1800                           Meridian, TX 76665 FAX: (254) 756-0102                   (254) 435-2382 ●Staff Directory ●Position Openings ●9-1-1 Services ●Solid Waste Program ●Criminal Justice ●Community & Economic Development ●Emergency Preparedness Planning ●Heart of Tx Economic Dev. District ●Heart of Tx Rural Transit District

ESTABLISHED: May 1966 AREA: 5,611 sq. miles POPULATION: 2000 Census 321,536 January 2005 - Estimated Census by Texas State Data Center 331,213 The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) is an organization of local governments working together voluntarily to solve mutual problems and plan for the future of the six county area. Currently, HOTCOG has over 80 member governments made up of: counties, cities, school districts, community colleges, and special districts. HOTCOG was originally established in 1966 and serves a geographic area covering Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. Regional councils, by law, are political subdivisions of the state; with authority to plan and initiate needed cooperative projects but does not have powers to regulate or tax, which are exclusively assigned to cities and counties. As any other political subdivision, regional councils must abide by laws governing open meetings, open records and the conduct of public officials. HOTCOG is also required to obtain an annual audit to assure accountability of public funds. HOTCOG's basic responsibilities include: planning for area development, implementing regional plans or recommendations, contracting with members to provide certain services, providing review and comment on proposals seeking federal and state financial assistance, implementing grant services from federal and state programs, and administrative and fiscal agent for the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board. Other duties include comprehensive planning for regional employment and training needs, criminal justice, economic development, homeland security, emergency preparedness, bioterrorism, 9-1-1, solid waste, aging, transportation and rural development. HOTCOG also provides local governments with technical assistance and training. The Council of Governments is financed through local, state and federal funds with state administered resources composing most of the $17.7 million budget. Local funds are provided by dues paid from member governments. Members are assessed dues based on their political identity and population. It was necessary for the FY '05 new year to increase dues by $.05 per capita due to decreased funding from the Governor's office; this is the first increase in 36 years. HOTCOG's policies and programs are recommended by citizens' advisory committees and approved by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Advisory committees are composed of both elected and appointed local officials and concerned citizens. These committees help define the needs of the region. HOTCOG advisory committees include: Regional Review Committee Criminal Justice Advisory Committee Texas Review and Comments Committee 9-1-1 Advisory Committee Solid Waste Advisory Committee Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee Transportation Advisory Committee Health and Human Services Committee Economic Development District, Inc. Board The Board of Directors is composed of one or more elected officials from each member government and as a body meets twice yearly to provide overall policy direction to the HOTCOG staff. The seventeen member Executive Committee meets monthly to oversee operations of the HOTCOG and has the authority to enter into contracts and execute official documents. The Executive Committee also approves the regional service plans and guides expenditures within the overall policy established by the Board. HOTCOG also provides staff support to the Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas. Information about these programs may be obtained at the HOTCOG office at 1514 South New Road in Waco or by calling 254-292-1800..