If you work for a county government, you may have spoken with your analyst about the position of Countywide RMO (CW RMO). Let’s dive in a little deeper.

What is a Countywide RMO?

The CW RMO’s duties are authorized in statute and are essentially to administer the county’s records management program. The CW RMO not only runs the county’s records management program for any employees who do not work for an elected official, but they also assist with records retention for any elected county officials who have opted in to the countywide program. They also serve as the liaison with the county’s designated TSLAC analyst.

What does the Countywide RMO do for elected county offices?

Typically, by default, each elected county officer is the RMO of their elective office. If an elected official wants the countywide RMO to be responsible for his or her records, the official must file an SLR 512 [PDF] Records Management Policy and Declaration of Compliance and choose the second option, which designates the countywide RMO and provides for their name, title and signature to authorize this choice.

How is a Countywide RMO established?

The Commissioner’s Court for the county will designate an individual to serve in the position for CW RMO. It could be someone who already holds an elected county office (e.g., County Judge, County Clerk), it could be a person in an unelected office of the county, or it could be someone hired specifically for the position of CW RMO. Like all other local governments, counties should send an updated RMO Designation (SLR 504 [PDF]), Declaration of Compliance (SLR 508 [PDF]), and a Records Management Policy (RMP template [MS Word]). If you have questions about what to file, reach out to your county’s assigned analyst.

Questions?

Hopefully, this quick introduction to who a CW RMO is and what they do will help you better understand the utility of the position. However, if you have any further questions on how to establish a program or need any other assistance with records management, be sure to contact your analyst. We’re here to help.