The COVID-19 pandemic transformed Texas’ financial outlook from having a multi-billion dollar “cushion” to being in a “multi-billion dollar shortfall,” Comptroller Glen Hegar told those attending the virtual Texas Association of Counties’ 2020 Legislative Conference.

The virtual assemblage opened on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

More than 1,000 registrations were received for the conference, which set a record, the organization says. The annual conference “provies a...