In 2001, the Texas Legislature’s House Bill 7 created the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA), a stand-alone state agency designed to ensure a continuing focus on rural issues, with activities ranging from researching problems, creating a rural work plan, and coordinating the state’s rural programs. In 2009, the Legislature changed the name of ORCA to the Texas … [Read more...] about New Name (Again), Same Mission: Help Rural Texas
Texas Counties In the News
North & East Region Bell County Commissioners Court authorized the refinancing of $13.1 million in 2008 bonds issued for construction of a law enforcement center and courthouse to save about $1.6 million. County Judge Jon Burrows said Standard & Poor’s maintained the county’s AA+ debt rating. “During these economic times, it is rewarding to see the strong … [Read more...] about Texas Counties In the News
State Agencies Prepare Plans on Rural Transportation and Medicaid
When the state legislature establishes policies, the implementation of those policies becomes the responsibility of state agencies. The details of these agency implementation plans are critically important to counties. Texas state agencies are currently preparing implementation plans on matters that affect county budgets and taxpayers. TxDOT Rural Plan The … [Read more...] about State Agencies Prepare Plans on Rural Transportation and Medicaid
From the President
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with family, friends and loved ones full of endless joy. It always amazes me how quickly the years go by, and this is no exception. I hope 2012 brings good and exciting things as we begin a new year in county government. Let us stay informed on the issues so that we may be able to successfully meet every challenge that … [Read more...] about From the President
Monuments of Justice: Rockwall County Courthouse
Rockwall County celebrated the opening of its $37.2 million, 134,000-square-foot, Neoclassical-styled courthouse on Nov. 11, 2011. Some 1,000 people were on hand to first dedicate the Rockwall County Veterans Memorial, located next to the new county capitol. Following the memorial dedication on Veterans Day, visitors then walked around the corner for the courthouse ribbon … [Read more...] about Monuments of Justice: Rockwall County Courthouse