The 83rd Texas Legislature appropriated $225 million for transportation infrastructure projects in counties affected by oil and gas production. All 254 counties qualified for some amount in grant funds. As of the March 14 deadline, 191 counties had applied for the funding available from TxDOT’s County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant program. The 191 counties identified … [Read more...] about TxDOT Road Grants: Project Update
Key Concept: Fireworks
Key Question: Can Commissioners Courts regulate the use of fireworks? Reference Points: Local Government Code Section 352.051 Texas Government Code Chapter 418 Talking Points: Local Government Code Section 352.051 authorizes the Commissioners Court to adopt an order to regulate “restricted” fireworks in a county’s unincorporated areas during drought … [Read more...] about Key Concept: Fireworks
From the General Counsel: County Debt Analysis
The Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations has received an interim charge to study and make recommendations on the immediate and long-term fiscal impact that bonds and other types of obligations issued by local governments have on current and future generations of taxpayers. I was invited to testify at a recent hearing on this issue and presented some important … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel: County Debt Analysis
Delinquent Fine and Fee Collection
Collections Expert Touts Individual Approach By Julie Anderson, Editor Brazos County calls it “The Last Chance Letter.” While “last chance” sounds a bit ominous, what the county is actually doing is offering, albeit one final time, to help defendants help themselves. When a defendant has a delinquent fine or fee that is 60 days or more past due, the Brazos County … [Read more...] about Delinquent Fine and Fee Collection
County Official Testifies on Local Issues
Throughout this legislative interim, leaders of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas have encouraged the membership to testify before representatives and senators to help protect county government and educate lawmakers on important local issues. The Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Rep. James White, R-Woodville, hosted a Texas House … [Read more...] about County Official Testifies on Local Issues