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 … [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
Texas News Reviews – May 2014
North & East Texas Anderson County received a federal grant of $79,195 for equipment for the juvenile and sheriff’s departments. ••••• Angelina County accepted state grants for special court programs of $94,000 for a substance abuse re-entry program, $100,000 for drug court, and $32,000 for family court. ••••• Bell County Commissioners Court approved a … [Read more...] about Texas News Reviews – May 2014