Some 250 County Judges and Commissioners convened in Taylor County April 22-25 to study the latest issues affecting grassroots government including emergency management, guardianships, and tax abatements. The 96th Annual West Texas Conference included an early bird session on Emergency Management. Hemphill County Judge Lisa Johnson shared lessons learned during … [Read more...] about 2025 West Texas Conference Highlights
Texas County Road Systems
All 254 counties have four precincts, and the Commissioners are elected by the voters within the geographic boundaries of each precinct. The four Commissioners and the County Judge make up the Commissioners Court, which is the governing body of the county. County Commissioners are often associated with county roads. In Texas, there are two general terms for county road … [Read more...] about Texas County Road Systems
Fine and Fee Collections
Lubbock County Collections Assistant Sets Tone, Inspires Effort
The mission of the Lubbock County Judicial Compliance Department is straightforward: Enforce the collection of court-ordered fines, court costs, and attorney fees as an extension of the Lubbock County criminal courts. The methods to achieve the mission are sometimes roundabout, but for good reason. For Collections Compliance Assistant Erma Robinson, it all comes down to the … [Read more...] about Fine and Fee Collections
Medina County Courthouse Security
Before taking office as County Judge in 2023, Keith Lutz spent a decade as Medina County’s fire marshal and emergency management coordinator (EMC). In 2017, while working on a mass notification system for the county, Lutz looked into the addition of security cameras at the courthouse. At that time, Lutz learned just how antiquated the county’s security system was. … [Read more...] about Medina County Courthouse Security
AI in County Government
Artificial intelligence (AI) is going to transform public services throughout the world, and Texas counties are no exception. AI is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehensive problem solving, decision-making, and creativity. It will enhance efficiency and accuracy, improve public services, and help manage the challenges of a growing … [Read more...] about AI in County Government