Designed in a Modern style by Wilbur Kent, the Angelina County Courthouse was built of brick, limestone, and steel in 1955. The county’s first session of court convened at the home of Isaac Dunagan. In The Texas Courthouse Revisited, June Rayfield Welch provides an interesting account of one legal battle: An early trial was held beneath a huge tree with the jury seated on … [Read more...] about Angelina County Courthouse
The Second Law of Holes
In August, we addressed the First Law of Holes: “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging,” as elucidated by Will Rogers. We discussed the application of this advice to public service. In this column, we will examine the Second Law of Holes: “Recognize that when you stop digging, you are still in a hole.” – Unknown. With assistance from Samuel Clemens a/k/a Mark Twain, here … [Read more...] about The Second Law of Holes
Resolution Spotlight: County Local Option Revenue Sources
At the county level, property taxes are the primary source of funding for nearly every service counties rely on from law enforcement and public safety to maintaining vital records like birth certificates and marriage licenses, said Atascosa County Judge Weldon Cude. “In short – property taxes are the backbone of our budget,” Cude summarized. Counties cannot independently … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight: County Local Option Revenue Sources
Animal Control
KEY QUESTION: Do Commissioners Courts have animal control authority? MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826 TALKING POINTS: Counties and cities are not required to provide animal control services. Counties and cities may adopt the provisions of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 826 and implement rules or ordinances to prevent stray … [Read more...] about Animal Control
Commissioners Courts and Land Use Authority
Subdivision regulations are becoming a hot topic that can, and probably will, cause problems in your county. For example, this summer Rockwall County Judge Frank New wrote a letter to his constituents explaining a lawsuit that challenges Rockwall County’s efforts to require a developer to pay its share of the costs of county infrastructure improvements needed to serve its … [Read more...] about Commissioners Courts and Land Use Authority