Texas counties operate within the scope of the Texas Constitution, meaning any action taken by the county must be authorized by a statute; this applies to county land use authority. Chapter 232 of the Local Government Code outlines a county’s regulatory authority related to subdivisions beginning with the following: Sec. 232.001. PLAT REQUIRED. The owner of a tract … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight – County Land Use Authority
West Texas Association 2025 Scholarship Application
College scholarships in the amounts of $1,500, $1,000, and $750 will be awarded to three high school seniors on April 22 during the Annual West Texas Conference in Abilene. The application deadline is April 1. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be a child, grandchild, or individual under the legal guardianship of a current West Texas County Judge or … [Read more...] about West Texas Association 2025 Scholarship Application
CJCAT Welcomes New President
Hello! I am Judge Byron Ryder from Leon County, known as the “Deerest Place in Texas.” I am very honored to serve as the new president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. I would like to thank all of the members of our Association as well as my Commissioners and my county citizens for allowing me to serve. Public office is not a new thing to me. I … [Read more...] about CJCAT Welcomes New President
The Effects of Revenue Caps and Inflation on Tax Abatements
Since 1987, Section 51-a, Article III, of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 312, Tax Code have authorized counties to engage in economic development through tax abatement agreements. The purpose of these agreements is to encourage additional investment and employment within the county. Tax abatement agreements waive the property taxes on new investment for all or a percentage … [Read more...] about The Effects of Revenue Caps and Inflation on Tax Abatements
Do’s and Don’ts of County Purchasing
When it comes to county government purchasing, the statutes contain many requirements that must be met. These requirements are scattered throughout the statutes – not just in the section known as the County Purchasing Act – and change each time the Texas Legislature meets. It is the duty of every county official to follow these laws. Many counties rely on procurement … [Read more...] about Do’s and Don’ts of County Purchasing