Brooks County Commissioner Ernesto "Pepe" Williams Jr. passed away January 20, 2024, at the age of 73. First and foremost, Pepe considered himself a Public Servant and not a politician. He faithfully served his community as both a City Council member and Mayor for the City of Falfurrias and lastly as a Brooks County Commissioner for Precinct 4 for the last 6 years. Although … [Read more...] about Brooks County Commissioner Ernesto “Pepe” Williams, Jr.
Cybersecurity Grant
The Governor’s Public Safety Office is now accepting grant applications for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Texas received $40 million for the next four years to support both state and local efforts to address cyber risks. A minimum of 80 percent of allocations must be passed through to local governments. In addition, at least 25 percent of the total … [Read more...] about Cybersecurity Grant
The Price of Public Service
Our democratic republic depends upon citizens willing to serve in public office, usually at a sacrifice to their own economic and personal welfare. This is certainly true at the county level, where dedicated officials perform their duties for minimal salaries. While Commissioners Courts may adjust county salaries, the 3.5 percent cap on annual property tax revenue prevents any … [Read more...] about The Price of Public Service
County Resolutions
Last year, County Progress asked a group of county officials to share why they ran for office. The responses reflect a desire to serve, a fondness for their constituents (a.k.a. friends and neighbors), and a commitment to quality of life. “I have always had a compassion for serving my community and helping bring about positive change while putting to use the knowledge of … [Read more...] about County Resolutions
County Appraisal Districts: What Are They if Not County Offices?
Confusion has reigned since 1979 about exactly what Texas County Appraisal Districts are, what they do, and who is in charge. To understand, you have to go back to “the way it used to be.” Before 1979, state law provided for each local taxing unit to do its own appraisal of properties within the unit’s boundaries. A single property would be appraised separately by the … [Read more...] about County Appraisal Districts: What Are They if Not County Offices?