The Texas Constitution, adopted in 1876, was designed to prevent an excessive concentration of power. It divides the functions of county government into many separate offices, occupied by independent elected officers. Texas elects more local officials than any other state. Unlike the prior state constitution, the governor does not appoint county officials or set the budget and … [Read more...] about The Test of Democracy
Challenges To Our County Jails
When I was appointed six years ago by Gov. Greg Abbott to be the chairman of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (the Commission), I had no idea of the complexities of what this position involved. I knew as a County Judge that you did not want your county jail to be out of compliance with the Commission. I did not realize the challenges Texas counties faced to stay in … [Read more...] about Challenges To Our County Jails
Servant Leadership
Earlier this year, Hunt County Commissioner Steve Harrison received the Humanitarian Award from the Commerce Chamber of Commerce. Harrison was honored for serving first responders and others who struggled during last year’s ice storm, specifically delivering pallets of water bottles to first responders and starting a program to give firewood to the less fortunate, elderly, … [Read more...] about Servant Leadership
Courthouse Trails – Fannin County Courthouse
Fannin County celebrated the reopening of its 1888 Historic Courthouse on March 10 after a four-year restoration project in Bonham, home of former Speaker of the U.S. House Sam Rayburn. The $29 million endeavor was funded by the citizens of the Fannin County ($23 million) and the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program ($6 … [Read more...] about Courthouse Trails – Fannin County Courthouse
What You Wish Your Constituents Knew About County Government, the County Budget, and the Property Tax
Per reader request, we update and publish this article several times a year. Our thanks to the Judges and Commissioners who continue to lend us their expertise. We welcome you to reprint and share this information to help educate the public you work so diligently to serve.
What is County Government? In the State of Texas, county government is a unit of state government often referred to as “an arm of the state” or an administrative subdivision of the state. However, county government also acts as a unit of local government. Consequently, county governments in Texas perform two basic functions: Carry out administrative and judicial … [Read more...] about What You Wish Your Constituents Knew About County Government, the County Budget, and the Property Tax