Per reader request, we publish this article several times a year. We receive regular calls asking for permission to reprint and/or share this story with local community groups and constituents. We welcome you to use this article to help educate the public you work so diligently to serve. By Julie Anderson Editor What is County Government? In the State of Texas, county … [Read more...] about What You Wish Your Constituents Knew About County Government, the County Budget, and the Property Tax
Budget
Communicating the Cost of County Government
Communicating the Cost of County Government Unfunded Mandates Survey Editor’s Note: This survey report was released last year as a communication tool to help explain the cost of unfunded and underfunded mandates on property taxpayers. In the coming months, counties will be contacted and survey data will be updated in preparation for the 86th Session of the Texas Legislature, … [Read more...] about Communicating the Cost of County Government
Writing the State Budget: 85th Legislature
The following are excerpts taken from The House Research Organization Focus Report No. 83-5 released in February 2017. To view the report in full, go to http://www.hro.house.state.tx.us/pdf/focus/writing85.pdf. Writing a two-year budget is one of the Texas Legislature’s main tasks. During the 2017 regular session, the 85th Legislature will consider a budget for … [Read more...] about Writing the State Budget: 85th Legislature
Val Verde County Budget Drivers
Goals, Mission Statements Serve as Guideposts By Julie Anderson Editor Legal document…approved expenditures…statement of revenue…expenses and fund balances While these technical definitions of the county budget are certainly valid, the budget document embodies much more to Commissioners Courts and the constituents they serve. The facts and figures in the … [Read more...] about Val Verde County Budget Drivers
Delinquent Fine and Fee Collection
Inexpensive Tool Yields Impressive Results By Julie Anderson Editor The approach appears tough – bold letters, all caps indicating a “WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST.” However, the “message behind the message” is actually somewhat merciful: “We don’t want to put you in jail, so please pay now.” Hidalgo County launched its Warrant Postcard Program in 2015 giving defendants the … [Read more...] about Delinquent Fine and Fee Collection