Crafting a Budget in a High-Growth County By Julie Anderson, Editor “Fort Bend County is, and has been for many years, a high-growth county. In the 13 years I’ve been County Judge, we’ve added 400,000 to our population to now exceed 725,000 residents. That growth provides our greatest challenge as we strive to accomplish as much as possible in our areas of responsibility … [Read more...] about County Budget Spotlight
Budget
2012 County Property Tax Report
The taxpayer funds the majority of county government via the property tax, or ad valorem tax, which is the largest revenue source for Texas counties. According to the Texas Constitution, the county cannot levy a tax rate in excess of $.80 per $100 of property value for the county’s general fund, permanent improvement fund, road and bridge fund and jury fund. On top of the … [Read more...] about 2012 County Property Tax Report
Defining the County Budget
Legal document...approved expenditures...statement of revenue...expenses and fund balances While these somewhat clinical descriptions 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 Texas county budget often epitomize a way of life…or at least an intended … [Read more...] about Defining the County Budget
County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones
Applications Due Feb.7-14, Extension Request Filed The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) adopted the final rules on the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program on Nov. 21, 2013. TxDOT also announced a narrow window, Feb. 7-14, for counties to submit an application to apply for grant funds. The Texas Transportation Commission received a legislative … [Read more...] about County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones
CETRZ FAQ
TIMELINE Q: Why such an aggressive application schedule? A: TxDOT wants to award the grants and distribute funds as soon as possible. While a request to extend the application period has been submitted to TxDOT, as of press time the current deadline remains Feb. 14. Q: Can we set the date for the public hearing without having the CETRZ mapped yet, as long as … [Read more...] about CETRZ FAQ