Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

CJCAT

Resolution Spotlight – County Land Use Authority

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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

CJCAT Welcomes New President

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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

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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

Traps for the Unwary – Conflicts of Interest

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By Jim Allison
CJCAT Senior General Counsel

Previous columns have discussed the requirements and prohibitions concerning the oath of office under Chapter 81, Local Government Code, and nepotism under Chapter 573, Government Code. Statutory conflicts of interest are another area where an unwary member of  Commissioners Court may commit an inadvertent violation with serious consequences. Two principal statutes govern these … [Read more...] about Traps for the Unwary – Conflicts of Interest