The old baseball expression “win some, lose some, some get rained out” is applicable to the legislative process. This column is submitted at the close of the 89th Regular Session but prior to the veto deadline by Gov. Greg Abbott. However, it is clear that counties have registered some successes and some losses, and some issues are postponed until the next session. Each … [Read more...] about Win Some, Lose Some, Some Get Rained Out
CJCAT
The Slippery Slope
In an earlier column, we warned that the foundational principles of county government were eroding. Local decision-making/local control were once basic tenets endorsed by the state leadership. Support for these tenets has slipped significantly, especially in the Texas Senate. As special interests have pumped millions of dollars into legislative races, many supportive … [Read more...] about The Slippery Slope
Resolution Spotlight: County Homestead Exemption
The Resolutions adopted by the members of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) at the Annual Conference originate among members of Commissioners Courts and serve as the CJCAT Legislative Platform. The current Resolutions address the County Homestead Exemption. County Homestead Exemption Related Legislation, 89th Texas Legislature: S.B. 652 by … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight: County Homestead Exemption
Texas County Road Systems
All 254 counties have four precincts, and the Commissioners are elected by the voters within the geographic boundaries of each precinct. The four Commissioners and the County Judge make up the Commissioners Court, which is the governing body of the county. County Commissioners are often associated with county roads. In Texas, there are two general terms for county road … [Read more...] about Texas County Road Systems
AI in County Government
Artificial intelligence (AI) is going to transform public services throughout the world, and Texas counties are no exception. AI is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehensive problem solving, decision-making, and creativity. It will enhance efficiency and accuracy, improve public services, and help manage the challenges of a growing … [Read more...] about AI in County Government