By Jim Allison Texans are known for their colorful and succinct language. If someone said, “I saw Bud start down the hill in his old pickup. When he hit the slick spot, he commenced to going sideways and swapping ends all the way down into Mrs. Brown’s flower beds,” we would have an accurate description of Bud’s mishap. Unfortunately, the Texas Legislature usually waits … [Read more...] about Going Sideways and Swapping Ends
From the General Counsel
General Counsel’s Report: January 2014
In September 2013, I completed 30 years as general counsel of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. In this very interesting position, I continue to learn something every week. These are some thoughts on my experiences: With the Legislature, the squeaky wheel gets greased. With numerous demands on their resources, the Legislature needs to be constantly … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: January 2014
General Counsel’s Report: The Dilemma of the Dwindling Tax Base
Counties have been granted limited revenue sources by the Texas Legislature. The primary source of county funding is the property tax. Unfortunately, this source faces serious issues and challenges. All taxes are unpopular. The property tax is more unpopular than most others, such as the sales tax, because 1) every taxpayer is informed of the total property taxes paid … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: The Dilemma of the Dwindling Tax Base
County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones Checklist (S.B. 1747)
During the Regular Session of the 83rd Texas Legislature, H.B. 1025 appropriated $225 million for county road repair for damages from oil and gas activity. S.B. 1747 creates the grant process to distribute funds to counties through the Texas Department of Transportation, which was scheduled to consider these rules in October or November. A county must establish a designated … [Read more...] about County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones Checklist (S.B. 1747)
General Counsel’s Report: Constitutional Amendment Election
On Nov. 5, Texas voters will consider passage of nine proposed constitutional amendments. Each of these passed both houses of the Texas Legislature with at least two-thirdssupport. Some amendments simply remove obsolete language, but others are substantive changes. Those affecting county government include the following: Proposition 1 (HJR 62): Authorizes the … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: Constitutional Amendment Election