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
From the General Counsel
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
General Counsel’s Report – September 2013
House Bill 1513 by Rep. Tryon Lewis provides an increase in the maximum fees that may be assessed by district and county clerks for records archives and by county clerks for records management and preservation. Although the legislation is effective on Sept. 1, 2013, the increases cannot be implemented until Jan. 1, 2014, due to the provisions of Section 51.607, Government … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report – September 2013
General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Changes With Immediate Effect
Bills approved by the Texas Legislature and the governor are normally effective 90 days after the session unless otherwise specified in the bill. However, bills have immediate effect if they contain an Emergency Clause and received a two-thirds vote in each house. Some bills with immediate effect may need the attention of Commissioners Court in the near future. Some of these … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Changes With Immediate Effect