Texas counties still have a window of opportunity to legally clarify the public interest in long-maintained roads, a measure that could save counties hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation costs. House Bill 1117, passed by the 78th Texas Legislature, went into effect Sept. 1, 2003, and expires Sept. 1, 2009. Implementation of the bill, a discretionary measure found in … [Read more...] about The Test of Time Counties Offered Limited Opportunity to Adopt Official County Road Maps
From the General Counsel
Dodging Bullets
The Third Called Session of the 79th Legislature adjourned without imposing revenue caps or appraisal caps on county government. That is certainly good news. However, all reports indicate an intense effort to limit local government revenue options in the next regular session in January. Legislation to impose revenue caps and appraisal caps was introduced during the special … [Read more...] about Dodging Bullets
Who Has the Answers?
First, it is a great honor for me to serve as a director of the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association (WTCJCA). I have served as Precinct 3 commissioner in Wichita County since 1981. It has been my privilege to be a member of the WTCJCA and to have the opportunity to draw on the experience of other members, to develop lasting friendships, and to attend our … [Read more...] about Who Has the Answers?
Texas Counties: The Rural Perspective
I would like to thank the WTCJCA for the opportunity to serve the members of this distinguished group. Why did I offer to serve? I surely don't need additional work; but, as I've told our commissioners, the smaller counties need representation on various boards and committees so that we can stress the fact that smaller-populated counties can't and don't operate in the same … [Read more...] about Texas Counties: The Rural Perspective
Local Government Lobbying Investigation
The House Committee on General Investigating and Ethics has been instructed by Speaker Tom Craddick to "research, review and investigate the expenditures of taxpayer money by local government and school boards to lobby the Legislature." The investigation is being conducted by Rep. Ken Paxton, a Republican from McKinney, who is also a strong supporter of appraisal and revenue … [Read more...] about Local Government Lobbying Investigation