At this time in even-numbered years, legislative committees are usually conducting interim hearings to receive testimony, analyze issues, and prepare reports and draft legislation for the upcoming legislative session. These interim activities provide a valuable opportunity for county officials to educate legislators and staff on the effects of potential legislation on their … [Read more...] about Preparing for an Unusual Legislative Session
CJCAT
Who Do You Trust During a Crisis?
When confronted with a crisis, our citizens turn to their elected officials for leadership and solutions. The present Coronavirus epidemic has created a tremendous crisis of public health, the economy, and leadership. As the COVID-19 cases have spread in Texas, our citizens have looked to our national, state, and local leaders for responsive plans and policies. A June … [Read more...] about Who Do You Trust During a Crisis?
Senate Bill 2: County Budgets During A Pandemic
By early March, it was clear that 2020 would be a challenging year for county budgets. Revenue caps and radical procedural changes imposed by the legislature require new procedures and a steep learning curve. The catastrophic decline in oil industry activity and production will force a massive shift in the local tax burden in many counties. Then, the COVID-19 epidemic struck, … [Read more...] about Senate Bill 2: County Budgets During A Pandemic
Pause in Reverence
As the weeks have passed, we as county officials have been involved in things that most of us never could have imagined. As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to subside, let us not forget one of the most important dates that we as Americans recognize each year: Memorial Day. For so many of us, there are mixed meanings that come with the last Monday of each May that is known as … [Read more...] about Pause in Reverence
Williamson County Judges Innovate Virtual Justice During Pandemic
The public health emergency caused by COVID-19 has impacted daily life across the country and around the world, including essential government operations like our justice system. In Williamson County, our justice system responded to the coronavirus through innovation, ingenuity, and a commitment to service. The courts in Williamson County have long embraced technology, … [Read more...] about Williamson County Judges Innovate Virtual Justice During Pandemic