Prior to the adoption of Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution in 1987, counties were prohibited from using public funds for economic development. Thereafter, the legislature approved Chapter 312, Tax Code for tax abatement agreements and Chapter 381, Local Government Code for general economic development grants and loans in 1987. These statutes have been the subject of … [Read more...] about Evaluation of Economic Development Programs
CJCAT
Resolution Spotlight: Local Decision-Making and Revenue Caps
The ability to make decisions at the local level is dictated by the Texas Constitution. Texas counties must fulfill the responsibilities mandated by the State of Texas and must use approved revenue sources. Mandatory services include but are not limited to conducting elections, providing for public safety, processing and maintaining voter registration, maintaining and operating … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight: Local Decision-Making and Revenue Caps
Resolution Spotlight: County Local Option Revenue Sources
At the county level, property taxes are the primary source of funding for nearly every service counties rely on from law enforcement and public safety to maintaining vital records like birth certificates and marriage licenses, said Atascosa County Judge Weldon Cude. “In short – property taxes are the backbone of our budget,” Cude summarized. Counties cannot independently … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight: County Local Option Revenue Sources
Commissioners Courts and Land Use Authority
Subdivision regulations are becoming a hot topic that can, and probably will, cause problems in your county. For example, this summer Rockwall County Judge Frank New wrote a letter to his constituents explaining a lawsuit that challenges Rockwall County’s efforts to require a developer to pay its share of the costs of county infrastructure improvements needed to serve its … [Read more...] about Commissioners Courts and Land Use Authority
Resolution Spotlights
The Resolutions adopted by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas originate among members of Commissioners Courts. These Resolutions serve as the CJCAT Legislative Platform and as the foundation of the Resolution Spotlight Series. If you would like a "Word" version of the following spotlights, available below in "PDF" form, please email … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlights