By Brandon Wood, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Jail Standards For the most part, our job at the Texas Commission on Jail Standards hinges on communication – not halfhearted or insincere attempts at communicating, but real communication. Whether it is in Austin or one of the far-flung corners across this huge state, I have had the opportunity to meet … [Read more...] about Open Communication Key to State/County Partnership
Commissioners Court
What You Wish Your Constituents Knew About County Government, the County Budget, and the Property Tax
Per reader request, we publish this article several times a year. We receive regular calls asking for permission to reprint and/or share this story with local community groups and constituents. We welcome you to use this article to help educate the public you work so diligently to serve. By Julie Anderson Editor What is County Government? In the State of Texas, … [Read more...] about What You Wish Your Constituents Knew About County Government, the County Budget, and the Property Tax
The County Government Revenue Stream
What We Can Learn From Our Friends in the Sunshine State By Julie Anderson Editor Consider the following visionary declarations taken directly from the websites of two of our nation’s counties: MISSION STATEMENT: The purpose of ______________ County government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level of accessible … [Read more...] about The County Government Revenue Stream
Wichita County Indigent Defense Costs Rise 202 Percent Since 2001
By Claire Kowalick Times Record News The Fair Defense Act of 2001 provided substantial improvement to the indigent defense system in Texas, but a vast majority of mandated expenses continue to fall on individual counties. Data from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) shows that in the past 15 years, indigent defense spending in Wichita County – the money to … [Read more...] about Wichita County Indigent Defense Costs Rise 202 Percent Since 2001
Public Finance 101
Statutes Define County Options By Julie Anderson, Editor As a unit of state government, county government is charged with mandatory duties including conducting elections, providing for public safety, operating the court and jail systems, and providing for indigent legal defense. As part of their commitment to the local community, county governments also authorize … [Read more...] about Public Finance 101