When I was appointed six years ago by Gov. Greg Abbott to be the chairman of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (the Commission), I had no idea of the complexities of what this position involved. I knew as a County Judge that you did not want your county jail to be out of compliance with the Commission. I did not realize the challenges Texas counties faced to stay in … [Read more...] about Challenges To Our County Jails
Commissioners Court
2021 County Property Tax Report
The taxpayer funds the majority of county government via the property tax, or ad valorem tax, which is the largest revenue source for Texas counties. Tax Code Section 5.091 requires the comptroller's office to prepare a list that includes the total tax rate imposed by each taxing unit in Texas, as reported to the comptroller by each appraisal district. The tax rates included … [Read more...] about 2021 County Property Tax Report
County Roads 101
County Progress is often asked for information on county roads including an explanation of the “precinct system” and the “unit system.” The text below provides a simple explanation of each system and the related Commissioners Court responsibilities. Our thanks to the road experts who helped us prepare this article. The Basics A county road is a public road that has been … [Read more...] about County Roads 101
Unfunded Mandate Legislation
Past Efforts Lay Groundwork for Future Progress
During the Regular Session of the 82nd Texas Legislature, Rep. Burt R. Solomons filed House Joint Resolution 56 (HJR 56) calling for the prohibition of unfunded mandates. Oldham County Judge Don R. Allred was there in person to offer his applause. “This was an important piece of legislation for counties,” recalled Allred, a past president of the County Judges and … [Read more...] about Unfunded Mandate Legislation
Mental Health Task Force
Serving Children, Adults in Crisis * Jail Diversion, Reduced Recidivism, Continuum of Care Among Program Goals
Since 2004, Williamson County has taken a keen interest in mental health and has worked to advance services to its citizens while continuing to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. More than 20 years ago, leaders in Williamson County recognized that a growing population in the county jail was comprised of nonviolent offenders who needed mental health assistance and … [Read more...] about Mental Health Task Force