On Aug. 2, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced the creation of the Broadband Development Office (BDO). Mandated by the 87th Texas Legislature’s House Bill 5, the BDO will award grants, low-interest loans, and other financial incentives to internet service providers who expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. “Easy, secure internet access is increasingly … [Read more...] about Comptroller Creates Broadband Development Office
Commissioners Court
Public Finance
KEY CONCEPT: Public Finance Options KEY QUESTION: Can a county finance debt? MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Article XI, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution – a county that borrows money is required to establish an interest and sinking fund. Texas Government Code Chapter 1251 – bond election provisions. Texas Government Code Chapter 1431 – … [Read more...] about Public Finance
Strategic Planning for County Roads
County Commissioners face a myriad of challenges in their attempts to provide constituents with a road network that not only provides a safe and reliable means of getting around the county, but also meets the transportation needs of commerce and industry within their county. The amount and type of traffic on county roads is one of these challenges. Many counties are seeing … [Read more...] about Strategic Planning for County Roads
2020 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 2020 County Property Tax Report
Local Property Tax Levies
Comptroller Releases 2018-19 Summary Report
In tax year 2019, Texas cities, counties, school districts, and special purpose districts levied more than $67 billion in property taxes – 5.51 percent more in 2019 than in 2018, according to the Biennial Property Tax Report. Unlike other taxing units, which can also collect sales taxes and fees, school districts’ only source of tax revenue is the property tax. In 2019, the … [Read more...] about Local Property Tax Levies