Texas County Progress
The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
Officials were not surprised when the Bastrop County Collections & Compliance Department earned a statewide honor for its fine and fee collection. Department Director Maridel Borrego accepted the Governmental Collectors Association of Texas 2023 Collections Program of the Year Award on behalf of her staff during the association’s annual conference last fall. “Maridel … [Read more...] about Fine and Fee Collection
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
A Collaborative Report by the: Texas Association of Counties, County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, Texas Conference of Urban Counties, Texas Association of County Auditors and County Treasurers Association of Texas Editor’s Note: This survey was created to help explain the cost of unfunded and underfunded mandates on property tax payers. The … [Read more...] about The Cost of County Government
When it comes to financing, public education can be an arduous task. In some cases, the initial step is to set aside some stifling assumptions: If we can’t pay cash, it’s not worth doing. The voters will never go for it. If I obligate the county to this debt, some of the constituents will not see fit to re-elect me. Perhaps voters deserve more credit. It’s safe … [Read more...] about Educating the Public on Your Bond Election
Throughout 2019, local governments dependent upon the property tax carefully followed the progress of Senate Bill 2, passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and signed by the governor last June. Property taxes are the primary funding source for Texas counties, and S.B. 2 reduces this funding potential. “Maximizing additional revenue sources will be essential,” said Jim … [Read more...] about Fine and Fee Collection
