Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Revenue Related

Public Finance Options

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Public Finance: Exploring County Options   Mission accomplished…at least the seemingly toughest leg of the mission. On May 14, 2011, Smith County voters passed the issuance of $35 million in tax bonds for the Smith County Jail and criminal justice facilities expansion/remodeling project with a vote of 3,644 for and 2,136 against. Four previous bond … [Read more...] about Public Finance Options

Delinquent Fines and Fees

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Economic Climate Adds Urgency to Collection Efforts   County government has been described in a variety of ways: v  An arm of the state… v  The government closest to the people… v  An instrument of public service… When it comes to the Governmental Collectors Association of Texas (GCAT), county government is … [Read more...] about Delinquent Fines and Fees

2009 Property Tax Report

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The following is an excerpt of the latest property tax report. To view the text in full, go to www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/annual09/. Focus on Local Taxes Statewide Texas local units of government rely heavily on property tax to fund their operations. Nearly 4,000 separate taxing jurisdictions impose a property tax; these include counties, school districts, … [Read more...] about 2009 Property Tax Report

Texas County Budget: Planning in the Midst of Uncertainty

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Legal document…approved expenditures…statement of revenue…expenses and fund balances While these somewhat clinical descriptions of the county budget are certainly valid, the budget document embodies much more to commissioners courts and the constituents they serve. The facts and figures in the Texas county budget often epitomize a way of life…or … [Read more...] about Texas County Budget: Planning in the Midst of Uncertainty

The Texas Property Tax

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The Texas Property Tax What You Wish Your Constituents Knew               When it comes to explaining the property tax, logic may not be the best approach. Consider the seemingly logical questions posed by taxpayers: The name of my appraisal district includes “county” (i.e. Ector County … [Read more...] about The Texas Property Tax