Senate Bill 1106 in the recent legislative session provided a significant change to Section 154.025 and Section 154.045, Local Government Code concerning disbursements to persons with outstanding debts. These sections prohibit counties from disbursing county funds to persons indebted "to the state, the county, or a salary fund." Although these statutory provisions have … [Read more...] about County Debt Collection
Revenue Related
New Budget Procedure Requirements
The Legislature has imposed additional requirements on county budgets that raise more property taxes than in the previous year's budget. HB 3195 applies to a budget adopted on or after Sept. 1, 2007. If your county budget will not be adopted before this date, the county must comply with these new provisions. If your budget is adopted before Sept. 1, 2007, your county will … [Read more...] about New Budget Procedure Requirements
Public FinanceExploring a County
In 1994 Colorado County financed a $3.6 million, 96-bed jail using certificates of obligation (COs). The county refinanced those bonds in 2004 in order to take advantage of a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers a significant amount of money, said Colorado County Judge Al Jamison. In June 2006, "we experienced a catastrophic failure of our district courtroom ceiling," Jamison … [Read more...] about Public FinanceExploring a County
Texas Legislature Funds Round V of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program
Funding for Round V of the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program is included in the appropriations bill passed in the recent legislative session. The 80th Texas Legislature included $62 million in bond funding for the THC's nationally recognized Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. Funding will be made available after a … [Read more...] about Texas Legislature Funds Round V of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON APPRAISALS AND PROPERTY TAXES
I recently participated in a panel discussion on property appraisals and taxes at the Texas Farm Bureau Legislative Conference. Other panelists represented the Governor's Commission on Appraisal Reform and a taxpayer association. Since my time was limited, I prepared the following information for the participants. If property is appraised at a higher value, do the … [Read more...] about QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON APPRAISALS AND PROPERTY TAXES