The Harrison County Commissioners Court has 46 years of collective experience, with three Commissioners having served together for a decade. When asked to share their advice on effective governing, a common thread ran through each one of their answers: Building Relationships. Harrison County Judge Chad Sims – 8 Years “Really work on developing good relationships with … [Read more...] about Collective Wisdom: Harrison County Commissioners Court
Feature Story
Resolution Spotlight – County Land Use Authority
Texas counties operate within the scope of the Texas Constitution, meaning any action taken by the county must be authorized by a statute; this applies to county land use authority. Chapter 232 of the Local Government Code outlines a county’s regulatory authority related to subdivisions beginning with the following: Sec. 232.001. PLAT REQUIRED. The owner of a tract … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight – County Land Use Authority
Do’s and Don’ts of County Purchasing
When it comes to county government purchasing, the statutes contain many requirements that must be met. These requirements are scattered throughout the statutes – not just in the section known as the County Purchasing Act – and change each time the Texas Legislature meets. It is the duty of every county official to follow these laws. Many counties rely on procurement … [Read more...] about Do’s and Don’ts of County Purchasing
Sterling County Courthouse
The Sterling County Courthouse was completed in 1938 in a Texas Renaissance style with Art Deco details. The county’s first home, a two-story frame courthouse, cost about $1,800, while the second county capitol, a stone structure, was built for $25,000. The current temple of justice, partially financed by a $45,000 WPA grant, was valued at $85,000. Both the county and the … [Read more...] about Sterling County Courthouse
Traps for the Unwary – Conflicts of Interest
Previous columns have discussed the requirements and prohibitions concerning the oath of office under Chapter 81, Local Government Code, and nepotism under Chapter 573, Government Code. Statutory conflicts of interest are another area where an unwary member of Commissioners Court may commit an inadvertent violation with serious consequences. Two principal statutes govern these … [Read more...] about Traps for the Unwary – Conflicts of Interest