Some 270 County Judges and Commissioners convened in Wichita County April 21-24 to study the latest issues affecting grassroots government. The West Texas Conference Early Bird Session on Tax Abatements drew a standing-room-only crowd as a panel of speakers addressed negotiating abatement agreements, with one session centered on data centers. Commissioners Courts cannot … [Read more...] about 2026 West Texas Conference Highlights
Feature Story
A Note From Your Legislative Chairman
Election season is here again with signs of the upcoming runoff elections popping up everywhere from roadsides to Facebook to our mailboxes. I urge you to engage because your participation is critical, as this year’s races will directly impact our shared county priorities and the next Texas legislative session. Like most Texas County Judges, I wear many different hats on any … [Read more...] about A Note From Your Legislative Chairman
Budget Funds
Can a county carry over unexpended budget funds or transfer budget funds? MAIN REFERENCE POINTS Local Government Code Section 111.004 Local Government Code Section 111.010 TALKING POINTS: Section 111.004, Local Government Code states that a county budget must include a financial statement of the county that shows:\the outstanding obligations of the … [Read more...] about Budget Funds
Resolution Spotlight: Mentally Incompetent Inmates
In many Texas counties, the county jail has become a de facto mental institution housing mentally ill inmates awaiting due process without their medications and/or life-sustaining therapies. Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) operates nine state hospitals and one residential youth center, all located across the state, for people with mental health issues. If a judge … [Read more...] about Resolution Spotlight: Mentally Incompetent Inmates
Waller County Courthouse
Waller County celebrated the completion and grand opening of its new $43 million, four-story courthouse on Nov. 8, 2025. Historical elements of the county’s 1894 Victorian-style courthouse were incorporated into the modern design, fulfilling the vision of embracing the future while honoring the past. Waller County broke ground on the new state-of-the-art courthouse in March … [Read more...] about Waller County Courthouse