Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden took office Jan. 1, 2003. As you look back on your years of service, what are some of the most valuable lessons you learned? I learned very quickly that as the County Judge elected by the citizens of your county, you are a public servant responsible for the duties of your office. Always treat everyone fairly and justly, don’t show … [Read more...] about Words of Widsom with Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden
Feature Story
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
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District Training Conferences
One-Day Sessions Provide Commissioners Continuing Education
Nine Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Districts will offer in-service training for members of Commissioners Court during the months of November-December. The District Conferences provide varying amounts of continuing education credits for County Commissioners; County Judges are also welcome to attend. Application has been made to the County Judges and Commissioners … [Read more...] about Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District Training Conferences
Mentally Ill Inmates
One Family’s Hope and Heartbreak
In many counties, the jail has become a de facto mental institution, housing mentally ill inmates awaiting due process without their medications and/or life-sustaining therapies. The situation is lose-lose-lose; the inmate, fellow inmates and jail staff, and the taxpayers are all affected. The statistics have been quoted for so long that one wonders if they have lost their … [Read more...] about Mentally Ill Inmates
Challenges To Our County Jails
When I was appointed six years ago by Gov. Greg Abbott to be the chairman of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (the Commission), I had no idea of the complexities of what this position involved. I knew as a County Judge that you did not want your county jail to be out of compliance with the Commission. I did not realize the challenges Texas counties faced to stay in … [Read more...] about Challenges To Our County Jails