Feature Story – Page 3

2018 State Association Resolutions

January 1, 2019 by County Progress

The following resolutions were passed by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas representing 254 counties in the State of Texas on October 11, 2018, during the Association’s Annual Conference.

1. Thanks to the Host Court

WHEREAS, the Annual Conference of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas was conducted in Montgomery County, Texas, on Oct. 8-11, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the Honorable Commissioners Court of Montgomery County has hosted the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas in the most entertaining and excellent manner;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas expresses its wholehearted thanks and deep appreciation to the Honorable Court of Montgomery County for its courteous and warm hospitality extended to each of us.

Thanks to the Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors

WHEREAS, the Annual Conference of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas was conducted in Montgomery County, Texas, on Oct. 8-11, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the many sponsors and exhibitors provide significant financial support for the conference and the Association; and

WHEREAS, the sponsors and exhibitors provide valuable information to our members;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas expresses its deep appreciation to our generous conference sponsors and exhibitors.

Thanks to State and Local Associations and Friends of County Government

WHEREAS, the Annual Conference of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas was conducted in Montgomery County, Texas, on Oct. 8-11, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the members of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas wish to acknowledge the expertise of and thank the staff of: James Allison of Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP; the Texas Association of Counties and Executive Director Gene Terry; the Texas Association of Regional Councils and Executive Director Ginny Lewis; the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, a part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Executive Director Dr. Peter McGuill; the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agents’ professional associations; County Progress Magazine and Editor Julie Anderson; and the many other state and local associations and people who have all been so helpful to county government;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Association thanks all of these individuals and their staffs for their past, present and future help on behalf of county government.

Memorial to Deceased Officials and Special Friends

WHEREAS, the following highly regarded members and friends of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas are deceased; and

WHEREAS, the Association desires to pay appropriate respect to these members and friends; and

WHEREAS, since our last conference, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas has mourned the passing of:

West Texas Region

Former Ector County Commissioner Bob Bryant

Former Taylor County Commissioner Nowlin ‘Corky’ Cox

Crane County Judge John Farmer

Former Lipscomb County Commissioner John David Fritzlen

Hall County Commissioner James Fuston Sr.

Wilbarger County Commissioner Richard Jacobs

Former Hutchinson County Commissioner Murry Jennings

Former Potter County Commissioner Iris Elaine Sanders Lawrence

Former Terry County Judge and Commissioner Don Robertson

Former Irion County Commissioner Elder Wayne Smith

Lipscomb County Commissioner Johnie Dale Steele

Former Palo Pinto County Judge Mickey Dayle West

North & East Texas Region

Hunt County Judge John Lyman Horn

Grimes County Commissioner Gary Alan Husfeld

Cooke County Commissioner Billy Carl “B.C.” Lemons

Former Trinity County Commissioner Jessie Dean Price

Former Kaufman County Commissioner Jerry Rowden

Former Hamilton County Commissioner Raymond Eldor Wenzel

Former Lamar County Commissioner Jackie Wheeler

South Texas Region

Atascosa County Commissioner Lon “Lonnie” Gillespie

Former Blanco County Commissioner Robert Arvene Mauck Sr.

Starr County Commissioner Raul (Roy) Pena, Jr.

Former Jim Wells County Judge L. Arnoldo Saenz

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas members pause for a moment of silence and meditation to honor the memory of these respected individuals.

Opposition to Unfunded Mandates

WHEREAS, Texas counties are responsible for the operation and management of many and various governmental programs as required or authorized by state law; and

WHEREAS, some county government programs are fully or partially supported with funds disbursed by the State of Texas pursuant to the state appropriations process; and

WHEREAS, the State of Texas, acting through the Texas Legislature or through a state agency or executive order, may enact laws or promulgate rules that have the effect of imposing mandatory financial obligations upon Texas counties; and

WHEREAS, the State of Texas, through the Texas Legislature or through a state agency or executive order, mandates that counties implement certain governmental programs or perform certain duties and obligations including financial commitments by a county to expend county funds in connection therewith; and

WHEREAS, during each regular session of the Texas Legislature, all state funds that support county programs are reviewed through the state appropriation process and by other state budgetary review systems; and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned review process may result in a reduction, or cessation, of state financial support of county government programs causing an unforeseeable disruption and reduction of the county budget and operations; and

WHEREAS, Texas counties cannot achieve reliable financial planning and the necessary bond ratings sufficient to support county-related obligations when the state mandates a new program that is not fully funded or under conditions where the state reduces or fully withdraws prior funding and disbursement for county government programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas and its 254 current member counties do hereby resolve that for the foregoing reasons, it is in the best interests of Texas counties and their taxpayers to support and favor the passage of legislation in the form of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Texas that would expressly prohibit the imposition of a mandatory governmental program on Texas counties, whether by an act of the Texas Legislature or a state agency or by executive order, unless the State of Texas has fully funded and disbursed all necessary funds to enable Texas counties to operate said governmental program.

Support for Local Decision-Making and Opposition to Revenue Caps

WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has previously considered and rejected proposals for additional revenue caps on counties; and

WHEREAS, 54 percent of the average taxpayer’s property tax burden is due to school taxes while only 16 percent is due to county taxes; and

WHEREAS, revenue caps would diminish local decision-making and tie the hands of county officials and limit their ability to provide essential services to address the needs and emergencies of their citizens; and

WHEREAS, county government is already struggling to meet the demands of under-funded and unfunded state mandates such as indigent health care and indigent defense and federal mandates such as the Help America Vote Act and the Clean Air Act; and

WHEREAS, the demands on county budgets continue to increase including health care, motor fuel, road materials, and all other products and services purchased by counties; and

WHEREAS, artificial revenue caps will result in a shift of taxes from fluctuating properties to those remaining relatively stable in value, such as residential properties; and

WHEREAS, revenue caps will not necessarily result in a reduction of property taxes but will result in a severe impact on county services; and

WHEREAS, it would be inequitable for the Texas Legislature to impose additional revenue caps on local governments without alternative funding sources and unfunded mandate relief;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas does hereby express its opposition to efforts to limit local decision-making and does hereby oppose any attempts to impose revenue caps upon Texas counties, and the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas expresses its deep appreciation to all legislators who oppose these unsound measures.

County Local Option Revenue Sources

WHEREAS, county revenue sources are extremely limited; and

WHEREAS, under current statutes, counties are forced to rely upon property taxes to fund necessary services; and

WHEREAS, county taxpayers should have the option to adopt a local sales tax, a local severance tax, a local motor fuel tax, an increase in local vehicle registration fees, and other revenue sources to reduce property taxes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas requests that the Legislature amend the tax statutes to allow the adoption of a county local option sales tax, a local option severance tax, a local option motor fuel tax, an increase in local vehicle registration fees, and other revenue sources for the reduction of property taxes without imposing any additional revenue caps.

Indigent Health Care

WHEREAS, revisions have been proposed regarding the Texas system of indigent health care; and

WHEREAS, some revisions propose an assessment upon counties to support a regional indigent health care system; and

WHEREAS, such assessment would constitute an unfunded mandate, requiring property tax increases in those counties; and

WHEREAS, such regional systems would not be efficient or responsive to local taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, the present Section 1115 Waiver provides voluntary opportunities to participate in health care innovation projects;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas opposes any attempt to impose a mandatory assessment upon Texas counties to fund a regional or statewide health care system and instead supports the continuation of the voluntary Section 1115 grants.

State Funds for Indigent Criminal Defense

WHEREAS, the right to assistance by legal counsel is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the State of Texas is required to implement this right and provide legal counsel to indigent criminal defendants; and

WHEREAS, the Texas Fair Defense Act, adopted by the Texas Legislature in 2001, implements this right and requires certain procedures and attorney appointments; and

WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has failed to provide sufficient funding to offset the additional costs of the Fair Defense Act and has shifted this cost to county taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, county expenditures for indigent criminal defense have increased over 140 percent since the adoption of the Fair Defense Act; and

WHEREAS, the state funding is totally inadequate, providing approximately 12 percent of the indigent defense costs; and

WHEREAS, indigent criminal defense is a state responsibility that should be adequately funded on a statewide basis, not a burden overwhelmingly borne by local property taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has failed to appropriate current funds that are committed by statute to the Indigent Defense Fund;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas does hereby request that the Texas Legislature fully fund the costs of indigent criminal defense, which has cost local taxpayers over $2.6 billion from 2001 through 2017, and immediately release all funds in the Indigent Defense Fund for distribution.

Juvenile Probation Funding

WHEREAS, the supervision of juvenile offenders is a responsibility of the State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has consistently failed to appropriate sufficient funding to meet this responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Texas counties have increasingly met this burden by funding juvenile probation services and facilities; and

WHEREAS, Texas counties and their local taxpayers are now providing over 75 percent of the costs of juvenile probation; and

WHEREAS, current state funding formulas will continue to shift additional costs to county taxpayers unless addressed by the State of Texas;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas does hereby request that the Texas Legislature fully fund the costs of supervision of juvenile offenders, including the costs for juvenile probation services.

Mental Health Patients

WHEREAS, Texas counties are being forced to hold mentally incompetent prisoners for up to six months while awaiting court-ordered transfer to a state mental facility for treatment; and

WHEREAS, each of these pre-trial inmates costs the local taxpayer approximately $9,000 during this period of incarceration; and

WHEREAS, the county jail is not an appropriate facility for the mentally ill, and these prisoners pose a high risk of injury to themselves, the jail staff and other prisoners; and

WHEREAS, a State District Court in Travis County ordered the Department of Health Services to receive these prisoners within 21 days of a judge’s order; and

WHEREAS, instead of accepting its responsibility, the state appealed this order; and

WHEREAS, this delay by the State is increasing the cost to our taxpayers and continuing this improper practice;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas hereby requests that the State of Texas implement additional funding for mental health services and implement the state mental health plan to ensure the efficient and effective use of these resources, and accept all mentally incompetent inmates within 21 days of their court-ordered transfer.

Opposition to Diversion of Dedicated Funds

WHEREAS, the Legislature has committed certain funds for dedicated purposes; and

WHEREAS, unfortunately these funds have been improperly withheld from these needed functions and used to balance the general state budget; and

WHEREAS, the state leadership has proposed to end this diversion of funds;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas expresses its opposition to any state diversion of dedicated funds and supports the state leadership’s commitment to end this practice.

Emergency Services Program

WHEREAS, citizens of Texas desire access to 9-1-1 emergency services in an efficient manner, as evidenced by approval of the monthly fee on business and residential phone bills; and

WHEREAS, the 9-1-1 emergency services dispatch and response depend on equipment which must function reliably on a continuous basis; and

WHEREAS, older equipment reaches a point of being high maintenance and becomes unreliable; and

WHEREAS, technology continues to improve, necessitating upgrading hardware and software for reverse 9-1-1 services and other needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas urges our state legislators to provide full funding to the Emergency 9-1-1 Services Program for maintenance and improvement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funds generated by the 9-1-1 surcharge will not be used by the Legislature as money set aside to balance the state budget; and

BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that any such funds set aside be fully appropriated for the Emergency 9-1-1 Services Program.

Opposition to Granting Powers to Municipal Utility Districts and Special Utility Districts

WHEREAS, Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the Union; and

WHEREAS, city government and county government should have appropriate authority to regulate growth in their respective counties and cities; and

WHEREAS, special water districts and private water corporations have the means to furnish water and provide for growth in rural areas of the counties; and

WHEREAS, municipal utility districts and special utility districts have been improperly used by certain developers to avoid compliance with county and city infrastructure plans;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas opposes the granting of additional powers to municipal utility districts and special utility districts and requests that the approval of the county be required before any further districts are created.

Support for County Road Grant Fund

WHEREAS, constitutional amendments have been approved by the voters to increase dedicated funding for public roadways; and

WHEREAS, these constitutional amendments provide additional funding to be used only for constructing, maintaining, and acquiring right of way for public roadways other than toll roads; and

WHEREAS, these constitutional amendments provide needed support for public highways without increasing taxes; and

WHEREAS, the county road system is eligible for assistance from this funding; and

WHEREAS, county roads are being devastated by overweight trucks to enhance the production of oil and gas; and

WHEREAS, the oil and gas severance tax should be equitably shared with counties to repair this damage; and

WHEREAS, the Economic Stabilization (Rainy Day) Fund has reached record levels through deposits from the oil and gas severance tax; and

WHEREAS, the appropriations from this Fund can be utilized to fund the repair and rehabilitation of county roads;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas does hereby request that additional funding be appropriated to support the county road grant program.

Uranium Mining Regulation

WHEREAS, uranium mining creates a special hazard for local groundwater; and

WHEREAS, uranium mining places a high demand upon local groundwater resources; and

WHEREAS, groundwater pollution by uranium mining cannot be recovered or rehabilitated and creates a permanent loss of groundwater; and

WHEREAS, county and groundwater conservation districts have very limited power to regulate uranium mining under current law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas requests that state law be amended to require a due process permit proceeding and approval by the local Commissioners Court and groundwater conservation district before any permit is granted for uranium mining.

Sludge Waste Disposal

WHEREAS, human waste and other toxic materials are contained in municipal, domestic, and commercial sludge; and

WHEREAS, this sludge waste contains harmful bacteria, viruses and chemicals that may contaminate local water supplies; and

WHEREAS, the current rules of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are inadequate to protect the water supply and adjacent landowners from the improper disposal of sludge waste; and

WHEREAS, disposal of these materials should be a matter of local regulation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas hereby requests that no permits be issued for the disposal of sludge waste without the approval of the Commissioners Court and that the Texas Legislature clearly authorize local control of all sludge waste permits.

Fireworks Regulations

WHEREAS, counties currently have limited authority to regulate fireworks; and

WHEREAS, due to the continued danger of drought and the concern for public safety, such regulations are necessary to protect life and property;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas is opposed to any legislative action that would remove current county authority to regulate fireworks.

Oil and Gas Waste Disposal Facilities

WHEREAS, the Texas oil and gas industry is a vital part of our economy; and

WHEREAS, this industry requires the use of disposal facilities, such as waste injection wells, to operate in an efficient manner; and

WHEREAS, the operation of these disposal facilities can pose a substantial risk to the groundwater supply; and

WHEREAS, protection of the groundwater is also essential to the economy and health and safety of Texas citizens; and

WHEREAS, adequate information should be provided to Texas counties and their citizens to ensure the safe operation of oil and gas waste facilities and protection of the groundwater;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas does hereby request that the Texas Legislature and the Texas Railroad Commission require that Texas counties, their citizens, and groundwater conservation districts be provided all available information concerning proposed oil and gas waste facilities in their area and a full opportunity to participate in the evaluation of any application for additional facilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas Railroad Commission be required to evaluate and consider the full local infrastructure impact and effect on local communities before voting on any such permit.

Rural Public Transit

WHEREAS, 37 Rural Transit Districts serve all the counties throughout Texas; and

WHEREAS, Rural Transit Districts provide access to needed goods and services, jobs, and medical services throughout the rural counties of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Rural Transit Districts traveled 31,381,803 miles and provided 6,336,451 one-way trips to the citizens of rural Texas in 2014; and

WHEREAS, Rural Transit Districts have not received an increase in state funding since the year 2000; and

WHEREAS, on average, bus fleets for Rural Transit Districts are at 130 percent of their established lifecycle; and

WHEREAS, funding opportunities for large federal and state grants have historically left qualified rural projects underfunded; and

WHEREAS, without increased funding, in order to meet increasing service demands and costs in rural areas, services to those most in need in rural Texas will suffer;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas expresses its support for a meaningful increase in funding for Rural Transit Districts

Opposition to Rules Adopted by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles That Decrease County Revenues, Increase County Costs, and Reduce Local Control and Local Services

WHEREAS, the county tax assessor-collector is charged with collecting vehicle registration fees which provide for certain legislative authorized revenues to offset costs associated with collecting and dispersing these fees for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the 83rd State Legislature created the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Fund, authorized the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to establish certain fees by board rule, authorized the board to direct certain fees to the fund, and allowed for county revenues to be set by board rule; and

WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has adopted rules setting title transfer and registration processing and handling fees for its own funding and has further adopted fees and changes for the county tax assessor-collectors and the various deputy classification types; and

WHEREAS, the county tax assessor-collector may deputize full-service title companies to provide titling and registration services and limited service companies to provide registration services, which increases access and locations for these services by citizens; and

WHEREAS, the rules adopted by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will decrease county revenues, increase county cost, and reduce local control and local services;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas opposes the rules as adopted by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles amending Title 43 of the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 217.

Full Funding of DPS Labs

WHEREAS, the State of Texas through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides for the testing of controlled and illegal substances for criminal cases; and

WHEREAS, while the service is valuable to the prosecutorial process, it is not timely as most tests require 6-9 months before results are rendered; and

WHEREAS, many alleged and formerly convicted violators must be released after 90 days with the high probability that they will reoffend and further endanger the public and further burden law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, the recent reduction in state funding will reduce the effectiveness of the DPS labs and result in further delays in the administration of justice;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas requests full funding, staffing and equipping of the DPS labs to return results in the required legal time to serve justice.

County Homestead Exemption

WHEREAS, the current constitutional provisions limit the ability of counties to a percentage of the appraised value of homesteads; and

WHEREAS, the current limitations prevent the adoption of a homestead exemption to provide greater benefit to lower-priced properties; and

WHEREAS, additional discretion should be granted to counties to determine the homestead exemption;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas requests that a constitutional amendment be adopted to allow counties to grant discretionary homestead exemptions based upon a dollar amount of the taxable value of the property.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice Inmates

WHEREAS, currently counties are required to hold inmates who have been committed to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for up to 45 days; and

WHEREAS, counties are required to hold parolees who are awaiting a revocation hearing before the TDCJ Parole Board; and

WHEREAS, the TDCJ does not provide adequate transportation of its inmates from county jails to its facilities; and

WHEREAS, the cost to county taxpayers for the failure of the State of Texas to meet its responsibilities for state inmates is approximately $100 million per year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas requests that the State of Texas fully reimburse counties for all costs incurred for the confinement and transport of TDCJ inmates.

Optional County Road and Bridge Fee

WHEREAS, the current maximum county optional road and bridge fee has been frozen at $10 since 1991; and

WHEREAS, the cost of construction and maintenance of the county road system has increased tremendously in recent years; and

WHEREAS, as the population of Texas continues to grow, the need for efficient county transportation systems will increase;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas requests that the maximum county optional road and bridge fee be raised to $20 per vehicle.

Voting Machine Costs

WHEREAS, the Federal Help America Vote Act requires that counties provide an electronic voting system at each voting location; and

WHEREAS, the current voting systems have serious security and maintenance issues; and

WHEREAS, replacement of these systems will require a great expenditure of public funds; and

WHEREAS, the purchase, programming of, and maintenance of these systems are state and federal responsibilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas requests full funding from the federal and state government for the replacement of all voting systems, programming, and maintenance.

Limitations on Registered Sex Offenders in Counties

WHEREAS, home rule municipalities have the authority by ordinance to provide for the public safety of their citizens to restrict a registered sex offender from going in, on, or within a specified distance of a child safety zone in the municipality; and

WHEREAS, general law municipalities now have the authority with the passage of HB 1111, enacted by the 85th Texas Legislature, effective September 1, 2017, to provide for the public safety of its citizens to restrict a registered sex offender from going in, on, or within a specified distance of a child safety zone in the municipality; and

WHEREAS, Texas counties should also be able to provide for the public safety of their citizens living outside the boundaries of any municipality by restricting a registered sex offender from going in, on, or within a specified distance of a child safety zone in the county; and

WHEREAS, no current statute authorizes a Texas county to enact an ordinance or order establishing a “Child Safety Zone” and restricting a registered sex offender from going in, on, or within a specified distance of a child safety zone in the county; and

WHEREAS, legislation is necessary to authorize counties to enact an ordinance or order to provide public safety for its citizens by placing limitations on registered sex offenders in the county;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas respectfully requests that the 86th Texas Legislature pass legislation providing Texas counties the authority to enact an ordinance or order regarding limitations on registered sex offenders in counties.

County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

2018 Resolutions Committee

Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston – Chairman

Yoakum County Commissioner Tim Addison

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen

Cass County Commissioner Paul Cothren

Glasscock County Judge Kim Halfmann

Cherokee County Commissioner Byron Underwood

Kaufman County Judge Bruce Wood

In addition to the above-adopted resolutions, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Resolutions Committee requests that the following items be recommended for future study and consideration.

State funding to meet county cost of transport, autopsy, and disposition of dead bodies.
State responsibility for drug-resistant tuberculosis cases and HIV medications.

Maintain local control and recovery of cost of reproduction of clerk’s digitized records and e-filing.

Proper tax valuation of compressor equipment, refineries, and new oil and gas production facilities, and proper classification of new oil and gas interests to exclude such property from the effective tax rate.
Full funding for school vaccination program.
Require vehicles to reduce speed and/or yield a traffic lane to county road and bridge vehicles and equipment.
Require Commissioners Court representation on Regional Water Planning Groups.
Request legislation to require state reimbursement for court-appointed attorneys in child protective services cases.
Restore full funding for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Grant Program.
State funding for all state special elections.
Additional funding for sales tax support on fireworks dedicated for local use.
More local authority on the regulation of fireworks.
Additional county authority over vehicle inspection and licensing procedures.
Local retention of asset forfeiture funds.
Prohibit abuse of the Public Information Act by excessive and burdensome requests.
Abolish the excessive driver’s license fees assessed under the Driver Responsibility Act while maintaining support for trauma centers and EMS.
Support and restore county authority to regulate all county buildings and property.
Support an exemption from state motor fuel taxes for county equipment and vehicles.
Affirm county control of weapons in county courthouses.
Support full state funding for lost revenue from disabled veterans and surviving spouses exemption.
Review of the equity of ad valorem tax exemptions and the property appraisal process to facilitate a more equitable tax system.
State provide transportation for female prisoners or full reimbursement of the cost.
Change the day of statewide elections to Saturday.
Increase the County Lateral Road Fund.
Improvements to the state’s disaster response including:
a single state agency for disaster response and recovery;
state funding and training for EMCs in all counties;
a state fund for immediate county disaster responses; and
immediate state-funded property tax relief for disaster victims.

Tax Assessor-Collector

January 1, 2019 by County Progress

Tax assessor-collectors assess property for the purpose of taxation and collect taxes for the county and state, unless the responsibility is contracted out. Tax assessor-collectors are also agents of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

The job of the tax assessor-collector has changed over time with most of the evolution of duties centering on the combination or separation of assessing and collecting taxes. Originally, the two functions of assessing property and collecting taxes were separate. Under the Texas Constitution of 1836, the sheriff acted as tax collector, while the governing body of the county employed a separate assessor. Subsequent changes modified the duties and structure of the office. Some of these changes instructed other county offices to become the tax assessor and/or collector.

A constitutional amendment in 1932 combined the office of assessor and collector to become the present office. Article VIII, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution states, “The qualified voters of each county shall elect an assessor-collector of taxes for the county, and this person will hold office for four years.” In counties under 10,000 in population, the sheriff acts as the assessor and collector of taxes unless the voters of the county approve the creation of a separate office of tax assessor-collector.

Article VIII also states, “The tax assessor-collector shall perform all the duties with respect to assessing property for the purpose of taxation and of collecting taxes, as may be prescribed by the Legislature.” Unless the function has been contracted away as provided under legislation passed in 1979, a major responsibility of the office includes the assessment (calculation) and collection of property taxes, also referred to as ad valorem taxes, for the county. The office may also enter into contract with other entities to collect their jurisdictions’ taxes. These other entities may include schools, cities, and special districts. A reasonable fee may be levied by the tax assessor-collector for collecting taxes for another entity, but this fee cannot exceed the actual collection cost.

The county tax assessor-collector is the designated voter registrar for Texas counties, unless the Commissioners Court has created the position of elections administrator to provide this function. Through mutual agreement, the tax assessor-collector may transfer this function to the county clerk, or agree to take the responsibility for elections in addition to voter registration. Voter registrar responsibilities include accepting applications for voter registration, issuing voter certificates, maintaining voter registration lists, verifying petitions for local option elections, and submitting required reports to the secretary of state’s office.

As an agent of the DMV, the office of tax assessor-collector is responsible for the registration, titling, and title transfer of all motor vehicles and trailers in the county. State tax on all automobiles sold in the county is collected by the tax assessor-collector.

Additionally, the county tax assessor-collector may be responsible for the collection of special fees imposed by the county and state on coin-operated vending machines and may act as an agent for the Parks and Wildlife Department to provide boat registration and titling services. County fees for these duties are set by statute.

A county tax assessor-collector is personally liable for the loss of public funds in the custody of the tax assessor-collector’s office, unless a district court declares the loss is due to a reason other than negligence or misconduct. Therefore, tax assessor-collectors must be bonded with the county and the state. Before beginning to perform the duties of office, a person elected or appointed as county tax assessor-collector must give a bond for county taxes to the County Commissioners Court in an amount equal to 10 percent of the total amount of the preceding tax year’s county taxes, not to exceed $100,000. The bond for state taxes is payable to the governor and must equal 5 percent of the net state collections from motor vehicle sales and use taxes and motor vehicle registration fees in the county during the preceding year. Each bond may not be less than $2,500 or more than $100,000. The Commissioners Court of a county with a population of 1.5 million or more may set the bond for county taxes in an amount greater than $100,000.

A county tax assessor-collector must successfully complete 20 hours of continuing education each year. The continuing education must include at least 10 hours of instruction on laws relating to the assessment and collection of property taxes for a county assessor-collector who assesses or collects property taxes. A county tax assessor-collector may carry forward from one 12-month period to the next up to 10 continuing education hours. In addition, a county tax assessor-collector must complete continuing education courses on ethics and on the constitutional and statutory duties of the county tax assessor-collector not later than the 90th day after the date on which the county assessor-collector first takes office.

The 85^th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 929, which provides for specific education mandates for the first year of an elected tax assessor-collector’s initial term of office. The mandate applies only to those who actively collect property taxes through their office. This one-time requirement of specific coursework will assure that newly elected officials have the education and training to enable them to correctly calculate property tax rates for the county and any other taxing jurisdiction they serve as well as have a good basic understanding of the property tax system and ethics that the office demands. HH – By Richard O. Avery, Ph.D., County Relations Officer, Texas Association of Counties, Former Director, V.G. Young Institute of County Government, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System. Brazos County Tax Assessor-Collector Kristeen Roe contributed to this article.

Veterans Treatment Courts Offes Renewed Hope, Fresh Start

January 1, 2019 by County Progress

Editor’s Note: On Aug. 28, the Liberty County Commissioners Court passed a resolution to establish a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) program, as reported in our December 2018 issue. Spencer Walker, a combat veteran who has received services from a VTC, played a role in establishing the program. County Progress would like to thank Mr. Walker for sharing his story.

By Spencer Walker
U.S. Marine – Operation Iraqi Freedom

Howdy from Houston! My name is Spencer Walker; I grew up in Jackson, Miss., and Sugar Land, Texas. My parents retired from MEDVAMC (Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center), with 53-plus years of service. My father is my personal hero, a decorated U.S. Air Force and Vietnam veteran and an Air Medal recipient who is buried at Houston National Cemetery. I am truly humbled by my military heritage which profoundly shaped my worldview of American Exceptionalism. My forefathers fought valiantly for freedom since our nation’s founding, including the Revolutionary, Mexican and Civil wars, and WWI and WWII, with a prominent judge, Purple Heart recipient, and state representative within their ranks. I am mighty honored to continue this legacy as the first U.S. Marine in direct bloodline and a young son to soon follow suit.

I served in the Marine Corps from 1999-2003 as a counter battery radar operator. My primary mission was as follows: targeted acquisition of hostile indirect firing systems to initiate rapid response, precision-based counter-fire.

I met my amazing bride while stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and our handsome son was born shortly thereafter. I was deployed to the frontlines of Operation Iraqi Freedom with Regimental Combat Team 5 during the 2003 invasion. I was one of the first 100 Marines to cross the border (Line of Departure) into Iraq on March 19 and in the initial unit to arrive in Baghdad on April 9. My commendations include Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and Iraq Campaign Medal.

We then moved to Huntsville, Texas, where our beautiful daughter was born. I earned a bachelor of science with highest honors (lone graduate) in criminal justice and geographic information systems from Sam Houston State University in May 2006. My senior thesis was G.I.S. Analysis of Global Aviation Hijacking & Bombing Incidents, 1931-2005. Upon graduation, I changed career paths from federal law enforcement to the oil and gas industry, working extensively in 3D seismic, pipelines, and carbon dioxide operations. I was professionally successful; however, my personal life was a train wreck, and I was spiritually bankrupt for many years.

While I came home from Iraq in one piece, I had a heart without peace. I descended quickly into darkness, struggling 10-plus years with combat trauma and alcohol addiction. I had multiple stints in a VA psychiatric unit and county jail, and I experienced job loss and homelessness. My family was besieged to total ruins. We buried my uncle and father three weeks apart, and then my grandfather several months later. On May 3, 2014, a night of heavy drinking led to a gas station fight, an aggravated assault charge, and a 57-day lockup in the Harris County Jail. I remember lying in an orange jumpsuit, completely broken with all hope lost as I travelled the “Dark Night of the Soul.” I cried out for mercy, and a redemptive opportunity would radically transform life’s trajectory.

The Harris County Veterans Treatment Court proved an incredibly challenging endeavor. Presiding Judge Marc Carter, 228th District Court (U.S. Army), pioneered statewide legislation in 2009 which authorized VTC programs in Texas. He now offered me this new beginning, a fresh start to secure personal liberty once again. After countless dockets and probation appointments, VA treatment became paramount to my recovery. Support from Wilcrest Baptist Church was also instrumental to my healing.

Our pastor, Jonathan Williams, visited me while I was in psychiatric care at the county jail. My wife and I underwent marriage counseling twice, for more than a year each time. Above all, I was blessed beyond measure by a devoted wife, loving children, a praying mother, and a brother who held to me account. Pastors Dave (U.S. Navy, Vietnam, Purple Heart) and Matt Roever inspired me and empowered me to march forward. I graduated from the Harris County VTC on May 4, 2016, forever indebted, eternally grateful. I now work for MHA Houston as a VTC wellness coordinator for three Houston area programs, mentoring 100-plus combat veterans. My passion is to actively engage warriors and instill hope, which is precisely what countless others have done for me.

The Liberty County Veterans Treatment Court came together from January 2017 to August 2018. Mr. Ken (USMC, Vietnam) and Mrs. Sandra Jolley linked me with Judge Marvin Powell, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Purple Heart, 14 months recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio). His storied career in law enforcement and time served on the bench as a judge have made him a definitive visionary and the catalyst who guided the court into existence; he will now serve as the court coordinator. Judge Mark Morefield, 75^th District Court (U.S. Army, Vietnam) will preside over the new program. Mr. Mark Norris (MEDVAMC) and Mr. Matthew Poston (Liberty County attorney) are to be commended for tireless efforts. On Aug. 28, 2018, at 9:51 a.m., the Commissioners Court voted unanimously to establish the Liberty County VTC. “All things work together…,” Romans 8:28.

God connects dots and moves mountains. Recovery takes root by embracing adversity. Post-traumatic growth is anchored alone by faith in Christ. On a personal note, I was recently ordained as a deacon at Wilcrest Baptist on Veterans Day 2018, the 100th anniversary, WWI armistice. I am pursuing a master of science in leadership from Belhaven University. I am a proud member of Marine Corps League #1295.

This article is dedicated to American patriots, two men of impeccable character and integrity: VTC Judges Marc Carter and Mike Fields. With Liberty and Justice for All…God Bless & Semper Fidelis!

Sincerely,

Spencer Walker

86th Texas Legislature

January 1, 2019 by County Progress

County Judges and Commissioners will have the opportunity to actively exercise their role as partner to the State of Texas as the 86th Texas Legislature opens its 140-day session on Jan. 8.

By Julie Anderson, Editor

The Texas Legislature meets in a regular session every two years, convening on the second Tuesday in January of every odd-numbered year. These biennial sessions are limited to 140 days. The governor is authorized to call additional special sessions as necessary, which cannot exceed 30 days. The 86th Texas Legislature is set to meet Jan. 8 through May 27. Texas legislators began pre-filing bills on Nov. 12, 2018, filing 428 bills on the first day alone.

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From left: TAC legislative liaison Rick Thompson, CJCAT general counsel Jim Allison, and Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom, then president of the CJCAT, make their way to the Capitol building to visit with Rep. Garnet Coleman during the 85th Legislative Session.

Barely a week after taking their oaths of office, a slate of newly elected officials will join their veteran counterparts in exercising the county’s role as partner to the State of Texas.

“In taking this oath comes the responsibility of not only upholding the laws of our great state, but also to help guide lawmakers in the process of creating new laws,” shared Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston, president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) and chairman of the CJCAT Legislative Committee.

Lawmakers will be asked to consider thousands of bills throughout the 86th Session, and the CJCAT will closely monitor all proceedings to champion and protect county government. As has been pointed out by lawmakers in the past, this Association and its Legislative Committee have a reputation for approaching every session of the Texas Legislature with resolve. For example, during the past few legislative sessions, local government officials and associations such as the CJCAT voiced spirited opposition to revenue caps. Consequently, multiple regular and special sessions adjourned without imposing these restrictions and cuts, due in large part to the heightened presence and significant voice of county officials and their supporters.

If early indications ring true, County Judges and Commissioners will need to rally once more.

“Based upon current information, revenue caps and unfunded mandates will again be the issues of primary concern,” reported Jim Allison, CJCAT general counsel. “Revenue caps have been proposed for each of the past nine sessions. While there is no justification for this proposed intrusion into local decision-making, it appears that the state leadership will continue to use this issue to blame local officials for rising property taxes,” Allison continued. “While school property taxes remain the greatest cost to local taxpayers, the state continues to shift more of the cost of education onto local property taxes.”

For the first time, a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit future unfunded mandates passed the House of Representatives last session, Allison added.

“Whether the Senate will consider this proposal to limit the unfunded cost of state legislative actions remains to be seen,” he noted.

As indicated by the recap of previous sessions below, members of Commissioners Court who become engaged in the legislative process can make a difference.

“County Judges and Commissioners need to contact their state legislators before the start of the session to inform them of the effects of proposed legislation, especially revenue caps and unfunded mandates,” Allison urged.

One educational tool available to Commissioners Court members is the slate of resolutions passed by the CJCAT at the annual conference in October 2018. These resolutions can be adapted for local consideration and submitted to legislators (see page ?).

“However, there is no substitute for a personal visit, a phone call, or a letter from a county official,” Allison emphasized.

Jim Allison offers testimony on House Bill 4117 relating to the creation of a county jail telemental health fund in April 2017.

A Look Back at the 85th Session

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During its 2017 regular session, the 85th Texas Legislature enacted 1,211 bills and adopted nine joint resolutions after considering 6,631 measures filed. The Legislature enacted a further 12 bills during the special session held in the summer.

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Perhaps the best way to paint a picture of the last legislative session is to remember what several state lawmakers said both before and after the gavel fell. In October 2016 on the opening day of the CJCAT State Conference, then-Sen. Sylvia R. Garcia, a former Harris County Commissioner, issued words of caution to some 200 officials gathered in Galveston County’s Moody Gardens.

Garcia, now a member of the U.S. Congress, told Judges and Commissioners that she “has never before seen” such a predisposition against local control among state lawmakers and urged the audience to organize, engage, and “make sure you are heard” during the 85th Legislative Session.

Officials took Garcia’s message to heart, traveling by the dozens to the Capitol when called upon to testify against proposed revenue caps and other issues that would have a negative impact on counties. Members of Commissioners Court joined first responders and other city leaders for a press conference to explain how revenue caps could affect public safety and the ability to respond to disasters. County Judges and Commissioners drove hours and then waited hours – some staying well into the night – to make sure their voices were heard.

Fast forward to the 2017 CJCAT Conference. While the 85^th session was in the books and revenue caps were defeated, local officials and lawmakers who appreciate the value of local decision-making were still discussing the contentious nature of the session.

Rep. Phil Stephenson and Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who each received the 2017 Legislative Award from the State Association for standing strong for counties, offered their perspective.

The State of Texas has forgotten that “local control is from the bottom up,” Stephenson shared. “Somewhere along the line we lost the point.”

Hinojosa echoed Stephenson, stating emphatically that legislators “have to give flexibility and authority to local communities to govern themselves.”

84th Session County Snapshot

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During its 2015 regular session, the 84th Texas Legislature enacted 1,323 bills and adopted seven joint resolutions after considering 6,476 measures filed.

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As far as county government was concerned, the introduction of revenue caps and an early hearing date set a negative tone as some lawmakers seemed intent on restricting local government. However, members of Commissioners Courts quickly jumped in.

“You packed the room, you got on the phones, and you sent faxes and emails,” Allison declared in a conference legislative recap. “With your work and the work of a great team in Austin, we escaped this session without revenue caps.

“You’re not known around the capitol as being potted plants,” Allison continued. “You speak up. You are heard.”

Thanks to the county voice, a negative tone was not synonymous with a negative outcome; rather, the session was a success for counties in that caps were defeated and very few unfunded mandates passed, Allison summarized. In addition, during this session lawmakers did authorize additional funding for mental health, indigent defense, and courthouse preservation.

TAC legislative liaison Rick Thompson joins Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom and CJCAT general counsel Jim Allison as they work the 85th Legislative Session.

A Glance at the 83^rd Session

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During its 2013 regular session, the 83rd Texas Legislature enacted 1,437 bills and adopted 10 joint resolutions after considering more than 6,061 measures filed. The Legislature also enacted three bills during the first called session, two bills during the second called session, and one bill during the third called session.

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As with every legislative session, the CJCAT came to Austin with the overall goal of playing defense.

“No additional revenue caps, no additional appraisal caps, and the defeat of most unfunded mandates were important defensive accomplishments,” reported Allison after the session. However, the Association went on the offensive as well, making plays on mental health funding and transportation.

“We had a win-win,” Allison declared.

Lawmakers earmarked some $225 million to a transportation infrastructure fund via the 83^rd Texas Legislature’s Senate Bill 1747.

DeWitt County Judge Daryl L. Fowler, who traveled to and from Austin multiple times to testify before lawmakers, described it as an “unprecedented move.”

“I argued for this in Austin until I was blue in the face,” Fowler later told fellow officials at an educational conference.

In a second offensive win for the CJCAT, legislators addressed mental health via House Bill 3793.

“When the largest mental hospital in a particular area is the county jail, then we have a problem,” Allison stated emphatically. “We had two priorities – mental health and transportation. Your emails, phone calls, and personal visits are what pulled us through, resulting in one of the best sessions we’ve ever had.”

Counties and the 82nd Session

Witnesses may sign in and register support or opposition to a bill using Senate kiosks located in the Capitol Extension hallway.

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During its 2011 regular session, the 82nd Texas Legislature enacted 1,379 bills and adopted 11 joint resolutions after considering more than 6,000 measures filed. The Legislature also enacted eight bills during the first called session.

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What a difference two years makes. While the 83rd Legislature would open with a budget surplus, a daunting deficit loomed over the 82nd. Experts predicted the 2011 Legislative Session would be defined by two issues: redistricting and the state budget deficit. They were right.

“These two issues will be the driving force and determining factor in all other issues,” maintained then-CJCAT President Don R. Allred, Oldham County Judge.

Because of the $20 billion-plus deficit, “we will be bombarded with all types of unfunded mandates,” predicted then-CJCAT Second Vice President Roger Harmon, Johnson County Judge. “All I can say is to batten down the hatches and be willing to fight like we have never had to in the past.”

The 82nd Legislative Session presented a particular challenge, with lawmakers seeking deep cuts and targeting dedicated funding. For example, proposed legislation originally zeroed out the Lateral Road Fund, meaning an elimination of $14.6 million, or 100 percent of the portion of the gasoline tax dedicated to county roads by the Transportation Code. Lawmakers also put forth elimination of Overweight Truck Permit Fees valued at $15 million; the fees from these TxDOT permits are dedicated to counties for partial reimbursement for overweight truck road damage.

County Judges and County Commissioners tag-teamed one another, accompanying CJCAT officers and Allison to the Capitol to present a united message. Facing cut after cut, local elected officials showed up both literally and figuratively, sending emails and faxes, making phone calls, and putting in personal appearances to safeguard their counties, their communities, and their taxpayers.

Officials sent a firm and consistent message: Infrastructure is critical. Roads carry our emergency vehicles, school buses, employers, and employees. When it comes to roads, we are in maintenance-mode, using every penny to support and repair an outdated and over-burdened transportation system. Officials repeated the message, broken-record style; when all was said and done, both funds were fully restored.

When the 82^nd Session of the Texas Legislature adjourned sine die, Commissioners Courts breathed a collective sigh of relief, as the adopted version of the state budget partially restored funding to most county programs. In addition, revenue caps and most unfunded mandates were defeated.

Comfortable shoes required! Tracking down lawmakers to offer the county perspective on legislation means a great deal of brisk walking.

Prep Work

As evidenced by these legislative recaps, involvement in the legislative process is crucial, and never more so than when there is significant turnover. The Texas Senate is composed of 31 members and the Texas House includes 150 members. There are 29 new members in the House of Representatives, and 27 of those members are freshmen, according to the office of the chief clerk of the House; the 86th Legislature will include six brand new senators, according to the office of the secretary of the Senate.

“It is our responsibility to seek out legislators – our senior partners in the state-county partnership – and educate them on our needs and responsibilities,” Allison told officials throughout last year’s CJCAT educational conference classes.

“Each of us is a vital link in having a successful year with the Legislature,” declared Wichita County Judge Woodrow W. “Woody” Gossom Jr., past president of the CJCAT and former chairman of the CJCAT Legislative Committee.

Communicating the County Message

Resolutions from the CJCAT and individual Commissioners Courts, letters, emails, telephone calls, and personal contacts are the most effective methods of informing legislators and their staff on important county issues, Allison maintained.

If your senator or representative is new, perhaps a simple review of the county and state dynamic would be helpful.

While some Senate committees offer electronic registration, others still use paper format.

State and Local

As a part of the State of Texas, the structures and duties of county government are set forth in the Texas Constitution. As an arm of the State, Texas counties can only do those actions that are specifically authorized by Texas law. Equally important, Texas counties must do those actions that are required by law, such as maintain and operate the court and jail system, conduct elections, and provide for public safety.

County Revenue – The Property Tax The taxpayer funds the majority of county government via the property tax, or ad valorem tax, which is the largest revenue source for Texas counties. About half of Texas’ 254 counties also receive funding from a local county sales tax, which when adopted allowed them to lower their property tax rate.

The county cannot levy an ad valorem tax in excess of 80 cents per $100 of property value for the county’s general fund, permanent improvement fund, road and bridge fund, and jury fund, combined. On top of the 80 cents, the county is authorized to levy a special road and bridge tax not to exceed 15 cents, and a farm-to-market/flood control tax not to exceed 30 cents; however, these taxes are subject to voter approval and must be credited to separate funds. The 80-cent general ad valorem tax and the 15-cent special road and bridge tax are authorized by Article VIII, Section 9, Texas Constitution. The 30-cent farm-to-market/flood control tax is authorized by Article VIII, Section 1-a, Texas Constitution.

Counties are also authorized by several statutes to levy certain special purpose taxes. However, these taxes when combined with the general fund tax may not total more than 80 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

Property tax rates across the state are as varied as the counties themselves, with some counties hovering in the 20- to 30-cent range, and others approaching or reaching the maximum.

In addition to the property tax and county sales tax, counties rely on fines and fees; intergovernmental revenue such as federal and state grants, contractual money, and statutory money from the State of Texas; miscellaneous revenues or transfers; and interest. However, the property tax is the most significant funding source of county government.

Sometimes, the State of Texas provides counties the necessary funds to administer state-mandated services. However, this is not always the case. When the State of Texas requires a service of a county but does not provide the necessary funding, this is called an “unfunded mandate,” whereby the county is forced to produce the necessary funding on its own. This may present a challenge to counties when working on the county budget and may impact the final property tax rate.

The property tax rate is determined after county properties are appraised.

Jim Allison and Judge Woody Gossom visit with Rep. DeWayne Burns to offer support for Burns’ House Joint Resolution 73 proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit unfunded mandates.

As part of their commitment to the local community, Texas county governments traditionally seek to provide more than mandatory services. County governments also provide funding for authorized discretionary or optional services, such as parks, community centers, libraries, senior centers, emergency medical and family services, and county fairs. Funds also may be used to support tax increment reinvestment zones, certain non-profits, and other special programs that enhance the quality of individual lives and the community as a whole.

When all is said and done, the development of the county budget is by nature a rigorous process that requires thoughtful decisions and tough choices.

County budgets are driven by the laws that are implemented in Austin by the Texas Legislature.
Counties are limited to property taxes as their main revenue source.
Taxes, for the most part, are determined by mandates put on the county by the Texas Legislature.
Discretionary spending for local services is the first to be cut because spending for state-mandated services is just that, mandated.
If the state would fund the laws that they adopt, then property taxes could be more closely tied to local services.

The CJCAT leadership is poised and prepared to address legislation that could further impact the ability of Commissioners Courts to fulfill state mandates and provide other needed services.

“As county-related bills are introduced, do your best to determine how these bills will impact you on the local level,” Allison urged.

As you communicate with lawmakers, be specific. Check your facts and figures, and help the state understand that what happens in Austin doesn’t stay in Austin.

Call for Scholarship Applications

December 5, 2018 by County Progress

West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association

Call for Scholarship Applications

The West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association is pleased to announce the continuation of its Annual Scholarship Program. College scholarships in the amounts of $1,500, $1,000 and $750 will be awarded to three applicants during the upcoming Annual Conference in Amarillo to be conducted April 23-26.

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, applicants must be a child, grandchild, or under the legal guardianship of a current West Texas County Judge or County Commissioner. Each of the applicants must be a current resident of a county within the 118-county West Texas region. Each applicant must also be a graduating senior of the Class of 2019 from a high school within the West Texas region.

The scholarship’s funds are not derived from tax dollars collected from member dues. Instead, funding comes from previous conference proceeds, not at taxpayer expense.

All entries are to be submitted to Tarrant County Judge B. Glen Whitley for Scholarship Committee consideration. All entries are to be received or postmarked by 5 p.m., April 1, 2019. Entries are to be sent to: Hon. B. Glen Whitley Tarrant County Judge Scholarship Committee, Chair 100 East Weatherford Rm 501 Fort Worth, TX 76196-0001 gwhitley@tarrantcounty.com. The scholarship application is available for download at the link below.

2019 WTCJCA Scholarship Application

2018 State Association Resolutions

The following resolutions were passed by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas representing 254 counties in the State of Texas on October 11, 2018, during the Association’s Annual Conference.

1. Thanks to the Host Court

Tax Assessor-Collector

Veterans Treatment Courts Offes Renewed Hope, Fresh Start

86th Texas Legislature

County Judges and Commissioners will have the opportunity to actively exercise their role as partner to the State of Texas as the 86th Texas Legislature opens its 140-day session on Jan. 8.

From left: TAC legislative liaison Rick Thompson, CJCAT general counsel Jim Allison, and Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom, then president of the CJCAT, make their way to the Capitol building to visit with Rep. Garnet Coleman during the 85th Legislative Session.

Jim Allison offers testimony on House Bill 4117 relating to the creation of a county jail telemental health fund in April 2017.

TAC legislative liaison Rick Thompson joins Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom and CJCAT general counsel Jim Allison as they work the 85th Legislative Session.

Witnesses may sign in and register support or opposition to a bill using Senate kiosks located in the Capitol Extension hallway.

Comfortable shoes required! Tracking down lawmakers to offer the county perspective on legislation means a great deal of brisk walking.

While some Senate committees offer electronic registration, others still use paper format.

Jim Allison and Judge Woody Gossom visit with Rep. DeWayne Burns to offer support for Burns’ House Joint Resolution 73 proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit unfunded mandates.

Call for Scholarship Applications

West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association

Call for Scholarship Applications

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