First, it is a great honor for me to serve as a director of the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association (WTCJCA). I have served as Precinct 3 commissioner in Wichita County since 1981. It has been my privilege to be a member of the WTCJCA and to have the opportunity to draw on the experience of other members, to develop lasting friendships, and to attend our … [Read more...] about Who Has the Answers?
From the General Counsel
Texas Counties: The Rural Perspective
I would like to thank the WTCJCA for the opportunity to serve the members of this distinguished group. Why did I offer to serve? I surely don't need additional work; but, as I've told our commissioners, the smaller counties need representation on various boards and committees so that we can stress the fact that smaller-populated counties can't and don't operate in the same … [Read more...] about Texas Counties: The Rural Perspective
Local Government Lobbying Investigation
The House Committee on General Investigating and Ethics has been instructed by Speaker Tom Craddick to "research, review and investigate the expenditures of taxpayer money by local government and school boards to lobby the Legislature." The investigation is being conducted by Rep. Ken Paxton, a Republican from McKinney, who is also a strong supporter of appraisal and revenue … [Read more...] about Local Government Lobbying Investigation
Special Session on Tax Issues
The Texas Supreme Court has held that the present public school finance system violates the state constitutional prohibition against a state property tax. The Court decision requires a revision of this system by June 1, 2006. The Legislature will meet in special session to consider this matter and any other issues submitted by Gov. Perry. A special session may only be … [Read more...] about Special Session on Tax Issues
Appraisal and Revenue Caps: The Line Has Been Drawn
No matter how hard we have worked in the past, there are those who won’t let the issue of appraisal caps and revenue caps go away. The governor has already said that he will include both issues on the call for the special session to resolve school finance anticipated in April. A new approach that will give the issue added emphasis is being tried. The State … [Read more...] about Appraisal and Revenue Caps: The Line Has Been Drawn