Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Key Concept

KEY CONCEPT: Texas Commission on Jail Standards

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KEY QUESTION: What is the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, and how does the Commission affect county government?

REFERENCE POINTS: Texas Administrative Code TITLE 37 – PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS PART 9 – TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS   TALKING POINTS: The Texas Legislature created the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (Commission) in 1975 to implement a declared state policy that all county jail facilities conform to minimum standards of construction, … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Texas Commission on Jail Standards

KEY CONCEPT: Filling a Vacancy on the Commissioners Court

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KEY QUESTION: What is the procedure for filling a vacancy left by a County Judge or County Commissioner?

MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Local Government Code, Title 3 Organization of County Government, Subtitle B Commissioners Court and County Officers, Chapter 87, Subchapter D Filling of Vacancies  TALKING POINTS: 1.According to Sec. 87.041 of the Texas Local Government Code, the Commissioners Court of a county may fill a vacancy in the offices of: county judge; … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Filling a Vacancy on the Commissioners Court

KEY CONCEPT: Public Finance Options

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KEY QUESTION: Can a county finance debt?

MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Article XI, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution – a county that borrows money is required to establish an interest and sinking fund. Texas Government Code Chapter 1251 – bond election provisions. Texas Government Code Chapter 1431 – authorizes the issuance of tax notes. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 271, Subchapter C – authorizes a … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Public Finance Options

KEY CONCEPT: Regulating Traffic on County Roads

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KEY QUESTION: Can Commissioners Courts regulate traffic on county roads?

MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 541-Chapter 545, Title 7, Subtitle C, “Rules of the Road,” also known as the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 251, Subchapter E, part of the County Road and Bridge Act TALKING POINTS: Title 7, Subtitle C of the Transportation Code (Uniform Act) states that a … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Regulating Traffic on County Roads

KEY CONCEPT: Competitive Bidding During a Disaster

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KEY QUESTION: Are there exemptions to the competitive bidding requirements during a disaster?

MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Local Government Code, Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Counties, Chapter 262, Section 262.024 TALKING POINTS: State law requires that public entities engage in competitive bidding. Sealed bids or proposals are required for purchases over $50,000. According to the statute, “A contract for the purchase of any of the following … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Competitive Bidding During a Disaster