Texas County Progress

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

Miscellaneous

Back To School Basics – Discretionary Services Answers

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Answers from the "Discretionary Services" quiz in the August 2021 issue of County Progress.

Please note on Law Enforcement: “Shall” creates a mandatory duty, while “may” creates a discretionary duty. While Article 5, Section 23 of the Texas Constitution creates the office of sheriff, it provides that the duties “shall be prescribed by the Legislature.”  Although Chapter 85, Local Government Code authorizes the appointment of deputies by the sheriff, no statute … [Read more...] about Back To School Basics – Discretionary Services Answers

TDA Honors Historic Farms, Ranches

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In a celebration of agriculture and family heritage, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller honored 58 farms and ranches spanning 38 Texas counties at the 44th Annual Family Land Heritage (FLH) ceremony conducted in the House Chamber at the Texas State Capitol last fall. Every year, the Texas Department of Agriculture recognizes Texas families who have kept their farms and … [Read more...] about TDA Honors Historic Farms, Ranches

Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum at Meetings of the County Commissioners Court

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All Regular, Special, Emergency and Executive Session Meetings of the ____________ County Commissioners Court will be called and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code. Regular, Special and Emergency Meetings of the ____________ County Commissioners Court are open to the public and to representatives of the … [Read more...] about Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum at Meetings of the County Commissioners Court

Election Security Assessment

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HAVA-Funded Program Allows for Comprehensive Review

     “What you don’t know won’t hurt you” may work in some circumstances, but in other situations the consequences are not worth the risk. A related maxim came to mind when Chambers County Clerk Heather Hawthorne looked toward a review of the county’s election infrastructure. “The County Election Security Assessment (ESA) substantiated my initial thoughts of ‘I don’t … [Read more...] about Election Security Assessment

Biennial Property Tax Report

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Comptroller Releases 2016-17 Summary Report

In tax year 2017, Texas cities, counties, school districts, and special purpose districts levied more than $59 billion in property taxes – 5.93 percent more in 2017 than in 2016, according to the Biennial Property Tax Report. Unlike other taxing units, which can also collect sales taxes and fees, school districts’ only source of tax revenue is the property tax. In 2017, the … [Read more...] about Biennial Property Tax Report