Funding for Round V of the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program is included in the appropriations bill passed in the recent legislative session. The 80th Texas Legislature included $62 million in bond funding for the THC's nationally recognized Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. Funding will be made available after a … [Read more...] about Texas Legislature Funds Round V of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program
Revenue Related
Public FinanceExploring a County
In 1994 Colorado County financed a $3.6 million, 96-bed jail using certificates of obligation (COs). The county refinanced those bonds in 2004 in order to take advantage of a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers a significant amount of money, said Colorado County Judge Al Jamison. In June 2006, "we experienced a catastrophic failure of our district courtroom ceiling," Jamison … [Read more...] about Public FinanceExploring a County
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON APPRAISALS AND PROPERTY TAXES
I recently participated in a panel discussion on property appraisals and taxes at the Texas Farm Bureau Legislative Conference. Other panelists represented the Governor's Commission on Appraisal Reform and a taxpayer association. Since my time was limited, I prepared the following information for the participants. If property is appraised at a higher value, do the … [Read more...] about QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON APPRAISALS AND PROPERTY TAXES
Schools and Taxes: A Summary of Legislation of the 2006 Special Session
The following includes excerpts from the Texas House Research Organization's Focus Report, Number 79-13. To read each section in its entirety, go to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/hrofr/frame9.htm. In November 2005, the Texas Supreme Court upheld a ruling by state District Judge John Dietz of Austin that school districts lacked "meaningful discretion" in setting local … [Read more...] about Schools and Taxes: A Summary of Legislation of the 2006 Special Session
Fine and Fee CollectionLegislation Mandates Proactive Programs
Counties with populations of 50,000 or more will be asked a series of key questions regarding their collection efforts, thanks to the 79th Legislature's Senate Bill 1863. Article 10 of this bill applies to 54 counties, requiring them to develop and implement a program to collect court costs, fees and fines imposed in criminal cases to include district, county and justice … [Read more...] about Fine and Fee CollectionLegislation Mandates Proactive Programs