Counties are governed by the Texas Constitution, legislative statutes, court decisions, and orders and regulations from the governor and state agencies. This column will discuss some recent changes affecting Commissioners Courts. VIRTUAL MEETINGS OF COMMISSIONERS COURTS In March 2020, Gov. Greg Abbott suspended certain provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act to allow … [Read more...] about Changes in County Government Legal Requirements
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Valuable Lessons Learned
Many of you, our wise and learned County Judges and County Commissioners, will be retiring at the end of 2022. For years, and in some cases decades, you have found ways to lend a helping hand. You have mentored new officials, shared valuable lessons during educational conferences, and served as subject matter experts for us here at County Progress. We thank you for your time and your friendship. Before you go, we would like to call on you one last time to share your Words of Wisdom.
Eastland County | Judge Rex Fields Took office Jan. 1, 2007 As “they” say, hindsight is 20/20. As you look back on your years of service, what are some of the most valuable lessons you learned? Figure out a way to work with the other elected and appointed county officials. You may not get along so well on a personal level, but the public expects you to do your … [Read more...] about Valuable Lessons Learned
A Glimpse in the Life of a Orange County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp
Every so often, County Progress asks our distinguished Judges and Commissioners to allow us a glimpse into their public lives, giving us a fresh appreciation for the myriad of roles and responsibilities they shoulder every day. Our thanks to Orange County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp for taking the time to visit with us.
HISTORY: I have served Orange County for two and a half years. I decided to run for office after several people from my entire precinct kept calling and encouraging me to take the leap into county government. I won the primary by four votes. After a recount, the result was still the same. There are eight boxes in my precinct, and I only lost two. In the general election, I won … [Read more...] about A Glimpse in the Life of a Orange County Commissioner Theresa Beauchamp
Regular Session Report
Despite delays and disruptions from COVID-19 and the winter storm, there were 7,148 bills and constitutional amendments introduced during the 87th Regular Legislative Session. When the session concluded, 1,081 bills were sent to the governor, and he vetoed 21 of them, including the entire appropriation for the legislature. As expected, thousands of these bills affected county … [Read more...] about Regular Session Report
Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate, Part II
A statutory duty imposed upon counties by the legislature without funding is an unfunded mandate. Every unfunded mandate requires a property tax increase. The majority of the CJCAT legislative efforts are directed toward the prevention of additional unfunded mandates. This session was no exception. In 2005, this column described the “Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate.” That … [Read more...] about Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate, Part II