To those who work within the courthouse walls, the importance of county government is categorical. Yet time and again we are faced with the reality that to some, county government is a vague concept. The plight begs the question: How are our constituents supposed to learn about counties? What teaching tools are in place? County […]
Monuments of Justice: Cooke County Courthouse
County Seat: Gainesville • County Population: 38,437 (2010 U.S. Census) The Cooke County Courthouse was built in 1911 in a Beaux Arts style as designed by Lang and Witchell. The temple of justice has undergone both interior and exterior preservation and reconstruction, as designed and constructed by Komatsu Architecture Inc. and J.C. Stoddard Construction, respectively, at […]
Clean Your Slate
Counties Step Up Delinquent Fine and Fee Collection In an effort to boost county coffers and resolve millions in unpaid fines and fees, Hidalgo County launched a pilot program in September 2011 giving debtors the opportunity to “clean their slate before it’s too late.” “Operation: Clean Slate” targeted those owing money to the county’s justice […]
Courthouse Trails ~ Cooke County
Nine years ago County Progress Magazine launched a series dedicated to the restoration and renovation of our county capitols. Titled “Courthouse Trails,” this series recaps the efforts of counties across theLoneStarState who have taken special measures to restore their capitols to their original splendor and/or launch comprehensive renovation projects to ensure safety and workability, culminating […]
Getting Your Due
County Collection Efforts Reap Big Dividends The collection of fines and fees is fast becoming a preferred method of increasing county revenues without increasing taxes. In addition, such programs bring the added benefit of improved compliance with court orders. Counties can opt to set up an in-house collections program or can hire a law firm […]
