By Julie Anderson, Editor As a unit of state government, county government is charged with mandatory duties including conducting elections, providing for public safety, operating the court and jail systems, and providing for indigent legal defense. As part of their commitment to the local community, county governments also authorize discretionary or optional services, such … [Read more...] about Public Finance 101: Statutes Define County Options
County Finance
Government Shutdown & County Effects
What impact does the partial shutdown of the federal government have on Texas Counties? We asked Penny Redington, executive director of the Texas Association of Regional Councils, to share her thoughts on the county connection: “What we are hearing today from federal and state agencies is some degree of reassurance that service delivery and provider reimbursement processes … [Read more...] about Government Shutdown & County Effects
County Finance Options: Public Education Key Component to Overall Success
By Julie Anderson, Editor The clock was ticking – literally. For six years, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards had been urging Walker County to build a new jail. The old, run-down lockup was only able to pass inspection via a grandfather clause, and, furthermore, the jail was bursting at the seams forcing the county to ship inmates elsewhere. In early 2012, the … [Read more...] about County Finance Options: Public Education Key Component to Overall Success
Key Concept: Public Finance Options
KEY QUESTION: Can a county finance debt? 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 … [Read more...] about Key Concept: Public Finance Options
158 Counties Receive $6 Million in Tobacco Money
The Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account Investment Advisory Committee approved $50 million for the year 2013 tobacco settlement distribution, the same as the previous year’s amount. According to the distribution report published by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 158 counties received just under $6 million in reimbursements. Under the terms of a … [Read more...] about 158 Counties Receive $6 Million in Tobacco Money