At this time in even-numbered years, legislative committees are usually conducting interim hearings to receive testimony, analyze issues, and prepare reports and draft legislation for the upcoming legislative session. These interim activities provide a valuable opportunity for county officials to educate legislators and staff on the effects of potential legislation on their constituents and taxpayers. With […]
Fine and Fee Collection
Challenging Times Call for Examination of Revenue Sources
Throughout 2019, local governments dependent upon the property tax carefully followed the progress of Senate Bill 2, passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and signed by the governor last June. Property taxes are the primary funding source for Texas counties, and S.B. 2 reduces this funding potential. “Maximizing additional revenue sources will be essential,” […]
Expanding the Dialogue on Legislative Communications
During the past legislative session, certain special interest groups launched an effort to silence local government officials. Determined to dominate the discussion concerning equitable taxation and appraisals, these groups proposed legislation to 1) prevent local governments from retaining professional lobbyists to present information on their behalf; 2) prohibit local governments from supporting associations that present […]
County Budget Preparation Under Senate Bill 2
Early Coordination, Continual Communication Keys to Navigating New Process
“You’re going to have to start earlier and inform other departments. This is not a Commissioners Court problem. This is a county problem.” CJCAT General Counsel Jim Allison The new requirements resulting from Senate Bill 2 passed by the 86th Texas Legislature have compressed budget-related deadlines and will require careful coordination and systematic […]
COVID-19 Pandemic – Part 2
Commissioners Courts Navigate Uncharted Territory
County Judges, statutorily tasked with emergency preparedness and response, are on the frontlines as they seek to protect their communities from the Coronavirus. “We hope to defeat this virus and to one day look back at it as a battle fought and won by Texans who gave of themselves for their state, their counties, and […]
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