Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Jim Allison

From the General Counsel

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Opinion Clarifies Rollback Rate Calculation             Attorney General Opinion No. GA-0954 (June 26, 2012) clarified the calculation of the county rollback rate by holding that the rollback rate is based upon the total of all tax rates adopted by the commissioners court.  The issue involved a county that assesses and collects a “road and bridge special tax,” in … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel

From the General Counsel

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Strategic Planning Through Interlocal Agreements When Texas became a state in 1845, local governmental functions were performed by counties.  Counties were responsible for law enforcement, the judicial system, public records, and the public schools.  As the population grew and became more concentrated in cities, the demand for public services increased.  The Texas … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel

From the General Counsel

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Wildfire Prevention As the summer months approach, Texas counties brace for another wildfire season.  While scattered precipitation has helped, drought conditions persist in many counties. Fighting the massive fires of last year demonstrated the benefits of emergency preparedness training and preparation. However, an ounce of prevention continues to be worth more than … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel

Controversy Continues Over E-mails

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A Travis County district judge has ruled that a Bexar County commissioner must release e-mail messages about county business from his private e-mail account.  The court ruling confirms a 2010 AG Opinion that e-mails concerning public business from private accounts are not exempt from the Texas Public Information Act.  Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson has stated that he … [Read more...] about Controversy Continues Over E-mails

From the General Counsel

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Senate Interim Committee Charges             Lt. Gov. Dewhurst has issued assignments for Senate interim committee studies.  After conducting public hearings, the committees will prepare recommendations for the next legislative session.  Due to the delayed primary, this process lags behind the normal schedule.  However, public hearings will begin soon.  We will post notice of … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel