In an earlier column, we warned that the foundational principles of county government were eroding. Local decision-making/local control were once basic tenets endorsed by the state leadership. Support for these tenets has slipped significantly, especially in the Texas Senate.
As special interests have pumped millions of dollars into legislative races, many supportive legislators have been inundated by false and misleading social media campaigns in the Republican primary. Unfortunately, these tactics have been successful, the number of locally-responsive legislators has dwindled, and the number obligated to wealthy donors has increased. Others have been intimidated into silence.
Although this column is written while the session continues, there is already clear evidence of the continuing loss of support for counties and other local governments in the legislature.
Special interest groups are clamoring for legislation to abolish common sense regulations over everything from subdivision development to fireworks. Legislation is progressing to further restrict the ability of counties to fund their essential services while reducing or eliminating state funding for mandated services.
Proposed legislation would authorize the governor and the attorney general to remove or suspend county officials.
These efforts constitute a serious effort 1) to undercut the independence of county officials; 2) reduce the ability to fund local needs, creating total dependence on the legislature; and 3) intimidate local officials from defending their role in the process.
Efforts to slow this slippery slope require the consolidated effort of all county officials. Unfortunately, there have been significant defections from the “Stronger Together” commitment. Sheriffs negotiated their own exemption from S.B. 19, the Silencing County Officials Bill, without regard to others. Tax assessor-collectors testified favorably for legislation to reduce or eliminate the Increment Savings Rate that allows counties to exceed the 3.5 percent revenue cap using savings from the past three years.
While every official and association has the right to determine their own legislative positions, it is detrimental to our cause when positions are reversed without consultation with the others in the county family. Trust and transparency are important attributes in all relationships.
On the positive side, the involvement of Commissioners Court members in the legislative process has been extraordinary. Legislative Director Rick Thompson and the members of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Legislative Committee have maintained a constant presence at the Capitol. By providing accurate information and attentive communication, the Commissioners Courts continue as an effective force in the legislative session.
As the regular session concludes, we will faithfully report the final results – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Thank you for your support.