Local Government in Texas

1. Local Government in Texas Municipal Systems 2: Special Districts

2. The Unitary State • In unitary states, authority flows generally downward • Citizens elect state gov’t • States develop and administer policy either • Directly to citizens, • Or indirectly through counties • These policies are generally uniform throughout the state: the ‘general law’ • Another system to develop and administer policy specific to individual communities: • Municipal government • Cities • Special Districts Central Government County A County B County C City SD SD City City City Citizens Citizens Citizens

3. Special Districts • Constitutional Basis • Some districts established by the Texas Constitution • Creation permitted under the Texas Constitution • By the Legislature • By counties • By cities • Number of Special Districts: 3000+ • Generally ‘single-function’ districts • Create and administer policy within a narrow, predetermined area

4. Types of Special Districts in Texas • Independent School Districts • Community College Districts • Public Service Districts • Regulatory Districts

5. Independent School Districts • Administer elementary and secondary education policy • Maintains public school system • Regulated by the Texas Education Agency • Funded by property taxes

6. ISD Structure Resident Voters • Resembles council-manager model of city charter • Resident Voters elect Board of Trustees • At-large • By district/precinct • DISD uses district system • School Board appoints a superintendent and a few other district-level offices • Superintendent appoints other district officers • May require Board approval School District Board of Trustees Financial Officer Superintendent Attorney Appointed by Superintendent Liaison Other ISD offices Secretary

7. Community College Districts • Administer part of public higher education policy • Low-cost University-level courses • Lower division (“First-” and “Second-year”) courses • Remediation • Workforce development • Maintains Community College System • Regulated by • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board • Interstate accreditation agencies (e.g. SACS) • Funded by property taxes and by appropriation by the Texas Legislature

8. Community College District Structure • Varies with individual charters • Single college • Single college with multiple campuses • Multiple colleges • Typically similar to ISD structures • Elected Board of Trustees • Board appoints Chancellor and other principal officers • Chancellor may appoint subordinate officers • Often by and with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees

9. Public Service Districts • May be created through any of several methods • Act of the Texas Legislature • Compact among municipalities • City ordinance • Provide specific service to the public • Airport service • Public transit service • Public utilities

10. Public Service District Structure • Varies with the method of establishment • Legislative Act • May either be elected by voters in the district or appointed in such manner as the state legislature directs • Inter-municipal compact • Member cities appoint board members through city councils • City Ordinance • Originating city council appoints members

11. Regulatory Districts • Generally similar in structure to Public Service Districts • Usually not elected • Appointed by the agency that established the district • Exercise regulatory power • Specific policy areas • Limited jurisdictional boundaries