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Texas County Government

Texas County Government. “The Republic shall be divided into convenient counties, but no new county shall be established, unless it be done on the petition of one hundred free male inhabitants of the territory sought to be laid off and established, and

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Texas County Government

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  1. Texas County Government

  2. “The Republic shall be divided into convenient counties, but no new county shall be established, unless it be done on the petition of one hundred free male inhabitants of the territory sought to be laid off and established, and unless the said territory shall contain nine hundred square miles.” Art. IV, Constitution of the Republic of Texas
  3. Why Counties Were Created Original Purpose: Law & Order Fear of government power resulted in today’s system of checks and balances.
  4. Structure of Texas Counties Counties are political subdivisions of the state. Counties are extensions of state government at the local level. Counties are “instrumentalities” of the state” as opposed to municipalities.
  5. How Counties Function Each office’s operations is governed by a variety of laws. Each elected official has exclusive authority over the offices operations and employees. Commissioners Court controls the budget. Commissioners Court may not use its budgetary authority to prevent an officer from performing his/her required duties. How Counties Function
  6. The Bottom Line The Bottom Line While each county office functions independently, county government works best when all offices work together.
  7. County Services
  8. County Services
  9. County Services
  10. County Services
  11. County Services Insert picture of citizens voting
  12. County Services
  13. County Services
  14. County Services
  15. County Government = Efficiency
  16. County Government = Efficiency
  17. Commissioners Court Responsible for budget and tax rate. Approves all budgeted purchases. Sets all salaries and benefits. Exclusive authority to approve contracts. Provides & maintains all buildings. Fill vacancies in most other offices. Commissioners Court
  18. County Judge Presiding officer of Commissioners Court. Represents county in administrative functions. Serves as budget officer in most counties. Head of emergency management. Broad judicial duties in criminal & civil cases. County Judge
  19. County Commissioner Represents one of four precincts. Has broad policy-making authority as member of Commissioners Court. Typically responsible for building and maintaining roads and bridges and other county facilities within precinct. County Commissioner
  20. County Tax Assessor-Collector Collects property taxes. May contract to collect for other local entities. Registers motor vehicles for the state. Collects various other fees for state and county. Voter registrar. Calculates effective tax rate. County Tax Assessor-Collector
  21. County Clerk Clerk & custodian of records for Commissioners Court & other county courts. Recorder and custodian of many important records like deeds, bonds, birth & death certificates, livestock brands, etc. Issues marriage licenses. Chief elections officer in most counties. County Clerk
  22. District Clerk Clerk & custodian of records for district courts. Coordinates jury panel selection process. Receives & disburses child support payments. Manages court registry & trust funds. Processes passport applications. District Clerk
  23. County Treasurer Receives & deposits all county revenues. Chief liaison between county and bank. Disburses funds on order of Commissioners Court. Prepares payroll. Often serves as HR coordinator. County Treasurer
  24. County Sheriff Chief law enforcement officer. Manages & operates county jail. Provides security for the courts. Serves warrants and civil papers. Regulates bail bondsmen in many counties. County Sheriff
  25. Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace Hears Class C misdemeanor cases. Hears civil cases up to $10,000. Hears landlord-tenant disputes. Hears school truancy cases. Serves as magistrate. Conducts inquests.
  26. County Constable Licensed peace officer - performs various law enforcement functions. Serves warrants & civil papers such as subpoenas and restraining orders. Bailiff for Justice of the Peace Court. County Constable
  27. County Attorney County Attorney Represents state in prosecution of misdemeanor cases. Investigates misdemeanor cases. Legal advisor to other county officials. Brings civil enforcement actions on behalf of state or county.
  28. District Attorney Represents state in prosecution of felonies. Investigates felony cases. Presents cases to grand jury. Represents state in child welfare cases. Represents victims of violence. District Attorney
  29. County Auditor Appointed by District Judge(s). Required if population is over 10,200. Serves as county’s chief accountant and watchdog. Verifies validity and legality of all payments. Forecasts financial data for budget. Serves as budget officer in some counties. County Auditor
  30. [Add your county’s contact information here.]
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