“The Republic shall be divided into convenient counties…” Art. IV, Constitution of the Republic of Texas

Why Counties Were Created Original Purpose: Law & Order Fear of government power resulted in today’s system of checks and balances.

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.

How Counties Function Each office’s operations is governed by a variety of laws. Each elected official has exclusive authority over the office’s 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.

The Bottom Line The Bottom Line While each county office functions independently, county government works best when all offices work together.

County Services County Services

County Services

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

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

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

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. Registers voters and may conduct elections. Calculates effective tax rate. Tax Assessor-Collector

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

Clerk & custodian of records for district courts. Coordinates jury panel selection process. Manages court registry & trust funds. May process passport applications. May collect & disburse child support. District Clerk

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

Chief law enforcement officer. Manages & operates county jail. Provides security for the courts. Serves warrants and civil papers. Regulates bail bondsmen in many counties. Sheriff

Hears Class C misdemeanor cases. Hears civil cases up to $10,000. Hears landlord-tenant disputes & truancy cases. Serves as magistrate. Conducts inquests. Justice of the Peace

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. Constable

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. County 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

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

One Size Does Not Fit All.

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