GOVT 2306 Ch. 13: Local Government in Texas – Flashcards
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County Commissioners Court
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The main governing body of each county; has the authority to set the county tax rate and budget. Not actually a "court".
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County Judge
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Presides over the commissioners court Elected countywide, serves 4 year term Has administrative powers in all counties. Also judicial powers in rural counties for minor criminal cases and probate issues
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County Commissioner
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4 in each county, help the county judge run the county gov't. Elected from a precinct and main role is to maintain roads and bridges in their precinct, and maintain county jails
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Constable
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Precinct-level county official involved with serving legal papers and, law enforcement officers for the county
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County Attorney
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County official who prosecutes lesser criminal cases in the county court
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District Attorney
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Public official who prosecutes the more serious criminal cases in the district court
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County Clerk
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Public official who is the main record-keeper of the county like vital county stats, issue licenses, and keep records for property transactions
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District Clerk
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Public official used in larger counties to help keep the county's records
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County Tax Assessor-Collector
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Maintains tax records, and collects the taxes, and appraises property values
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County Auditor
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County treasurer, who manages the county's budget and funds
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At-large Election
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Mayor/chief executive officer is chosen by this and presides over council meetings and appoints certain offices
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Single-member district elections
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Council/legislative body of the city is chosen by this and they pass local laws and oversee executive actions
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Mayor-Council Form of Government
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A form of city government in which the mayor is the chief executive and the city council is the legislative body
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Commissioner Form of Government
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A form of city government in which the city is run by a small group of elected commissioners who have both legislative and executive powers. Very few remain in modern TX politics
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Council-Manager form of government
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A form of city government in which City council is elected at-large and serves legislative functions A mayor is often chosen, but has few powers. It hires a manager to be the city executive.
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Primary Functions of County Government
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Construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, law enforcement, dispute resolution, record-keeping, social services
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Home-Rule Charter
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The rules under which a city operates
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County sheriff
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Chief law enforcement officer in the county Manages the county jail and other policing activities depending on the county
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General law cities
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Cities of fewer than 5,000 people Chartered by the state's general statutes, which strictly govern how a city is structured and managed
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Home-rule cities
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Must have at least 5,000 residents Have more discretion and leeway in organizing their city structure and operation but still follow TX Const. TX has most flexible of these laws in the US
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Special district
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Unit of local gov't that performs a single service in a limited geographic area and focus on problems that cross borders of existing gov't units. NOW outnumbering all other forms of gov't in Texas
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School districts
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Provide public education in a designated area from pre-K through 12th grade
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Board of trustees
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School districts structure that is governed by an elected group of 5 to 9 members
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Superintendent
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Employed to oversee daily operations in the school districts responsible for policy, budget, tax rate, adopt textbooks
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Non-school special districts
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All special districts not involving schools Most common examples: Economic development corporations, Hospital districts, Fire-prevention and flood control districts
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Municipal utility district (MUD)
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Offer electricity, water, sewer, and sanitation services outside city limits. Helps developers build new housing areas, but comes with concerns of corruption
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Community college districts
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Considered "non-school" districts since they do not provide K-12 education. Otherwise same as ISD and residents pay property taxes in exchange for tuition breaks for these colleges
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Funding a special district
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Most by property taxes, user fees and aid from the state or federal gov't.
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Hidden governments
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Common criticism, Though everyone lives under at least 1, if not many special districts, most people are completely unaware of them
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Councils of Governments (COGs)
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Regional planning board composed of local elected officials and some private citizens from the same area
