These are produced by the Texas Association of Counties, an interest group that represents the counties before the state and national governments. It's probably the single best source of information about this type of government.
- Click here for its website.
Remember that counties exist in order to carry out many state laws at the local level.
Some counties are able to offer libraries, parks and other programs that add to the quality of life for local residents. Many play a vital role in the economic development of their local areas.
The major responsibilities of Texas county government include:
- Providing public safety and justice
- Holding elections at every level of government
- Maintaining Texans’ most important records
- Building and maintaining roads, bridges and in some cases, county airports
- Providing emergency management services
- Providing health and safety services
- Collecting property taxes for the county and sometimes for other taxing entities
- Issuing vehicle registration and transfers
- Registering voters.
For videos:
- How Did We Get to 254 Counties?
- What's the difference between your city, state and county government?
- What does your Texas county clerk do?
- Who's responsible for the county budget?
- What is a county commissioner?
- What's your county's role in roads, bridges and infrastructure?
