County Government (a little more info)

Trivia:  How many counties are in Texas?

We are one of 254 counties which is by far the largest number of counties in any state.

• Texas counties have been around as long as Texas has been around.

• When Texas won its independence, the 23 local governments that had existed under Mexican authority became the first 23 Texas counties.

• By the time Texas became a state in 1845, there were 36 counties.

• Today there are 254.

Trivia:  Why were counties created?

The original purpose of counties, and still one of our basic functions, was to provide a system for law and order.

Trivia:  True or false, Counties have the same authority as cities.

False.  Counties are basically extensions of the state government at the local level.  Cities, generally speaking, have the ability to make their own local laws and ordinances, as long as they do not conflict with state or federal law.  Counties do not have that same authority.  Counties can only do things they are specifically authorized to do by the Texas Constitution and Statutes.

Info: County Structure

The state constitution grants each elected official exclusive authority over their operations and staff.  While each county office functions independently, we have a responsibility to work together to deliver services to you – without regard to partisan politics.

Trivia:  What does the County do?

Counties deliver many different services that you depend on.  Some of these services are core functions of all counties, while others are optional but important, nonetheless.

• Provide and maintain county roads

• Provide and maintain a county jail

• Operate the state court system

• Record documents such as deeds, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, wills and other instruments

• Conduct elections

• Play an important role in emergency management

• Provide registration of motor vehicles, boats, and trailers

• Ochiltree County is able to provide optional services such as library, museum, and airport

Trivia:  What is the Commissioners Court?

Commissioners Court is the body made up of four Commissioners and the County Judge that conducts the general business of the county.

• All five members have an equal voice and an equal vote.

• Responsible for adopting the county’s budget and setting the tax rate necessary to fund the budget.

• Approves all purchases.

• Responsible for providing and maintaining all county buildings.

• Has exclusive authority to approve contracts for the county.

• Sets all salaries.

Trivia:  What does the County Judge do?

The County Judge is the presiding officer of the Commissioners Court and wears many other hats.

• Serves as the budget officer and is responsible for drafting the proposed budget which is then subject to the action of the full Commissioners Court.

• Serves as the director of emergency management. 

• Has broad judicial duties that include presiding over more serious misdemeanor cases and probate matters such as wills and guardianships.

Trivia:  Why and how should you get involved?

Ochiltree County government is providing services to you with a budget funded by your tax dollars.  While we are limited to what’s mandated by the state, there is room for action based on the needs of our community.

• Attend Commissioners Court and provide your input during public comment.

• Ask questions and provide your input directly to the County Judge and Commissioners.

• Vote!  Every single vote counts during all types of elections.