6. Local Government

Study

Chapter Summary

Local governments in Texas, especially county governments, are extensions of the state government acting as an administrative arm of the state. At the local level, municipalities, school districts, special districts, water conservation districts, and a myriad of boards and commissions allow citizens to participate in various elected and appointed capacities. Counties are constitutionally limited in their authority. The 254 counties in the state vary in geographical size, population, natural resources, and property values. This is controversial in that counties rely primarily on property taxes to provide basic services including law enforcement, courts and jails, building and maintaining roads and bridges, and record keeping for the state. County officeholders are elected in partisan elections.

Municipal governments are very nonpartisan and are established within two categories, home-rule cities and general law cities. Within these categories, there are three basic forms of government: a strong mayor-council, weak mayor-council, and a city manager form of government. Elections are at large, by single-member district, at large by place, or through a cumulative voting system.

Zoning and planning, annexation, and economic development are frequent controversial issues in city government. At the same time, Texas cities invest a great deal of revenue in law enforcement, fire protection, roads, parks, and infrastructure improvements.

Separate and independent of local government are local school districts that provide limited local control among citizens. The state government exercises powers over their creation and the policies that must be administered and adhered to in the district. Within the limits of jurisdiction and authority of county and municipal governments in Texas, a vast mosaic of special district governments have been established to provide services that might not be provided at the county or municipal level. Municipalities primarily rely on sales taxes and property tax revenue to meet the demands of the community. Property tax increases associated with rising property values in many communities have given rise to conflict and continued discussion in both local and state politics in Texas.

Review questions

1. To what extent does the structure of Texas counties limit large counties such as Harris County or small counties such as Loving County?
   



2. How do the functions of county government differ from the functions of city government?
   



3. What are the different types of city government?
   



4. What are the issues with funding local government?