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    Legal Services

    TAC's Legal Services Department can help county officials with the challenges that they face due to a complex web of laws and regulations.

    Order Legal Publications

    The Legal Services Division provides numerous publications online that may be downloaded below. To order a copy of a publication, please submit a Legal Publications Order Form.


    Budget and Tax Rate Planning Calendar

    To assist counties in the budget and tax rate adoption process, the Texas Association of Counties has prepared a Budget and Tax Rate Planning Calendar designed to aid officials as they develop their own localized calendar for their county. This calendar is based on a fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 and incorporates changes in law passed during the most recent legislative session.

    Remember that "one size does not fit all" and some statutes can be subject to interpretation. It's a good idea to consult with your county attorney to review how this planning calendar applies in your county.

    The Comptroller's website offers more helpful information regarding the tax rate adoption process, including suggested tax rate notice forms to be used.

    Handbooks

    Publications

    Animal Control Handbook

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Bail Bonds Handbook

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Commissioners Court Meetings Procedure and Decorum

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Financial Disclosure for County Officials in Texas

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Guide to Texas Laws for County Officials

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Oath & Bond Requirements for County Officials

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Open Meetings Act

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Procurement Handbook

     Legal Services  Revised: 2024

    Publications

    Public Finance Handbook for Texas Counties

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Public Information Act

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Special & Dedicated Funds

     Legal Services  Revised: 2024

    Publications

    Pitfalls and Perils

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023 - Topics covered: conflicts of interest, dual office, ethics, nepotism, resign to run and vacancies.

    Short Answers to Common Questions

    Publications

    Basics of the County Purchasing Act and Competitive Bidding

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Bingo, Raffles, Gaming Rooms and Other Gambling Issues Under Texas Law

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Burn Ban, Regulation of Fireworks and Declaration of Local Disaster

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Cemeteries and Pauper Burial

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Common Road and Bridge Questions

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Disclosure Requirement for County Officials

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Election Worker Issues

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Mass Gatherings and Outdoor Music Festivals

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Salary Grievance Committee

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Sexually Oriented Businesses

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Stock Laws

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Weathering the Storm: Disaster Preparedness and Response

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    Publications

    Web Posting Requirements for Counties

     Legal Services  Revised: 2023

    We Are Here to Help

    Need assistance researching statutes, regulations, opinions and court cases relevant to a particular county situation?

    THIS WEBSITE IS A RESEARCH TOOL AND NOT THE COUNSEL OF AN ATTORNEY. THIS WEBSITE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY. It is provided without warranty of any kind and, as with any research tool, should be double checked against relevant statutes, case law, Attorney General opinions and advice of legal counsel, e.g., your county attorney. Each public officer is responsible for determining the duties of the office or position held. Any question should be directed to competent legal counsel for a written opinion.