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​Texas counties are committed to common sense transparency.

Transparency in government decisions, deliberations and information is a cornerstone of citizen participation. Texas counties are committed to this principle, abiding by open meetings and public information laws.

County government works to promote and achieve this transparency every day. While state legislative efforts to improve transparency are often well-intentioned, they do not always reflect the capabilities and needs of local communities.

Key Points

• Texas counties are committed to transparency in government decisions, deliberations and information.
• County governments must abide by the state’s open meetings and public information laws.
• County governments abide by strict transparent procedures set by statute when setting tax rates, including requirements that they hold certain hearings, utilize specific language, and draft and post certain notices.
• Counties often create transparency measures beyond state requirements based on local community needs.
• Many changes proposed in recent legislative sessions would have a limited effect on transparency, and add an undue burden on local entities. County and state officials should work together to ensure that any proposed statewide policy does not deter real improvement in transparency.