Office is made up of hands-on service delivery and policy-making decisions.

Directly assures that county roads are maintained.

Four commissioners, each elected from a quarter of the county's population, serve along with the county judge on the commissioners court.

Duties include:

• Votes with the county judge to set the budget for all county departments and adopt a tax rate.
• May temporarily ban burning certain fireworks during hazardous drought conditions.
• Sets the yearly property tax rate and approves the budget and employment level for the county.
• Calls, conducts and certifies elections, including bond elections.
• Sets employment and benefit policy.
• Establishes long-range thoroughfare, open space, land use, financial and law enforcement/jail needs plans.
• Acquires property for rights-of-way or other uses determined to be in the public's best interest.
• Reviews and approves subdivision platting and wastewater treatment for rural areas.
• May provide rural ambulance services and subsidize rural fire protection.
• Oversees the construction, maintenance and improvement of county roads and bridges.
• Appoints non-elected department heads and standing committees.
• Supervises and controls the county courthouse, county buildings, and facilities.
• Has exclusive authority to authorize contracts in the name of the county.
• Has authority to grant tax abatement for economic development.

Information provided by Texas Association of Counties