2. Chapter 22 Local Government and Politics in Texas

3. Chapter Outline and Learning Objectives
LO 22.1: The local governments formed in Texas by Spain and Mexico influenced the creation of the first counties under the Republic of Texas. Municipal governments in the early period of the state were shaped by the English legacy of local governments. Local governments are the creation of the state and derive their authority and powers from
the state. They are not autonomous or sovereign. The provisions of the Constitution of 1876 along with extensive provisions in the Local Government Code provide for the varied structures of local governments.
LO 22.2: The general structure of county government is spelled out in the state’s constitution, which was adopted at a time when less than 10 percent of the population lived in urban areas. Designed to serve the needs of a rural population, county government has been difficult to refocus on the urban needs of the state. In part, county governments are the administrative arms of the state, assigned specific functions by the state government. Local issues or problems also fall under the jurisdiction of the counties, but the counties have no power to address many of these issues. Reflecting the concerns of the constitutional framers, county government is complex and highly fragmented with a number of elected officials.
Roots of the Local Government in Texas
LO 22.1: Trace the historical development and constitutional roots local government in Texas.
Counties
LO 22.2: Outline the general structure of county governments and the responsibilities of elected officials.

4. Chapter Outline and Learning Objectives
LO 22.3: Texas is a highly urban state, with more than 1,200 cities. Most of these cities are small, but three are among the ten largest cities in the nation. Cities with fewer than 5,000 residents, called general-law cities, are limited to exercising the authority granted them by the state, while the constitution grants larger cities home-rule authority. A home- rule city chooses a form of government based on local conditions or perceived needs. Election systems vary across the state, but one distinguishing feature is nonpartisanship—candidates running for city councils do not run as Democrats or Republicans. Most cities still use at-large elections with a number of variations, but armed with the federal Voting Rights Act, minority plaintiffs have filed lawsuits forcing many cities to adopt single-member districts. In recent years, changes in election systems have increased the number of Hispanics and African Americans serving on city councils.
LO 22.4: Approximately 3,400 special districts have been created in Texas to provide functions or services not assigned to counties or cities. In some instances, a special district is created to perform a single function. In other instances, special districts have multiple government functions. There are also special districts that serve multiple counties. The best-known type of special district is the school district.
Cities
LO 22.3: Differentiate among the various forms of city governments and how they are governed.
Special Districts
LO 22.4: Identify the functions of special districts and the reasons for their creation.

5. Chapter Outline and Learning Objectives
LO 22.5: Across the state, cities continue to revisit the issue of their forms of government. With increased population, a city has additional options for its governmental structure. Whether precipitated by lawsuits or state legislation, there are ongoing changes in local election systems. Periodically, the issue of county home rule is raised, and with increased urbanization, the issue is likely to come up again. Increased financial pressures coupled with a limited number of tax sources have prompted local governments to seek new revenue sources. Often, cities need to rely on permissive legislation enacted by the state.
Toward Reform: Local Government and Politics in Texas
LO 22.5: Assess the prospects for reforms of local government and politics in Texas. 5

6. Roots of Local Government in Texas LO 22
Roots of Local Government in Texas LO 22.1: Trace the historical development and constitutional roots of local government in Texas.
Under Spain and Mexico
23 large rural districts governed by a council, judge, attorney, sheriff and secretary
Republic of Texas
36 counties still dominant form of government
Cities established as municipal corporations
Under United States
Population grows  smaller counties
More county officials
Public education  special districts
To Learning Objectives

7. LO 22.1
During the 19th century, what level of government did citizens have the most contact with?
National government
State government
County government
City government
Special districts
To Learning Objectives

8. LO 22.1
During the 19th century, what level of government did citizens have the most contact with?
National government
State government
County government
City government
Special districts
To Learning Objectives 8

9. Texas has more counties than any other state. Responsibilities:
Counties LO 22.2: Outline the general structure of county governments and the responsibilities of elected officials.
Click hyperlink to view a table showing how Texas local governments compare to those in other large states.
Texas has more counties than any other state.
Responsibilities:
Roads
Public safety
Jails
Public health
Elections
Function both as the administrative arm of the state and a locally elected government
To Learning Objectives

10. Structure of County Government
LO 22.2
Structure of County Government
Photo caption: Do all county commissioners courts have five members?
The Texas Constitution requires all counties to have a commissioners court comprised of a county judge and four commissioners. In the small counties, this requires a limited amount of time, but in the urbanized areas such as Bexar County, the job has become full time.
County commissioners court
District attorney and county attorney
Sheriff
County Clerk and District Clerk
Judges and Constables
County Tax Assessor-Collector
Treasurer and Auditor
To Learning Objectives 10

11. Authority of County Governments
LO 22.2
Authority of County Governments
Limited to specific grants of power by state constitution and statues
Developers and realtors oppose granting counties general ordinance-making authority.
To Learning Objectives 11

12. Finances of County Governments
LO 22.2
Finances of County Governments
Most property taxes go to school districts.
Only counties that are not part of municipal areas can collect sales tax.
Counties rely increasingly on fees.
To Learning Objectives 12

13. What source of revenue have counties recently come to rely on?
LO 22.2
What source of revenue have counties recently come to rely on?
Income tax
Property tax
Sales tax
Fees for services
Federal grants
To Learning Objectives

14. What source of revenue have counties recently come to rely on?
LO 22.2
What source of revenue have counties recently come to rely on?
Income tax
Property tax
Sales tax
Fees for services
Federal grants
To Learning Objectives 14

15. 3 of 10 largest U.S. cities in Texas
Cities LO 22.3: Differentiate among the various forms of city governments and how they are governed.
3 of 10 largest U.S. cities in Texas
As TX urbanized, state legislature at first refused to redistrict.
1912 Progressive era brought municipal home rule amendment
Cities may adopt provisions not in violation of state laws.
Legislatures still intervene when local groups conflict
General law cities for cities under 5,000
To Learning Objectives

16. Forms of City Governments
LO 22.3
Click the hyperlinks to view diagrams illustrating each form of government.
Forms of City Governments
75% cities are general law cities
Home rule cities may adopt 1 of 4 forms of government
Weak Mayor-Council
Strong Mayor-Council
Council Manager
City Commission
To Learning Objectives

17. Authority and Functions of City Governments
LO 22.3
Photo Caption: Have you ever been “red lighted?”
Cameras are being used by cities across Texas to reduce serious accidents at intersections.
Authority and Functions of City Governments
Many functions
Police, fire,
Public works and recreation
Health and other services
Broad regulatory authority
Zoning
Buildings and signs
Nuisances
Subdivision development
To Learning Objectives 17

18. Finances of City Governments
LO 22.3
Photo caption: Are all city council chambers this ornate?
City councils vary in size, and so do the chambers in which they meet. All have the primary responsibility of establishing city policies and enacting budgets. Most of the councils across the state have very modest and often informal facilities. In contrast, the San Antonio City Council meets in the renovated lobby of a historical bank located in the central business district.
Finances of City Governments
Cities rely heavily on regressive taxes for revenue
Property tax
1 cent sales tax
Borrow through general obligation bonds and revenue bonds
To Learning Objectives 18

19. 1912 Home-Rule Constitutional Amendment unilateral annexation powers.
LO 22.3
Municipal Annexation
1912 Home-Rule Constitutional Amendment unilateral annexation powers.
1963 Municipal Annexation Act restricts these powers
Battles every legislative session
how the annexation occurs
services that cities must provide in newly annexed areas
the status of areas beyond the city limits known as extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs)
To Learning Objectives 19

20. Politics and Representation in City Governments
LO 22.3
Politics and Representation in City Governments
Traditionally at-large or at-large-by place elections
Business monopoly challenged by single-member districts
Instituted through the Voting Rights Act
Increased racial/ethnic representation on city council
Other options
Cumulative voting
Proportional representation
To Learning Objectives 20

21. LO 22.3
Which type of electoral system increase minority representation on city councils in the late 20th century?
At-large
At-large-by-place
Single-member districts
Cumulative voting
Proportional representation
To Learning Objectives

22. LO 22.3
Which type of electoral system increase minority representation on city councils in the late 20th century?
At-large
At-large-by-place
Single-member districts
Cumulative voting
Proportional representation
To Learning Objectives 22

23. Special districts carry out many functions
Special Districts LO 22.4: Identify the functions of special districts and the reasons for their creation.
Constitutional tax limits make it difficult for cities and counties to take on new tasks
Special districts carry out many functions
Water districts
School districts
Most common form of special district
Home-rule school districts free from TEA and state requirements
Charter schools
To Learning Objectives

24. What is the most common type of special district?
LO 22.4
What is the most common type of special district?
A city government
A county government
Waste disposal district
Water district
School district
To Learning Objectives 24

25. What is the most common type of special district?
LO 22.4
What is the most common type of special district?
A city government
A county government
Waste disposal district
Water district
School district

26. At large versus single-member districts Land User Regulation
Toward Reform: Local Government and Politics in Texas LO 22.5: Assess the prospects for reforms of local government and politics in Texas.
At large versus single-member districts
Austin 2008 battle
Land User Regulation
Public School Funding
E-governments
To Learning Objectives 26

27. How has Austin assured minority representation on the city government?
LO 22.5
How has Austin assured minority representation on the city government?
Single-member districts
At large districts
Proportional representation
Cumulative voting
A gentleman’s agreement
To Learning Objectives 27

28. How has Austin assured minority representation on the city government?
LO 22.5
How has Austin assured minority representation on the city government?
Single-member districts
At large districts
Proportional representation
Cumulative voting
A gentleman’s agreement
To Learning Objectives 28

29. Table 22.1: How do local governments in Texas compare to local governments in other large states?
Back
To Learning Objectives

30. Figure 22.1: What does a weak mayor–council form of government look like?
When White Oak reached a population of 5,000, it was entitled to convert to a home-rule city, which it did. During this change of status, the city chose to retain its weak mayor–council form of government, illustrated by the city’s organizational chart. Source: City of White Oak
Back
To Learning Objectives

31. Figure 22.2: What does a strong mayor-council form of government look like?
As reflected in the organization chart of Houston, the mayor has responsibilities for appointments and the oversight of day- to-day administration. Source: City of Houston,
Back
To Learning Objectives

32. Figure 22.3: What does a council–manager form of government look like?
In a council-manager form of government, such as the one found in Austin, the mayor and city council hire their own staff, municipal judges, court and city clerks, city auditors, and city manager. The manager then hires and oversees all other city employees.
Back
To Learning Objectives

33. Figure 22.4: Where do cities obtain their revenue?
Texas cities derive approximately 58 percent of their funds from two regressive taxes—the sales and property taxes.
Back
To Learning Objectives

34. Table 22.2: What type of government and election systems do the ten largest cities in Texas have?
Back
To Learning Objectives

35. Table 22.3: What are the different kinds of special districts in Texas?
Back
To Learning Objectives