The Hockley County Commissioner’s Court approved a proclamation during Monday’s special meeting, proclaiming April as National County Government Month.
The Commissioners’ approved the proclamation with the intent to, “let the public know what the best range of responsibilities in services the court does and to take care of the county to create a healthy and safe community,” expressed Hockley County Judge Sharla Baldridge.
Counties have been around since before Texas became a state, and even before it was a republic. Under Spanish rule, the land was divided into municipios. When the Republic of Texas formed in 1836, those municipios became the first 23 counties. By the time Texas joined the United States in 1845, the new state comprised 37 counties.
Today, 254 counties make up the Lone Star state. In each county, a team of locally elected and appointed county officials serves its community. Across the state, 254 counties serve the needs of more than 28 million Texans. County populations range in size from just under 100 residents (Loving County) to more than 4.6 million (Harris County).
Texas County government serves major responsibilities that includes, providing public safety and justice, holding elections at every level of government, maintaining Texans’ most important records, building and maintaining roads, bridges, and the county and city owned airport, providing emergency management services, providing health and safety services, collecting property taxes for the county and for other taxing entities, issuing vehicle registration and transfers and registering votes.
The County also maintains the Hockley County Library and other programs, such as the Veterans Assistance Office, that add to the quality of life for the residents.
County governments can only take those actions specifically authorized by state law. Texas counties must do those actions required by state law. Unlike cities, counties have no general ordinance making authority. County government is the functional arm of state government and delivers many state services at the local level. As more federal and state responsibilities are mandated to local government, counties meet these demands and efficiently deliver a growing list of services while keeping local property taxes as low as possible.
County government and county officials understand and respond to address the problems and priorities of their local communities. As County Officials, the County, are neighbors serving neighbors.
Moving forward, the Commissioners reviewed the March 2025 fire runs submitted by the City of Levelland which was approved with no problem.
The Commissioners discussed and considered the Ad Valorem tax refunds which were approved with little discussion.
Housekeeping items approved included the minutes for the regular meeting held on April 7 and approval of all monthly bills and claims submitted to the Court through April 14.