County Progress

Thank you to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Did you know? Maverick County, established in 1856, was named after Samuel Augustus Maverick, whose independent legacy inspired the word “maverick.” That spirit lives on at the Historic Maverick County Courthouse. Read more at the link in our bio.

Key Concept: Passing the county budget is a core duty of Commissioners Courts, guided by Texas law. This month, we explain whether counties can carry over or transfer unexpended funds. Read more at the link in our bio.

Counties have no groundwater regulatory authority and limited land use authority, yet water preservation is vital to their economic future. In May’s “From the General Counsel,” Jim Allison explains how Commissioners Courts can influence water policy. Read more on our website.

SPONSORED CONTENT: TAC will be accepting applications for our Leadership 254 program June 1-July 6 for the 2027-2028 cohort. County officials will learn to overcome limitations and advance their skills. Learn more at county.org/leadership254

Resolution Spotlight: Texas county jails serve as de facto mental health facilities, holding people without vital medications while awaiting due process. Our May issue examines county impacts and CJCAT’s state funding request to combat it. Read more at the link in our bio.

The North & East Texas Conference will take place July 20–23 in Montgomery County at the Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe. Learn about session topics and register at the link in our bio.

In his first remarks as CJCAT President, Parmer County Commissioner Kirk Frye reminded fellow county leaders that there is no “off season” for communicating with state partners. Read more at the link in our bio.

Collin County is constructing a dedicated facility designed to properly care for inmates with behavioral health, substance abuse, and chronic medical conditions in a purpose-built environment. countyprogress.com/collin-county-… Photo courtesy of Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects

97th Annual West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Conference. Read the full conference report in our upcoming June issue.

Congratulations to Annette Frye, recipient of the 2026 West Texas Association Distinguished Service Award. Click the picture for audio.

Congratulations to Parmer County Commissioner Kirk Frye, recipient of the 2026 West Texas Association Sam D. Seale Award of Excellence.

Congratulations to the 2026-27 West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Board: President Reggie Loeffler, First Vice President J.D. Clark, Second Vice President Jeff Watts, Immediate Past President Mike DeLoach, and Directors Dan Hicks, Shawn Nanny, and Adam Ensey.

2026 West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Past Presidents Luncheon: Thank you for your servant leadership!

Elections, records management, and cybersecurity are among the wide range of topics to be covered at the upcoming South Texas Conference in Bexar County June 15-18. countyprogress.com/south-tx-annua…

“This courthouse represents more than bricks, concrete, and glass. It represents resilience and an opportunity for our community to continue healing and move forward together.” Aransas County Judge Ray Garza countyprogress.com/aransas-courth…

Who is authorized to post agenda items on the Commissioners Court meeting agenda? See what the statutes have to say in our April issue. countyprogress.com/agenda-items/

"Will Texas leadership extend authority to its counties to protect the citizens and resources of rural Texas? The future of rural Texas hangs in the balance." CJCAT Senior General Counsel Jim Allison countyprogress.com/rural-tx-futur…

County Officials in the Making: Seniors from Legacy Christian Academy’s social studies class found themselves in the March issue of County Progress, which chronicled their in-depth tour of the Hardin County Courthouse.