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County Judge & County Commissioners

County Judge

  • Presiding officer of the Commissioners Court.
  • Represents the county in many administrative functions.
  • Serves as budget officer in counties with fewer than 225,000 residents.
  • Most have broad judicial duties, such as presiding over misdemeanor criminal and small civil cases, probate matters and appeals from the Justice of the Peace Court.
  • Serves as head of emergency management.

Visit the County Judges & Commissioners Association of Texas website to learn more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is a county judge a real judge?

The county judge in Texas is both presiding officer of the commissioners court and judge of the county court. As such, the judge is often thought of as the chief executive officer of the county. The duties of the county judge vary depending on the population of the county. In most rural counties, the judge has broad judicial responsibilities and is often the principal source of information and assistance.


County Commissioner

  • As a member of the Commissioners Court, exercises broad policy-making authority.
  • Represents one of four precincts within the county.
  • Typically responsible for building and maintaining county roads and bridges within their precinct.

What is a County Commissioner?


Commissioners Court

  • Conducts the general business of the county
  • Consists of the County Judge and four Commissioners
  • Adopts the county’s budget and tax rate.
  • Approves all budgeted purchases of the county.
  • Fills vacancies in elective and appointive offices.
  • Sets all salaries and benefits.
  • Has exclusive authority to authorize contracts.
  • Provides and maintains all county buildings and facilities.

Local Public Servants

Click an icon below to learn more about each county official.