Overview
The county judge is the most visible official in county government. Often thought of as the county's chief executive officer, a county judge has broad judicial and administrative powers, including serving as the presiding officer of the county's policy-making body, the commissioners court.
Referred to as chief justice by early Texas constitutions, the current office of county judge was established by the Texas Constitution of 1876.
Responsibilities & Services
The county judge presides at meetings of the commissioners court and is responsible for filing and posting the agenda. The county judge is also head of civil defense, disaster relief, and county welfare.
Additional duties handled by the county judge include:
- County Election responsibilities:
- Calling elections
- Receiving and canvassing the election returns
- Posting election notices
- Performing marriages
- Preparing the county budget