Question

Which statements are generally true of local governments in Texas? Check all that apply. Municipalities in the state of Texas have almost unlimited resources to use as they see fit. Special districts are a form of local government in Texas that serve a particular purpose in a specific geographic area. Under the state constitution, special districts, including independent school districts, are restricted from raising revenue through the establishment of user fees or the issuance of bonds. Counties in Texas are able to generate revenue through property taxes.

Answer 1

True: Special districts are a form of local government in Texas that serve a particular purpose in a specific geographic area

True: Counties in Texas are able to generate revenue through property taxes.

Explanation:

Special Districts are independent, special purpose governmental units that exists independently from the general purpose local governments in Texas and have adequate independent administrative and fiscal control over the units. Special districts address community challenges and serve counties and municipals that cross boundaries. Examples of special districts in Texas are:

i) Education Districts

ii) Water Districts

iii) Wastewater Districts

iv) Environmental Districts

v) Agricultural Districts.

Property taxes also known as Ad Valorem taxes and fees and fines are primary sources of revenues for counties in Texas. In most cases, property taxes form at least 50% of county revenue in each Texas county. According to Linda Clark, a Loving County auditor in Texas, 95 percent of revenue for Loving County comes from property tax. In Wichita County, ad valorem taxes accounts for 83 percent of revenue generated according to Judge Woodrow Gossom.

Counties in Texas use property taxes to preserve natural resources, drive sustainable economic development, improve infrastructure, safety, health and well-being of the citizens.