Dear Judges and Commissioners:
This year is not far from being over. It will be my honor to serve as president of your state association for the next year. We have a great board, which will work diligently for you.
The 85th Legislature convenes in early January. As with all sessions, it will have its challenges. Last session, the state coffers had a surplus, but that is not the case now. Moreover, there is a strong push to reduce the 8 percent rollback on tax increases to a much lower figure and with automatic elections if you exceed the rollback rate. Fewer than 50 Texas counties are experiencing an increased tax base along with their population growth. Also the costs of jail operations, indigent defense and indigent health care are significantly inflating our budgets.
Each of us must take the time to get to know our local senator and state representative in order to get their support. Please take them a copy of our state legislative resolutions.
On a lighter note, we finished a great state conference with the help of so many of our associated organizations, agencies, friends and businesses. Make plans now to attend the conference in Corpus Christi, Sept. 26–28, 2017.
Stay county strong my friends,
Woodrow W. “Woody” Gossom, Jr.
Wichita County Judge
President, County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas