county judge vs. city mayor (Houston, Hidalgo: appointed, school district, maintenance)

[NYCtoHOS]

In Texas government, what are the differences between the roles and responsibilities of a Harris County county judge and Houston’s city mayor?

[usc619]

WRM20 could probably give you the best detailed explanation.https://www.quora.com/In-Texas-local...ge-and-a-mayor

[NYCtoHOS]

Originally Posted by usc619

WRM20 could probably give you the best detailed explanation.https://www.quora.com/In-Texas-local...ge-and-a-mayor

Thanks! It’s still a bit confusing though. Would if any would be in charge or have the most sway in property tax increases, maintenance of roads, and increase of police presence?

[detachable arm]

Harris/Houston *almost* seems like a city-state within the Republic of Texas, with Turner and Hidalgo as co-governors. If Harris was it’s own state it’d be 25th in population with more people than all of Louisiana.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by NYCtoHOS

Thanks! It’s still a bit confusing though. Would if any would be in charge or have the most sway in property tax increases, maintenance of roads, and increase of police presence?

Teh County Judge is the chief executive of the county, sort of like the mayor of the county, if you will, and runs Commissioners Court, makes appointments for those positions that are appointed, and has a vote on items in Commissioners court meetings. For Harris County, the County Judge has input and influence on the tax rates for Harris County entities, the County, the Hospital District, the Flood Control District, Port of Houston, and the County Education Department.

The Mayor of Houston sets the agenda for City Council and has input and influence over the City tax rate. The Mayor also makes appointments and is the chief executive of the City.

The biggest piece of taxes is the school district, and neither the mayor nor the county judge has much influence on that rate.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by detachable arm

Harris/Houston *almost* seems like a city-state within the Republic of Texas, with Turner and Hidalgo as co-governors. If Harris was it’s own state it’d be 25th in population with more people than all of Louisiana.

True,
But also limited by big government (Texas government)

[SanJac]

Originally Posted by NYCtoHOS

Thanks! It’s still a bit confusing though. Would if any would be in charge or have the most sway in property tax increases, maintenance of roads, and increase of police presence?

The size of their budgets will give you a clue:
City of Houston - $5.7B
Harris County - $2.2B

[LocalPlanner]

The Mayor of Houston really is a considerably more powerful position than County Judge.

The Judge has influence over budget and proposed taxes, but I've always felt that the precinct commissioners have more power than the Judge. They essentially have fiefdoms for which you have to "pay to play" (corruption, in other words - exercised regardless of party). This is true not just in Harris County but all Texas counties.

The Judges does have a bit higher profile than the precinct commissioners, even with less power, because they do hold principal responsibility for emergency preparedness and disaster response, which gives them a lot of visibility. Otherwise, they mainly have a bully pulpit and can serve as the county "diplomat".

Houston has a "strong Mayor" form of government, and that term is very accurate. The Mayor really runs the City and in particular sets the Council agenda - now that's power. The CEO analogy is apt. Council members can influence, but rarely can stop things or otherwise make things happen. The Mayor doesn't normally put things on the Council agenda unless it's pretty certain to pass, which is why you rarely have stuff voted down by that body.