The TAC Policy Analysis Group:
What is it and what does it do?

The Policy Analysis Group (PAG) was authorized in 1997 by the Texas Association of Counties’ Board of Directors to study local government issues and policies and explore options for improving the efficiency of county government. Members of the Group may choose any subject area they wish to study so long as it is undertaken with a view toward improving county government and is for the benefit of all Texas county officials.

During the 78th Legislature, the Group recommended a constitutional amendment relating to unfunded mandates and state funding issues.  Prior to the fourth-called special session of the 78th Legislature, county officials organized a grassroots campaign in an effort to educate the public about how unfunded mandates from the State impact local government taxes and services.  The results were overwhelming and the concerns of county government have been heard throughout the State.

As a result of the initial grassroots campaign in 2003, county officials have managed to catch the attention of newspapers and citizen watch groups, as well as the legislative branch of government, and have helped bring to the forefront the impact that unfunded mandates have on taxes and services in local communities.  Several constitutional amendments prohibiting the State from passing along mandates to local governments without adequate funding and bills linking funding from the State to any new programs administered at the local level have been filed each session.  The Policy Analysis Group has also been instrumental in studying the effects of property tax reform relating to lowering the cap on property appraisals and instituting a cap on the amount of revenue that counties may utilize each fiscal year—controversial topics at every level of state government.

Other areas of study the Group has undertaken since it’s inception in 1997 include: ways to promote greater public accountability and office-holder integrity; developing ways to elevate public awareness of the services provided by counties; and county financial responsibilities.

PAG consists of 30 county officials with membership equally represented by County and District Attorneys, Auditors, Commissioners, Constables, County and District Clerks, County Judges, Justices of the Peace, Tax Assessor-Collectors, Treasurers and Sheriffs.  The Group meets several times a year to share their political, personal and professional experiences while at the study table.  The pros and cons of policy positions are fully discussed in a friendly and courteous setting where every question or comment is considered important.

Following much study and deliberation, the PAG has published three discussion papers: Should We Elect or Appoint County Officials?; Qualifications For Office-Holding and Ethical Standards of Conduct; and The Structure of County Government.  

For more information regarding the Policy Analysis Group, you may contact Carey Boethel, Legislative Director, or Laura Nicholes, PAG Manager, at (800) 456-5974, or by e-mail to CareyB@county.org or LauraN@county.org.