The statutory duties and responsibilities of county officials in Texas are numerous. County government's principal focus is on the judicial system, health and social service delivery, law enforcement, and road construction. The Commissioners Court is the governing body of the county.
The Texas Constitution specifies that the court consists of a county judge and four (4) county commissioners elected by the qualified voters of individual commissioners precincts. Many state administrative responsibilities rest with the court.
The Commissioners Court serves as both the legislative and executive branches of county government and has budgetary authority over all county departments, including those headed by other elected officials.