VOTE411 Voter Guide

Over their two-year term, a JP is responsible for:Setting real estate, personal property and sales tax rates in the county.Determining the final budget for county departments and offices - including salaries - and appropriating funds for county expenses.Preserving the peace and order in the county, though they do not have the authority to make any offense a felony. This often takes the form of passing county laws and in some counties making planning decisions.Contract or join with any other county or city, or the federal government for a public purpose.Creating, consolidating, separating, or abandoning any elected office in the county if first approved by voters.Filling vacancies in elected county offices.Providing for any service or performance of any function related to county affairs.Many Quorum Courts also have subcommittees that JPs serve on and discuss the more nitty gritty details before an issue appears before the whole group. These committees have included budget/finance, building, economic development, environmental, personnel, legislative affairs, public safety, Justices of the peace also have the authority to marry a couple.