Explain the role played by the council of government in Texas. ...

[burton19126]

Explain the role played by the council of government in Texas.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the role of special districts and discuss the reasons for their growth.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[ryansturges]

Answer to Question 1

Answer:
A. Council of government
1. a regional voluntary cooperative with no regulatory or enforcement powers
2. consists of local governments and assesses the needs of the area as a whole
B. 24 COGs in Texas
1. represent distinct regions
2. all local governments within the region are eligible for membership
C. Roles of COGs
1. provide training for city managers, council members, mayors, public safety officers, and other elected and appointed officials
2. assesses the future environmental, transportation, economic development, labor, land-use issues and social needs
3. prevents unnecessary duplication of research or work.
4. not government, cannot tax or pass laws

Answer to Question 2

Answer:
A. Special districts
1. local government established to deliver a specific service to a limited geographic area
2. independent from other governments
a. separate boundaries, budgets, governing bodies
3. have source of funding
a. can be funded by property taxes, local sales tax, tolls
4. recognized existence
a. chartered by the state or approved by state legislature
b. business must be conducted openly
B. Enormous growth of special districts
1. fastest growing form of government
2. in Texas grown by 42 percent since 1992, more than 4000
C. Reasons for growth
1. independent school districts
a. ensure more local control of public school districts
b. control budget
c. elected school board
2. noneducation special districts
a. delivers services such as water and utilities, public housing, and hospitals, to public transportation and flood control
b. provides specific services to meet needs of area that government cannot

[burton19126]

Gracias!

[nyrave]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it