Travis County Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court consists of the county judge and four county commissioners.  Working as part of this group, a county commissioner does the following:

• conducts the general business of the county
• adopts the county’s budget and tax rate
• approves all budgeted purchases of the county
• fills vacancies in elective and appointive offices
• sets all salaries and benefits
• has exclusive authority to authorize contracts
• provides and maintains all county buildings and facilities

Travis County Constables

Constables serve as a law enforcement agency for Travis County. A constable does the following: 

• enforces civil and criminal law
• executes court orders
• processes warrants
• addresses truancy

Travis County Justices of the Peace

Justices of the peace handle both civil and criminal cases, including small claims court, justice court, and administrative hearings, which are related to following:

• debts
• evictions
• car accidents
• unlawful towing
• property 
• traffic citations
• bond hearings

Austin City Council

Each city council member represents residents living in one of 10 districts. Working with the mayor as part of the council, each member does the following:

• oversees and decides on the city of Austin's budget, local taxes, amendment of laws, and creation of ordinances and policies
• serves a four-year term with a maximum of two terms
  

Austin Mayor

As the official head of the city, the mayor does the following:

• presides over and votes in city council meetings

• serves a four-year term with a maximum of two terms

Austin Community College (ACC) District Board of Trustees 

Working a part of the board, a member represents residents of the ACC taxing district and does the following:

• establishes policies that govern the educational programs
• provides high-level guidance and leadership to ensure the College meets the needs of the communities served

School District Board Trustees 

Working a part of the board, a member represents residents of the school district and does the following:

• employs the district superintendent

• approves the budget

• monitors expenditures

• sets the tax rate

• establishes policies for operating the district and ensuring its financial viability

• may call for a bond or tax rate election

Proposition

• a direct vote by voter on an issue or policy
• also known as a ballot measure

Bond

• a loan to pay for a specific project
  
• repaid through property taxes

Municipal Utility District (MUD)

• A MUD is a political subdivision of the state that's authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to provide the following:
  • water
  • sewage
  • drainage
  • and other services within its boundaries