About the Department

Q: What is the job of the County Administrator?
A: The County Administrator is charged with day-to-day oversight of County government and providing guidance and coordination to all County departments. The County Administrator will work to implement the policy and goals set by Commissioners Court.
Q: Who will report to the County Administrator?
A: Non-elected department heads that currently report to Commissioners Court will generally now report up to the County Administrator. There will be some exceptions where legally required or not a best practice. Those exceptions will be defined in the transition plan to be approved by Commissioners Court.
Q: How is the County Administrator appointed?
A: The County Administrator is appointed or dismissed by a majority of Commissioners Court, the same way most department directors are appointed or dismissed today

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Q: Does the creation of a County Administrator transfer responsibility for Commissioner Precinct operations like roads, parks and community centers?
A: No. These operations will continue with no change. The County Administrator has no jurisdiction over precinct operations.
Q: Will the County Administrator be responsible for any significant duties currently carried out by other elected officials like the Sheriff, the Constables or District Attorney?
A: No. The duties of elected officials are in large part set by State law. However, elected officials will now have a clear point of contact to work with all departments that report to Commissioners Court. Having a County Administrator is an opportunity to improve coordination with elected officials to achieve shared goals. 
Q: What are the next steps in creating a County Administrator?
A: Commissioners Court requested that the County Administrator return to Court within 45 days with a transition plan that recommends a new organizational structure to realign department operations.
Q: What will the transition plan include?
A: The transition plan will address the specifics of reporting relationships, the structure on the Office of the County Administrator, the process to fill job openings at that office, and further details of the County Administrator’s duties. The plan will be based on a review of other local governments, the relevant statutes and input from County staff. The plan will also include a mission and vision statement and a set of initial priorities.
Q: Do other large Texas counties have county administrators?
A: Yes. El Paso County, Bexar County, Tarrant County, and Dallas County all have appointed administrators. Many smaller counties do as well.
Q: What about other large counties around the United States?
A: All counties with more than three million people (Maricopa County, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County; CA; Cook County, IL and now Harris County, TX) Office of County Administration now have appointed administrators or managers.
Q: Is the County Attorney involved in setting up the office of the County Administrator?
A: Yes, County Attorney Menefee has assigned a team to assure compliance with all applicable laws and provide recommendations on the transition plan.