Structure of County Government

The structure of Smith County government, like all other 254 counties in Texas, is spelled out in the Texas Constitution. Counties are functional agents of the state.

Although the Commissioners Court is the main governing body that conducts the general business of the county and oversees financial matters, the Texas Constitution established a strong system of checks and balances by creating other elective offices in each county, as well as the establishment of other departments to serve various functional roles in maintaining county services.

Smith County Commissioners

The Smith County Commissioners Court consists of a County Judge elected by registered voters of Smith County, and four Commissioners elected by residents of their respective precincts.

Smith County Elected Officials

In addition to the Commissioners Court, there are a number of other Elected Officials who serve the county. Maintaining public records, collecting property taxes, and issuing vehicle registrations and transfers, as well as many other duties. County elected officials play a vital role in the economic development of the community. 

Elected Officials in Smith County include the County and District Clerks, Treasurer, and Tax Assessor-Collector, the District Attorney, Sheriff, and Constables. The Court Judges who are elected, include five District Court Judges, the County Court Judge and three County Court at Law Judges, and five Justices of the Peace.

Smith County Departments

The various Departments within Smith County serve additional functions, and include the Fire Marshal's Office and Emergency Management, Elections, Facility Services, Communications, Animal Control and Shelter, Roads and Bridges, Juvenile Services, the Budget Officer, Human Resources, Information Technology, Purchasing, Veterans Services, Pre-Trial Release, Record Services, the Law Library and Judicial Compliance/Collections. As part of the various checks and balances, the county's Auditor is appointed by the district court judges.