Proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the voters of Bexar County to adopt a charter that restructures and empowers the county government and that may allow the integration of the county government with certain other political subdivisions located wholly or partly in the county.
Impact
The adoption of a charter under HJR35 could lead to profound changes in the governance structure of Bexar County. Specifically, the amendment empowers the county to modify the roles and responsibilities of elected officials and governing bodies. It allows the county to establish distinct service districts that could adjust how services are taxed and provided, potentially creating a more tailored governance framework. This could enhance efficiency and effectiveness in local governance, impacting various services including infrastructure and public safety.
Summary
HJR35 proposes a constitutional amendment that allows the voters of Bexar County to adopt a charter intended to restructure and empower the county government. This charter may also permit the integration of Bexar County's government with other political subdivisions located either wholly or partially within the county. The proposed changes reflect a significant shift in how local governance can be organized, aiming to foster collaboration between different levels of government and improve service delivery to residents.
Contention
Despite its potential advantages, HJR35 may face contention regarding its implications for local governance. Concerns might arise about the concentration of power at the county level, especially if integration with other political subdivisions leads to diminishing roles for existing local authorities. Critics may argue that such changes could undermine local accountability and community representation. Additionally, there could be apprehensions about how service districts are established and the fairness of tax distribution across different areas within Bexar County.
Relating to the calculation of the voter-approval tax rate of certain counties and the procedure for the adoption by such a county of a tax rate that exceeds that rate; making conforming changes.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision other than a school district, county, municipality, or junior college district may impose on the residence homesteads of persons who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit the owner of a parcel of real property that is located in more than one county to elect to have the property appraised for ad valorem taxation by the appraising entity for one of those counties.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a political subdivision other than a school district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the political subdivision may impose on the residence homesteads of persons who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a political subdivision other than a school district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the political subdivision may impose on the residence homesteads of persons who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.