About Local Government Assistance
The Local Government Assistance (LGA) Division provides education on tax issues and programs that facilitate economic development efforts at the local and state level; serves as a turn-key information center for local governments; provides education and direct assistance to local governments that will allow them to operate more effectively and efficiently, with emphasis on promoting best practices and regional governance; and facilitates the exchange of information among cities, counties, economic development practitioners and special purpose districts.
LGA provides local officials with the expertise of a team of analysts who can answer questions on a wide variety of issues related to state law and financial management. They stay informed on relevant state and federal laws and can update cities, counties and special districts on important tax and other legislative changes.
LGA analysts can provide answers or a source of information on topics such as:
- accounting;
- auditing;
- budgeting;
- cash management;
- investments;
- internal controls;
- purchasing procedures;
- court costs, fines, and fees;
- data sources for sales tax revenue estimates;
- local sales tax options;
- sports and community venues law;
- officials’ legal duties and responsibilities; and
- local government resources available on the Internet.
Analysts can be reached toll free at 1-800-531-5441, extension 3-4679. Information can also be accessed directly at the LGA Web site.
In addition to answering questions and providing information sources, LGA also offers:
- presentations and regional workshops on a variety of topics, including local sales tax options, sound financial management practices and court cost fees and fines;
- informational exhibits at conferences;
- guest speakers for community roundtable discussions and workshops;
- Local Government Management Assessments (LGMAs) to help local officials improve their operational efficiency and effectiveness; and
- Control Self-Assessments designed to help local governments identify and control risks within their organizations.
Economic Development Newsletter
Our bi-monthly Texas Rising newsletter is packed with information, insight and analysis focused on vital economic development topics.
Texas EDGE Data Center
Local governments and economic development professionals have access to a new tool that can provide up-to-date data for accurate planning, effective economic analysis and forecasting. That tool is Texas EDGE (Economic Data for Growth and Expansion). Texas EDGE allows local government officials to get a quick economic overview; an in-depth economic analysis; a comparison between areas and identify business clusters: and request infrastructure details for selected areas.
Sheriffs’ and Constables’ Fee Manual
The Sheriffs’ and Constables’ Fee Manual, updated each year, compiles all sheriff and constable fees levied in Texas.
LGA brochures
LGA publishes informational brochures on a broad range of topics including:
- Sales Tax to Reduce Property Tax Rate;
- Economic Development Sales Tax;
- County Assistance District Sales Tax;
- Library District Sales Tax;
- Sports and Community Venues;
- Court Costs, Fees, and Fines for Justice, County, and District Courts; and
- Court Costs, Fees, and Fines for Municipal Courts.
View and download these brochures in PDF format.
For more information
For more information on the services offered by LGA, please call us toll-free at 1-800-531-5441, extension 3-4679, contact a regional representative, e-mail us at local.govt@cpa.state.tx.us or visit the LGA Web site.