<P> Each county is run by a five - member Commissioners' Court consisting of four commissioners elected from single - member districts (called commissioner precincts) and a county judge elected at - large . The county judge does not have authority to veto a decision of the commissioners court; the judge votes along with the commissioners (being the tie - breaker in close calls). In smaller counties, the county judge actually does perform judicial duties, but in larger counties the judge's role is limited to serving on the commissioners court and certifying elections . Certain officials, such as the sheriff and tax collector, are elected separately by the voters, but the commissioners court determines their office budgets, and sets overall county policy . All county elections are partisan . The Commissioners Courts in Texas are served and provided continued education by the County Judges and Commissioners Association events and the official association publication County Progress . </P> <P> Counties in Texas have limited regulatory (ordinance) authority . Counties in Texas do not have zoning power (except for limited instances). However, counties can collect a small portion of property tax and spend it to provide residents with needed services or to employ the power of eminent domain . </P> <P> Unlike other states, Texas does not allow for consolidated city - county governments . Cities and counties (as well as other political entities) are permitted to enter "interlocal agreements" to share services (for instance, a city and a school district may enter into agreements with the county whereby the county bills for and collects property taxes for the city and school district). </P> <P> Texas does not have townships; areas within a county are either incorporated or unincorporated . Incorporated areas are part of a city, though the city may contract with the county for needed services . Unincorporated areas are not part of a city; in these areas the county has authority for law enforcement and road maintenance . Their local ordinances, rules, and police regulations are usually codified in a "code of ordinances". </P>

Which branch of the texas state government makes laws