Commissioners Court
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court is the county’s general governing body and is responsible for many decisions that affect public services, county operations, infrastructure, and community programs. This article explains how the Commissioners Court works, what responsibilities it handles, how residents can participate in meetings, where to find official meeting information, and which county offices are connected to its work.
Role of Commissioners Court
Despite its name, the Commissioners Court is not a judicial court and does not handle lawsuits or criminal cases. It serves as the governing body of Tarrant County and makes decisions related to county administration, budgets, facilities, services, and public operations.
The Court consists of the County Judge, who is elected countywide and presides over meetings, and four County Commissioners who are elected from the county’s four precincts. Each Commissioner has countywide responsibilities while also addressing the needs of residents within their individual precinct.
The official Commissioners Court information page provides details about the Court’s structure, elected officials, responsibilities, meetings, and related county services.
Members of the Court
The Commissioners Court includes the County Judge and four County Commissioners:
County Judge Tim O’Hare
Commissioner Precinct 1 Roderick Miles Jr.
Commissioner Precinct 2 Alisa Simmons
Commissioner Precinct 3 Matt Krause
Commissioner Precinct 4 Manny Ramirez
County Commissioners maintain offices at the County Administration Building and within their precinct areas. They are responsible for responding to local concerns and serving as representatives for residents in their precincts.
County Government Responsibilities
The Commissioners Court oversees a wide range of county government functions. Many decisions made by the Court involve planning, funding, public facilities, and countywide services.
Major duties of the Commissioners Court include:
Setting the county tax rate and adopting the county budget.
Appointing county officials and hiring county personnel.
Filling certain elected and appointed vacancies.
Establishing voting precincts, appointing precinct judges, and calling county bond elections.
Approving contracts and authorizing payment of county bills.
Building and maintaining county roads and bridges.
Building, maintaining, and improving county facilities, including jails.
Providing support for hospitals, public welfare programs, and veterans assistance.
Managing county facilities and supporting county data services and archival needs.
Appointing an Administrator to oversee departments that report to the Court.
Residents who need information about a specific county service should identify which department handles that service. The Commissioners Court oversees county operations, but individual departments generally manage day-to-day services.
Meetings and Public Access
Commissioners Court meetings are held at the Tarrant County Administration Building. Residents can review meeting information, agendas, videos, and minutes through the county’s official meeting resources.
The Commissioners Court agendas and videos page provides information about posted agendas, meeting materials, public comments, and archived meeting access.
Residents who want to speak during a regular open session may participate during the Public Comments section of the agenda. Public comments are available for posted agenda items through the county’s registration process.
Meeting Location
Commissioners Court meetings are held at:
Tarrant County Administration Building
100 E. Weatherford Street, Suite 502A
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
The County Administration Building location is also used for certain public participation procedures related to Commissioners Court meetings.
Public Comments Process
Members of the public may register to speak or submit written comments regarding posted agenda items. The county provides both online and in-person options for residents who want to provide input.
Speaking at Meetings
Residents may register to speak by using the registration option provided under the appropriate sections of a posted agenda. These sections include public comment opportunities for proclamations, resolutions, presentations, and agenda items.
Residents who cannot register online may register in person at the GK Maenius Administration Building:
GK Maenius Administration Building
100 E. Weatherford St., Suite 404
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
Written Comments
Written comments may be submitted online through the written comment option available under each agenda item in the posted agenda. Written comments may also be submitted in person at the GK Maenius Administration Building location used for public comment submissions.
Registration must be completed by 5 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Commissioners Court agendas are posted at least three business days before scheduled meetings.
Questions about the public comment process may be directed to the County Administrator’s Office by email at tcadmin@tarrantcountytx.gov or by phone at 817-884-1267 during regular business hours.
Agendas Videos and Records
Residents researching Commissioners Court decisions often need to review meeting agendas, videos, minutes, or public notices. These records help residents understand upcoming discussions and past actions taken by the Court.
The Commissioners Court agendas and public notices page provides access to official agenda information and public notices related to Court activities.
The county also provides a Commissioners Court calendar showing scheduled meetings and related dates. Meeting schedules may be updated when changes are necessary for county operations.
Precinct Commissioner Services
Each County Commissioner represents one of four precincts and handles both countywide responsibilities and local precinct concerns. A Commissioner’s office can help residents identify county services connected to their area.
County Commissioners are responsible for construction and maintenance of county roads within their precincts. Their offices also respond to community needs and provide information about county programs and services.
Precinct Offices
Residents should contact the Commissioner who represents their precinct when they need assistance related to precinct services or local county concerns.
The official Commissioner pages provide information about each precinct office:
Commissioner Precinct 1 information
Commissioner Precinct 2 information
Commissioner Precinct 3 information
Commissioner Precinct 4 information
Boards and Commissions
The Commissioners Court appoints members to several county boards and commissions. Residents interested in learning about advisory bodies or being considered for service may contact the Commissioners Court Secretary or the appropriate Commissioner’s office.
The Boards and Commissions page lists advisory bodies appointed at least in part by the Commissioners Court.
Boards and commissions connected with Commissioners Court appointments include:
Bail Bond Board
Building Line Adjustment Board
Child Protective Services Board
Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation
Emergency Services District No. 1
Historical Commission
Hospital District Board of Managers
Housing Finance Corporation
MHMR of Tarrant County Board of Trustees
Sexually Oriented Business Permit and License Review Board
Sheriff’s Department Civil Service Commission
Tarrant County Civil Service Commission
Tarrant County Election Board
Tarrant County Election Commission
Tarrant County Variance Appeal Board
County Judge Responsibilities
The County Judge serves as the presiding officer of Commissioners Court and participates in county leadership and policy decisions. The County Judge’s office provides information about the role and responsibilities of the position.
The County Judge page provides official information about the County Judge and related county services.
Preparing for Court Requests
Residents contacting Commissioners Court or a Commissioner’s office should have enough information available to help county staff understand the request. The information needed may vary depending on the topic.
The resident’s name and contact information.
The county service or issue involved.
The precinct location when the matter relates to a Commissioner’s district.
Any relevant meeting agenda item information when submitting public comments.
Residents should contact the appropriate county office when their request involves a specific department or service area. Commissioners Court provides county governance and oversight, while departments manage individual programs and operations.
Contacting Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court office is located at the County Administration Building. General county assistance is available through the county telephone operator.
Residents may contact the county for general inquiries or assistance in locating the correct office.
Commissioners Court Offices
Commissioners Court
100 E. Weatherford Street, Room 502A
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
817-884-1111
County Judge
100 East Weatherford Street, Suite 501
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
817-884-1441
Commissioner Precinct 2
Arlington Sub-Courthouse, 700 E. Abram St., Ste. 304
Arlington, Texas 76010
817-248-6099
Commissioner Precinct 3
Gary Fickes, Northeast Courthouse, 645 Grapevine Highway, Suite 200
Hurst, Texas 76054
817-248-6295
Commissioner Precinct 4
6713 Telephone Road, Suite 301
Fort Worth, Texas 76135
817-238-4400
Commissioners Court FAQs
How can I find Commissioners Court agendas and meeting videos?
Residents can review upcoming meeting information, posted agendas, and recorded meetings through the official Commissioners Court Agendas and Videos page. This resource helps residents follow scheduled discussions, review agenda items, and watch archived meetings when they cannot attend in person.
How can I speak at a Commissioners Court meeting?
Residents may register to speak about posted agenda items during the public comment sections of Commissioners Court meetings. Registration can be completed online through the county’s agenda system or in person at the location provided by the county. Requests must follow the posted deadlines, including the requirement that registration be completed by 5 p.m. on the day before the meeting.
How do I provide written comments for Commissioners Court?
Written comments may be submitted through the written comment option available under individual agenda items on posted meeting agendas. Residents may also submit written comments in person according to the instructions provided by Tarrant County. Reviewing the official public comment instructions can help residents understand the available options before a meeting.
How can I learn about boards and commissions connected to Commissioners Court?
The Commissioners Court appoints members to several county advisory bodies and boards. Residents interested in learning about these appointments or potential service opportunities can review the official Boards and Commissions information provided by Tarrant County.
How do I find my County Commissioner?
Residents can use the official Commissioner pages to learn about the offices serving each precinct and find information related to local county services. The county provides separate pages for Commissioner Precinct 1, Precinct 2, Precinct 3, and Precinct 4 to help residents connect with the appropriate office for their area.