In Texas the local government, county governments, are extensions of the state government acting as the administrative arm of the state. At the local level, municipalities, school districts, special districts, water conservation districts, and a myriad of boards and commissions allow citizens to participate in many elected and appointed capacities. Counties are constitutionally limited in their authority. The 254 counties in the state vary in geographical size, population, natural resources, and property values. This is controversial in that counties rely primarily on property taxes to provide basic services including law enforcement, courts and jails, building and maintaining roads and bridges, and record keeping for the state. County officeholders