Texas Local Government Code 391.005 – Powers
(a) A commission may contract with a participating governmental unit to perform a service if:
(1) the participating governmental unit could contract with a private organization without governmental powers to perform the service; and
(2) the contract to perform the service does not impose a cost or obligation on a participating governmental unit not a party to the contract.
(b) A commission may:
(1) purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire property;
(2) hold or sell or otherwise dispose of property;
(3) employ staff and consult with and retain experts; or
(4)(A) provide retirement benefits for its employees through a jointly contributory retirement plan with an agency, firm, or corporation authorized to do business in the state; or
(B) participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System, the Employees Retirement System of Texas, or the Texas County and District Retirement System when those systems by legislation or administrative arrangement permit participation.
Terms Used In Texas Local Government Code 391.005
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
- Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
- Property: means real and personal property. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) Participating governmental units may by joint agreement provide for the manner of cooperation between participating governmental units and provide for the methods of operation of the commission, including:
(1) employment of staff and consultants;
(2) apportionment of costs and expenses;
(3) purchase of property and materials; and
(4) addition of a governmental unit.