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Heart of
Texas
Council of Governments |
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| | About Us | The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) is an organization of local governments working together voluntarily to solve mutual problems and plan for the future of the six county area. Currently, HOTCOG has over 80 member governments made up of: counties, cities, school districts, community colleges, and special districts. HOTCOG was originally established in 1966 and serves a geographic area covering Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties.
ESTABLISHED: May 1966
AREA: 5,611 sq. miles
POPULATION: 2000 Census 321,536
January 2005 - Estimated Census by Texas State Data Center 331,213 |
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| | More about us... | Regional councils, by law, are political subdivisions of the state; with authority to plan and initiate needed cooperative projects, but does not have powers to regulate or tax, which are exclusively assigned to cities and counties. As any other political subdivision, regional councils must abide by laws governing open meetings, open records and the conduct of public officials. HOTCOG is also required to obtain an annual audit to assure accountability of public funds.
HOTCOG's basic responsibilities include:
- planning for area development,
- implementing regional plans or recommendations,
- contracting with members to provide certain services,
- providing review and comment on proposals seeking federal and state financial assistance,
- implementing grant services from federal and state programs, and
- administrative and fiscal agent for the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board.
Other duties include comprehensive planning for regional employment and training needs, criminal justice, economic development, homeland security, emergency preparedness, bioterrorism, 9-1-1, solid waste, aging, transportation and rural development. HOTCOG also provides local governments with technical assistance and training.
The Council of Governments is financed through local, state and federal funds with state administered resources composing most of the $17.7 million budget. Local funds are provided by dues paid from member governments. Members are assessed dues based on their political identity and population. It was necessary for the FY '05 new year to increase dues by $.05 per capita due to decreased funding from the Governor's office; this is the first increase in 36 years. |
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