The County Judge is elected to a four-year term as the Chief Political Executive of the county. The County Judge presides over the county’s policy-making body, the Commissioners Court.  The Commissioners Court adopts the county budget, sets county and JPS tax rates, oversees building and maintaining county infrastructure, courthouses, jails, and many other functions and agencies in Tarrant County.  In addition, the County Judge has appointment authority to countywide boards and commissions.  Under Texas law, the County Judge has Emergency Management Authority over the entire county.