Cactus Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Cactus, Texas government websites.
About Cactus, Texas
Government Type
City Council
Cactus, Texas, is governed by the Cactus City Council, which consists of five elected members, including the Mayor. Council members are elected at-large and serve two-year terms. The current Mayor is T. Smith, and the council members include David Rodriguez, Mary Garcia, Juanita Martinez, and Michael Lopez. Budget details and financial records are available through official city records or by contacting local government offices.1st Street, Cactus, TX 79013.
Law enforcement in Cactus is primarily served by the Cactus Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining safety and order within the city limits. In addition, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office provides broader coverage for the surrounding areas and helps with law enforcement efforts across the county. For people seeking arrest records, mugshots, or booking records, the process begins with contacting the Cactus Police Department directly. They maintain a local records unit that can assist with specific requests. In cases where additional information is needed, residents can turn to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees detentions and may have further documentation available. For a more full search, Texas's statewide criminal repository, managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, can be accessed. This includes resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas State Police, which provide online lookup tools for criminal history checks. Each of these entities may have specific procedures and fees associated with records requests, and check their websites for the most up-to-date information and available online services. Cactus falls under the jurisdiction of the Moore County District Court, which is the primary court for legal matters in the region. Individuals seeking court records can request these documents in person at the court clerk's office or access them through the court's online portal, which provides a convenient way to conduct research on cases. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are obtainable through the Moore County Clerk-Recorder's Office or through the Texas Department of State Health Services for state-level vital records. For property records related to real estate transactions, the county assessor and recorder's office can provide critical information, with many of these resources also available through online portals. Lastly, for general public records requests, Cactus residents can use the Texas Public Information Act, which allows individuals to request a wide range of public documents. Typically, response times for such requests range from 5 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and the availability of the records sought. This framework ensures transparency and accessibility to important public information for the residents of Cactus.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement services in the area extend beyond the Moore County Sheriff's Office to include municipal departments throughout the county. The Dumas Police Department handles local duties in Dumas, coordinating with the Sheriff's Office when broader issues arise. These agencies share resources and information to manage major crimes and maintain public safety across Moore County, working together to address challenges that affect communities like Cactus and the surrounding region.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Moore County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested in the area who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. When someone is booked, staff collect fingerprints, photographs, and personal information as part of standard processing. The facility offers inmate lookup services to the public, making it possible to find information about current detainees. Visitation follows specific rules, with scheduled times and regulations designed to maintain security.
Arrest Records
The Moore County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details about each arrest, the charges involved, and personal information about the individual taken into custody. Residents and attorneys who need to access these records can submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office. The Texas Public Information Act governs how these records can be accessed and who has the right to view them. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges filed against the individual, and information about any related court proceedings.
Court Records
The judicial system serving Cactus, Moore County, Texas operates from the Moore County Courthouse in Dumas. This facility houses the 69th Judicial District Court, which handles civil and criminal matters for the local area. Residents who need information on active cases, docket schedules, or filing procedures should contact the Moore County District Clerk's Office inside the courthouse. The District Clerk maintains official court records and helps individuals access case files, transcripts, and other documentation.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Moore County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. To run a background check, residents can request information from the Sheriff's Office or use state resources such as the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Texas Department of Public Safety provides additional support for background checks, offering a overview of an individual's criminal history within the state.
Public Records Access
Residents of Cactus and Moore County can access a wide variety of public records through the Moore County Clerk's Office. Property records available there include deeds, mortgages, and plat maps. Land records such as survey maps and mineral rights documentation are also on file. The office maintains county assessment records, which allow homeowners and prospective buyers to research property values and tax assessments.
Anyone tracing the history of a particular parcel or tracking ownership changes over time will find these essential documents at the Moore County Courthouse in Dumas, the Moore County seat. The Clerk's Office website offers an online database for searching records remotely.
Vital Records
For vital records about Cactus and Moore County, residents can turn to the Moore County Registrar's Office. This office is responsible for maintaining birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for the local area. Individuals seeking to obtain a copy of their own birth certificate or that of a family member can submit a request directly to the Registrar's Office, either in person at their Dumas location or by mail. Similarly, those in need of a death certificate or marriage license can work with the Registrar's Office to access these important documents.
Business & Licensing Records
Moore County is home to a range of businesses, from agricultural processing plants that anchor the local economy to retail shops serving residents of Cactus and surrounding communities. Individuals looking to start a new company or obtain necessary permits and licenses can turn to the Moore County Clerk's Office. This office issues general business licenses as well as specialized permits for activities like liquor sales, construction, and zoning variances.
Prospective business owners can visit the office in Dumas to complete the application process and ensure compliance with all local regulations. The office's website also provides downloadable forms and guidance on the various licensing requirements for operating a business in Moore County.
Economy & Demographics
Cactus and the broader Moore County region have a strong economic foundation rooted in agriculture and related industries. Key employers in the area include large-scale agricultural processing plants, such as the Cactus Feeders beef processing facility and the Cargill corn mill. These operations, along with supporting businesses like equipment suppliers and transportation companies, are major drivers of the local economy.
Beyond the agricultural sector, Cactus is also home to a variety of small businesses that cater to the needs of residents, including retail shops, restaurants, and professional services. The city's proximity to major highways and railways further enhances its economic role as a regional hub for commerce and distribution. Overall, the diverse mix of industries and employers ensures a stable and vibrant economy for the Cactus community.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Cactus are served by the Moore County Elections Administrator, housed in the Moore County Clerk's Office at 715 Dumas Avenue, Room 103, Dumas, TX 79029 (phone: 806-935-6164). This office administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Moore County residents. Texas voters can register online at https://www.votetexas.gov/ or submit a paper application available from the Moore County office, library, or Department of Public Safety offices. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S.
Citizens, residents of Moore County, and at least 18 years old by election day. Municipal elections for mayor and city council positions are typically held in May on the uniform election date as prescribed by the Texas Election Code. The next municipal election is scheduled for May 2026, and candidate filings and local ballot measure information can be obtained from Cactus City Hall at 601 Taylor Street, Cactus, TX 79013 (phone: 806-966-5403). Residents can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do or by contacting the Moore County Elections office. Early voting locations and hours are posted on the Moore County website and at the Moore County Clerk's office prior to each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Moore County reported a turnout of approximately 3,200 voters out of roughly 5,800 registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in this heavily Republican county. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the area will decide several key races, including the election for Texas Governor (Greg Abbott's current term expires in 2027), all statewide executive offices including Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, one of Texas's U.S. Senate seats (depending on the cycle), the U.S. House sefor Texas's 13th Congressional District (currently represented by Ronny Jackson), Texas State Senate District 31, Texas State House District 88, and numerous Moore County offices including County Judge, Sheriff, County Clerk, Commissioners, and District Attorney. Texas does not offer traditional no-excuse absentee voting. Mail-in ballots are restricted to voters 65 and older, those who will be out of the county during the election period, those confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or those with disabilities or illnesses. Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to the Moore County Elections office and received by the deadline specified in the Texas Election Code. Election records that are publicly accessible in Texas include voter registration lists (available for political purposes with restrictions), campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission (searchable at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/), candidate filings and ballot information, and precinct-level election results, all of which can be accessed through the county or Secretary of State's office.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Partial Online (limited state portal, most require clerk contact) | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor (appraisal data available; deeds require clerk contact) | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online (no online inmate roster; phone/in-person inquiry required) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required (Texas DSHS online ordering available for birth/death) | Business: Yes: Free State Database (Secretary of State entity search; local licenses require city/county contact) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results (state voter registration portal, county results published) | Overall: 6.5/10, Moore County provides good online access for property appraisals and state-level business records, but lacks online tools for jail rosters, recorded deeds, and local court case searches, requiring residents to contact offices directly for many record types.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Cactus, Moore County, Texas?
Public schools in Cactus, Moore County, Texas are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Texas Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Cactus, Moore County, Texas?
Crime data for Cactus, Moore County, Texas is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Cactus, Moore County, Texas Library?
The Cactus Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Moore County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Cactus, Moore County, Texas Public Library located?
The Cactus Public Library serves residents of Cactus and the surrounding Moore County area in Texas. Contact the library or visit the Moore County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Cactus, Moore County, Texas?
Fingerprinting services for Cactus, Texas residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Moore County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Cactus, Moore County, Texas, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Cactus, Moore County, Texas including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Moore County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Cactus, Texas?
To register to vote in Cactus, Texas, residents can register online through the Texas Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Moore County elections office. Texas requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Texas Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Cactus, contact the Moore County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Cactus, Texas?
Property records for Cactus, Texas are maintained by the Moore Tax Assessor-Collector's Office and the Moore County County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Moore County, including parcels in Cactus. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Moore County County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Texas counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Moore County offices at the county courthouse. The Moore County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Cactus, Texas?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Cactus, Texas residents are available through both county and state offices. The Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics, located in Austin, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Texas. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Moore County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Moore County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Cactus, Texas?
Business licensing for Cactus, Texas operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Cactus town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Cactus limits. Moore County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Texas businesses must register with the Texas Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Texas Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Texas licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Cactus, contact the Cactus clerk's office and the Moore County economic development office.