Hood County, Texas Public Records

Hood County is located in North Central Texas, in the northern part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It is part of the Cross Timbers region. The county seat is Granbury. The County was founded in 1866.

The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of Texas, and by the Texas statutes. The county government is composed of a county judge, elected commissioners court, county clerk, district clerk, sheriff, and treasurer. The county judge is the chief executive officer of the county, and is elected by the voters every four years. The commissioners court is composed of four members elected from single-member districts, and the county judge. The county clerk is elected by the voters for a four-year term and is responsible for maintaining public records, issuing marriage licenses, and conducting elections. The district clerk is also elected by the voters for a four-year term and is responsible for maintaining court records. The sheriff is elected by the voters for a four-year term and is responsible for law enforcement and maintaining the county jail. The treasurer is elected by the voters for a four-year term and is responsible for collecting taxes and managing the county's investments.

The majority of Hood County is covered by prairie grasslands, with wooded areas and limestone bluffs in the western part of the county. The Brazos River forms the county's eastern boundary.

The economy of Hood County is based largely on agriculture and tourism. Major crops grown include cotton, maize, wheat, hay, and oats. The county is home to numerous parks, historic sites, and lakes, including Lake Granbury, the largest lake in the county.

The Granbury Opera House is a popular tourist attraction. Built in the late 19th century, the building is now an entertainment venue, hosting concerts, plays, and other events. The Hood County Courthouse is a National Register of Historic Places site.

The Hood County Court is the local trial court with jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors, civil cases involving less than $200,000, family law cases, juvenile matters, probate matters, and appeals from justice of the peace and municipal courts. The court also has jurisdiction over civil cases involving more than $200,000 if all parties agree to have the case heard in Hood County Court.