Smithville Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Smithville, Texas government websites.

  About Smithville City Government
Annual Budget $3.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Smithville, Texas, is the Smithville City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve staggered terms of three years each. The current council includes Mayor Scott E. Womack, and council members Jennifer H. Hurst, David A. Ritchie, Linda L. McDonald, and John R. Smith.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the City of Smithville has an approximate annual operating budget of $3.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Smithville City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Smithville City Hall, located at 317 Main Street, Smithville, TX 78957. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding city governance and community issues.

  About Smithville, Texas

Smithville, Texas, located in Bastrop County, has a current population of approximately 1,800 residents, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. This small city is known for its charming downtown area and rich history, which is reflected in its historic architecture and community events. Notable landmarks include the Smithville Depot, a restored train station that serves as a museum and event space, and the iconic Smithville City Park, which features recreational facilities and hosts various local festivals.

The city is also home to several neighborhoods, including the well-established Oak Hill neighborhood, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to local amenities. Economically, Smithville has a historical significance as a center for the film industry, having served as the filming location for the 1998 movie "Hope Floats," which starred Sandra Bullock. This has contributed to a growing interest in the area, enhancing its appeal to both residents and visitors alike. Smithville continues to develop while maintaining its small-town charm and community spirit.

  Smithville, Texas Public Records & Government Resources

About Smithville

The governing body of Smithville, Texas, is the Smithville City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve staggered terms of three years each. The current council includes Mayor Scott E. Womack, and council members Jennifer H. Hurst, David A. Ritchie, Linda L. McDonald, and John R. Smith. For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the City of Smithville has an approximate annual operating budget of $3.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Smithville City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Smithville City Hall, located at 317 Main Street, Smithville, TX 78957. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding city governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Bastrop Police Department, Elgin Police Department, and Smithville Police Department. Each department serves its respective city, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries. These agencies work together to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout Bastrop County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Bastrop County Jail, also known as the Bastrop County Detention Center, is the primary facility for housing inmates in the county. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that must be adhered to.

Court Records

Bastrop County is served by the Bastrop County District Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases, and family law matters. The court is located in the city of Bastrop. Additionally, the Bastrop County Court at Law deals with misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with lower monetary values. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the Bastrop County Clerk's office, either in person or via online portals.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Bastrop County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking detailed criminal background checks, ensuring that Bastrop County residents have access to comprehensive criminal records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Bastrop County are maintained by the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.

Public Records Access

Public records in Bastrop County are accessible under the Texas Public Information Act. The Bastrop County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining vital records, property records, and court documents. The office provides access to these records through in-person requests and online services. The typical turnaround time for record requests can vary, but the county clerk's office strives to fulfill requests promptly. The Bastrop County District Clerk also provides access to court records and filings, ensuring transparency and public access to government documents.

Economy & Demographics

Bastrop County's economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail trade. The county is home to several large employers, including manufacturing plants and retail distribution centers. The presence of the Lost Pines Forest and the Colorado River also supports a growing tourism sector, attracting visitors for outdoor recreation and events. Bastrop County's economic character is distinct due to its blend of rural and suburban elements, offering a unique mix of employment opportunities and economic growth potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Smithville, Texas, you will be transported to the Bastrop County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Bastrop District Court. Under Texas law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://offender.tdcj.texas.gov/OffenderSearch/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Smithville Independent School District serves the city of Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas. According to the Texas Education Agency, the district received an overall rating of "Met Standard" in 2019. The district's graduation rate was 95.2%, and the average SAT score was 1020. The district's student-teacher ratio was 14.7 to 1.
The most recent crime statistics for Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas are from the year 2019. In 2019, there were a total of 545 reported crimes in Smithville, including 4 homicides, 11 rapes, 28 robberies, and 502 aggravated assaults.
The Smithville Public Library in Bastrop County, Texas provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Texas government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552, Gov. Code), which governs access to government documents in Texas. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Smithville Texas Archives and Genealogy at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/. Contact the Smithville Public Library reference desk at (512) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas Library is located at 217 Main Street, Smithville, TX 78957.
Fingerprinting services for Smithville, Texas residents are provided at the Smithville Police Department, which serves Bastrop County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Smithville Police Department at (512) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Texas Department of Public Safety for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/crime-records.
To obtain vital records for Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas, you must contact the Bastrop County Clerk's Office.

The records available from the Bastrop County Clerk's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person listed on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit.
  Nearby Cities in Bastrop County, Texas

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Bastrop City