About Tatum

Key landmarks in Tatum include the Tatum High School, which is a central hub for local events and activities, and the historic Tatum Depot, which reflects the town's rich railroad history. The town is also home to the scenic Lake Tatum, a popular spot for fishing and outdoor recreation. Tatum's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture and timber, with the local economy benefiting from the surrounding pine forests. In terms of local governance, Tatum operates under a mayor-council system, with Mayor D. McKinnon leading the town. The town council meets regularly on the first Tuesday of each month at the Tatum City Hall, providing residents with opportunities to engage in local decision-making.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Tatum

Tatum Police Department

P.O. Box 1105 680 Crystal Farms Rd Tatum, Texas 75691 903-803-3586 Mon – Fri: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm cityoftatum@tatum.texas.gov City Hall Info

https://tatum.texas.gov/city-departments/tatum-police/

Rusk County Sheriff's Office

Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez 210 Charlevoix St Henderson, TX 75652 (903) 657-3581 Fax: (903) 655-0934 Email

https://www.txsheriffs.org/county_map/county/2724

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Tatum

Municipal Court | City of Tatum, TX

Court Clerk: Yesenia Arellano P.O. Box 1105 680 Crystal Farms Rd, Tatum, TX 75691 903-803-3580 Phone / 903-803-3590 - Fax

🔗 https://tatum.texas.gov/city-departments/municipal-court/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Tatum

Real Property - Travis County Clerk

Recording Marriage License Domestic Partnerships DBAs Real Property Search + Copies of Records Meetings and Official Notices Birth and Death Records Resources Real Property/Land Records The Travis County Clerk’s Recording Division files, records, and maintains Real Property Records, Personal ..

🔗 https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/recording/real-property/

Public Records & Services in Tatum

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Tatum, Rusk 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.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Tatum, Rusk County, Texas is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the Tatum police department or the Rusk County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Tatum Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Rusk County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Tatum, Texas residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Rusk County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Tatum Police Department or Rusk County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.

About Tatum — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Rusk County Jail in Henderson is the primary detention facility for those arrested within Rusk County. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and visitors must follow strict guidelines once approved. Bond and bail procedures follow Texas state law, with release granted upon payment of the amount set by the court.

Arrest Records

The Rusk County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, the charges filed, and booking information. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can submit a formal request to the Sheriff's Office under the Texas Public Information Act. Each record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information. The Texas Public Information Act ensures that the public maintains access to these records as part of broader governmental transparency.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Rusk County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal. The Texas Department of Public Safety assists with more complex criminal investigations and provides resources for local law enforcement agencies.

Vital Records

Individuals seeking vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage licenses for Tatum and the surrounding Rusk County area can visit the Rusk County Clerk's office at 115 North Main Street in Henderson, the Rusk County seat. This office is the central repository for these important documents, which are essential for a variety of personal, legal, and administrative purposes. Residents can also contact the Texas Department of State Health Services for additional assistance in obtaining certified copies of vital records related to Tatum and the greater Rusk County region.

Business & Licensing Records

Entrepreneurs and business owners in Tatum obtain necessary licenses and permits through Tatum City Hall. The office oversees general business licenses as well as specialized permits for construction, zoning variances, and the sale of alcoholic beverages. By coordinating with the city's planning and development department, local businesses can ensure they meet all regulatory requirements and secure the approvals needed to operate successfully in the community.

Economy & Demographics

Tatum's economy has historically been anchored in the agriculture and timber industries, with the surrounding pine forests playing a significant role in shaping the local economy. Today, major employers in the city include Tatum Independent School District, which operates the community's public schools, as well as several local businesses in the retail, service, and manufacturing sectors. The Tatum Chamber of Commerce, works to support the growth and development of the city's commercial activities, promoting Tatum as an attractive destination for businesses and investments.

Elections & Voter Records

ELECTION HUB for Tatum, Texas voters: (1) Rusk County Elections Administration is the Rusk County office that serves Tatum voters. The office is, Henderson, TX 75652. The phone number is 903-657-0304, and the website is www.ruskcountytx.gov/departments/elections. (2) Tatum residents can register to vote online at the Texas Secretary of State website (www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/register.shtml). The voter registration deadline is 30 days before an election. To register, you'll need a Texas driver's license or personal identification card number.
(3) Tatum is an unincorporated community, so there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Rusk County holds elections for county-level offices. (4) Tatum voters can look up their assigned polling place on the Texas Secretary of State website (www.votetexas.gov/where-do-i-vote/). (5) In Texas, public election records include voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, and election results. These can be requested from the Rusk County Elections Administration. (8) Texas allows no-excuse absentee/mail-in voting. Tatum residents can request a mail-in ballot from the Rusk County Elections Administration. The deadline to apply is 11 days before the election, and completed ballots must be received by 7 pm on Election Day.

Public Records Resources for Tatum, Texas

Official government websites for Tatum, Texas and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.

City Info
StateTexas
CountyRusk
Population1,528

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Tatum, Texas, residents can register online through the Texas Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Rusk 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 Tatum, contact the Rusk County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Tatum, Texas are maintained by Rusk County. The county assessor's office holds property tax records, assessed values, and ownership information. Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents are filed with the county recorder's office. Many counties in Texas offer online portals where residents can search property records by address or owner name. For federal property related records, the USA.gov website provides guidance on accessing land patents, federal tax liens, and other property documentation.
Birth and death certificates for Tatum, Texas residents are available through the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics. Requests can typically be made online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide identification and proof of eligibility, as vital records in Texas are restricted to authorized individuals such as the registrant, immediate family members, or legal representatives. Locally, the Rusk County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. Processing times and fees vary depending on the method of request and the issuing office.
Business license records for Tatum, Texas can be obtained through the city's municipal offices or Rusk County administration. The city clerk's office or planning and development department typically handles business license applications, renewals, and public records requests. The Texas Secretary of State's office maintains records of registered business entities, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, which can be searched through their online business filing database. For federal employer identification numbers and tax related business records, the IRS website provides relevant forms and search tools.