Tell Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Tell, Texas government websites.
About Tell, Texas
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Tell, Texas, is the Tell City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of two years. The elections are held on the first Tuesday in November during odd-numbered years, allowing residents to participate in local governance. Budget details and financial records are available through official city records or by contacting local government offices.
The town is situated near the neighborhoods of Oakwood and Elkhart, which provide additional residential options for families and individuals. Economically, Tell has a rich history tied to agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and ranching activities that have shaped the local economy for generations. The area is also known for its proximity to the East Texas Oil Field, Childress County.
Law Enforcement
Beyond the Childress County Sheriff's Office that serves Tell, the city of Childress maintains its own municipal police department. This department focuses on law enforcement within city limits, handling local ordinances and community policing duties.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Childress County Jail, situated in the city of Childress, processes and detains individuals arrested anywhere in Childress County. The booking process includes photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of each detainee. Family members and legal representatives can access inmate lookup services to find information about current inmates. Visitation at the facility follows specific rules, typically requiring advance scheduling and strict adherence to security protocols.
Arrest Records
The Childress County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the entire county. These records document arrest details, charges filed, and personal information about those taken into custody. Residents and attorneys seeking access to arrest records can submit requests through the Sheriff's Office, which follows procedures outlined in the Texas Public Information Act. Most arrest records contain the date of arrest, specific charges, and the name of the arresting agency.
Court Records
Judicial matters affecting Tell residents flow through the Childress County Court system, which covers both the County Court at Law and the District Court. The County Court at Law, Texas 79201, hears a range of civil and criminal cases. The District Court, also based in Childress, takes on more serious felony matters. Both courts keep public records of their proceedings, which anyone can access by contacting the Childress County District Clerk's Office at (940) 937-2741.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Childress County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which includes a search of the Texas Crime Information Center database.
Public Records Access
Residents of Tell seeking public records typically turn to the Childress Tax Assessor-Collector's Office as their primary resource. This office maintains property tax assessments, deed records, and other land-related documents covering the entire county. The assessor's office operates from the Childress County Courthouse at 300 Main Street in nearby Childress. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m, and staff can be reached at (940) 937-2351 for inquiries or to arrange an appointment.
Vital Records
Individuals seeking birth certificates, death records, or marriage licenses for Tell and the surrounding Childress County area will need to contact the Childress County Clerk's Office. This office, situated at 300 Main Street in Childress, Texas 79201, is responsible for maintaining and providing access to these important vital records. The county clerk's office is open from 8 a.m. To 5 p.m, Monday through Friday, and can be reached at (940) 937-2711 for more information or to request copies of specific documents.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Tell or planning to establish a presence here need to work with the Childress County Clerk's Office for various permitting and licensing requirements. This office handles the issuance of general business licenses along with specialized permits for construction, zoning variances, and commercial operations. Entrepreneurs and business owners can visit the clerk's office at 300 Main Street in Childress, Texas to complete necessary paperwork and ensure they're meeting local regulations.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Tell, Texas has long been defined by its rich agricultural heritage. Many local residents are engaged in farming and ranching activities, producing a variety of crops and livestock that have sustained the community for generations. The area's proximity to the East Texas Oil Field has also played a significant role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities and economic growth over the past century. Today, major employers in Tell include local farms and ranches, as well as businesses serving the oil and gas industry.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for Tell, Texas voters: (1) The Childress County Elections Office serves voters throughout the community. The office is located at 1401 5th St NW, Childress, TX 79201. The phone number is (940) 937-2531, and the website is https://www.childresscounty.org/elections. (2) Texas residents can register to vote online at https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/. The voter registration deadline is 30 days prior to an election. Registration requires a Texas driver's license or personal identification card number, the last four digits of your social security number, and your date of birth.
(3) Tell, Texas is an unincorporated community, so municipal elections do not apply. Childress County holds elections for county-level offices such as the County Judge and Commissioners Court. (4) Local voters can look up their polling place by visiting https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/where.html and entering their address. (5) In Texas, public election records include voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, and election results. These can be obtained by contacting the Childress County Elections Office. (6) In the 2024 general election, Childress County had a voter turnout of 65%. (7) The November 2026 election in Childress County will include races for County Judge, County Commissioners, and other county-level positions. (8) Texas allows for absentee/mail-in voting. Voters can request a mail-in ballot by completing an application and submitting it to the Childress County Elections Office. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is 11 days before an election.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: 8/10 | Property: 7/10 | Arrest Logs: 7/10 | Vital Records: 7/10 | Business: 8/10 | Elections: 8/10 | Overall: 7.5/10, Childress County, Texas has a relatively high level of government transparency, with good access to court records, property records, arrest logs, vital records, business information, and election data. However, there is still room for improvement in certain areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Tell, Childress County, Texas?
Public schools in Tell, Childress 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 Tell, Childress County, Texas?
Crime data for Tell, Childress 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 Tell, Childress County, Texas Library?
The Tell Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Childress County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Tell, Childress County, Texas Public Library located?
The Tell Public Library serves residents of Tell and the surrounding Childress County area in Texas. Contact the library or visit the Childress County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Tell, Childress County, Texas?
Fingerprinting services for Tell, Texas residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Childress County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Tell, Childress County, Texas, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Tell, Childress 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 Childress 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 Tell, Texas?
To register to vote in Tell, Texas, residents can register online through the Texas Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Childress 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 Tell, contact the Childress County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Tell, Texas?
For those in need of public records in Tell, the Childress Tax Assessor-Collector's Office is the primary resource. This office maintains full property tax assessments, deed records, and other land-related documents for the entire county, including the city of Tell. Residents can visit the assessor's office in the Childress County Courthouse, located at 300 Main Street in the nearby city of Childress, to access these vital public records. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m, and can be contacted through the office’s website. inquiries or to schedule an appointment.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Tell, Texas?
Individuals seeking birth certificates, death records, or marriage licenses for Tell and the surrounding Childress County area will need to contact the Childress County Clerk's Office. This office, situated at 300 Main Street in Childress, Texas 79201, is responsible for maintaining and providing access to these important vital records. The county clerk's office is open from 8 a.m. To 5 p.m, Monday through Friday, and can be contacted through the office’s website. more information or to request copies of specific documents.
10 How do I find business license records in Tell, Texas?
Businesses operating in Tell or looking to establish a presence in the community will need to interact with the Childress County Clerk's Office for various permitting and licensing requirements. This office oversees the issuance of general business licenses, as well as specialized permits for activities like construction, zoning variances, and commercial operations. Entrepreneurs and business owners can visit the clerk's office at 300 Main Street in Childress, Texas to complete the necessary paperwork and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Nearby Cities in Childress County, Texas
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: