Leon County is in the east-central part of the state. It borders the Gulf Coast, and it has about 17,000 people. The county seat is Centerville in the central region of the county. It serves as a business hub and houses most of the county offices.

The most important industries are agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. There is also an active lumber industry that produces plywood and hardwoods. Follow through as we explore Leon County.

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History of Leon County

Leon County was formed in 1846 from Robertson County by the legislative process. The county was named after Martin de Leon, a Spanish soldier captured during the Mexican War and later became a settler in Texas. He established Victoria in 1839, which was incorporated into the new county. There were few roads or settlements in the area in the early years.

In 1860, Leon County was divided into East and West. In 1870, the eastern half was separated to form Polk County. Later, in 1876, the western half was split off to create Jasper County.

Kickapoo and Keechi tribes were the early settlers. They came from the United States and Canada. Many of them settled on land they bought from the government. Others purchased land from the Indians. These settlers were mostly farmers and ranchers.

By the mid-1850s, many of these pioneers had moved westward to the new frontier. Some of them returned to their old homes in Tennessee and Kentucky. Others stayed in Texas. Most settlers practiced Agriculture.

During the Civil War, Leon County supported the Confederacy. As a result, Union forces occupied the county for some time. After the war, the county voted to secede from the union.

Many of the residents of Leon County worked in the timber trade. Timber was used to build railroads. This trade continued until the 1980s.

Today, Leon County is known for its agricultural products and tourist attractions. There are several museums and historic sites in the county.

The Economy of Leon County

The economy of Leon County is majorly agriculture and mining. Farmers grow crops such as cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts, wheat, sorghum, oats, barley, alfalfa, and rice. Mining companies have also been known to mine for oil, coal, iron ore, limestone, sandstone, clay, and other minerals.

The county is home to the largest peanut processing plant globally, located at White Oak Plantation. Agriculture has become a bigger part of the county’s economy since the 1970s. In the early 1900s, many farms grew cotton, but by the 1960s, most farmers had switched over to growing corn, which was more profitable than cotton.

Tourism is another economic activity that helps support the local economy. There are several attractions in the county where tourists relax and refresh themselves. Most of the sites are under the county governments, while others are private or owned by individuals.

Self-employment is another economic activity. The county government supports entrepreneurs by offering tax incentives. Many people who own their businesses operate them out of their homes.

Licenses are also subsidized for residents who want to start a business. This includes small businesses like restaurants and retail stores.

Financial Transparency

Financial transparency is key to the success of Leon County. The public has a right to know how their money is being spent and by whom. Financial transparency provides information about an organization’s financial activities, including its revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, equity, capital structure, management compensation, governance, and performance.

The following are ways through which Leon county exercises financial transparency

List of claims- The list of claims submitted by the county to the state comptroller for payment from the general fund. This includes all payments made by the county to another entity, such as a school district or hospital.

Audit – An annual audit conducted by the Comptroller’s Office that examines the books and records of the county government.

Budget – A document that shows the amount of revenue collected by the county and the expenditures made by the county. It also shows the sources of funding for each expenditure.

Investments reports – Reports showing the investments held by the county. These include bonds, stocks, mutual funds, etc.

Utility reports – Utility bills sent out by the utility companies to show what services were used and how much was paid.

Proposed budgets – Budget documents that outline proposed changes to current budget policies. They are usually presented at least once every year.

Property appraisals – Property valuations by the appraisal districts to determine the value of real estate properties.

Tax rate – Tax rates set by the local governing body. The board of equalization can adjust them annually.

Leon County offices

The county has over 30 offices, each having a specific function. Below, we summarize the various offices and their functions:

The County Judge’s office is under Byron Ryder. It handles all civil matters, including probate and guardianship. It also oversees criminal cases. Call them at (903) 536-2331.

The County Attorney’s office is under Keith Cook, whose role is to represent Leon County on legal issues. He can be reached at 903-536-2131.

The County Clerk’s Office is under Christie Wakefield, who records deeds, mortgages, liens, etc. Her number is 903-536-2326.

The county treasurer’s office is under Brandi S. Hill, whose job is to oversee the county’s finances. His phone number is 903-536-2915.

The sheriff’s Office is under Kevin Ellis. The office handles law enforcement. You can channel your concerns at 903-536-2749.

The County Auditor’s office is under Melissa B. Abney. Her role is to review expenditures made by the county. She can be reached at 901-532-7000.

Verdict

Leon County is one of the most transparent counties in Texas. All the data you need is available online. Visiting Leon county allows you to get more information about the county and its people.

You can still access job openings and other employment opportunities. There are many museums and historical sites to visit. Better yet, friendly people will welcome you into their homes and offer you food and drink. Leon county is a great place to live and work.