Tom Green

Tom Green County

Updated on: January 11, 2022
Coordinates
31 24' 36" N, 100 27' 36" W (31.41, -100.46)
State
Texas
Region
Central West
County Seat:
San Angelo
Year Organized:
1874
Total Square Miles:
1540.545
1,522 square miles (3,940 km2) land
19 square miles (49 km2) water
Population:
118019 (2017)
Population: 118,386 Est. (2016) 110,224 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
77
Tom Green County Website
http://www.co.tom-green.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Coke (N)
Runnels (NE)
Concho (E)
Schleicher (S)
Reagan (W)
Sterling (NW)
Menard (SE)

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
118019
25 to 64 Years of Age:
48.95%
65 Years of Age and Older:
15.46%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$5.3 B
Labor Force:
54,959
Unemployment Rate:
3.20%

County Contact

112 W Beauregard Ave
County Courthouse
San Angelo, TX, 76903-5835

http://www.co.tom-green.tx.us/

The partition of Tom Green County began in 1874 from the Bexar Land District. Although it was built poorly, San Angelo remains the county seat. 

There are 1,540.5 square miles of Tom Green County in western Texas. San Angelo, geographically centered, lies at latitude 31°28′ N and longitude 100°26′ W. Dallas is only 258 miles away, while Amarillo is barely 301 miles. The elevation lies between 1,717 to 2,480 feet. 

Since Tom Green County used to be much larger, it gained an organized and distinct identity from its larger adjacent towns. 

County History 

It was built at San Angelo in 1867 as part of a succession of new forts to protect the border. It was home to the Black Cavalry’s dark-skinned and dark-haired cavalrymen, also called “Buffalo Soldiers” by Native Americans. 

At the confluence of the North and South Concho rivers, Bartholomew J. DeWitt built a hamlet called Santa Angela. Carolina Angela is the name of his late wife’s hometown. Over time, the town of San Angela was given a new name. Postal officials advised San Angelo to alter its name in 1883 since the old one was incoherent. 

There were several brothels, saloons, and gambling establishments because of the region’s agriculture and settlements. 

The state government split Bexar County in 1874 to create Green County. A Confederate Brigadier General named Thomas Green served in the Confederate Army and was honored with the name of Green County. 

The town of Ben Ficklin was Tom Green’s first county seat, which was located there. 65 persons were killed in the Concho River’s destruction of the hamlet in 1882. Ben Ficklin’s death brought it back to San Angelo, which has remained ever since. 

San Angelo was not served by the Santa Fe Railway until 1888. The Kansas City, Mexico, and Oriental Railroad began service to San Angelo in 1909. In response, the city became a major shipping center. 

Topography 

In the growing season, temperatures range from steamy to 97°F in July and drop back close to 32 °F when the year begins with rainfall of 18.2 inches annually.  

The Concho River, which is the county’s primary water source, north, middle, and southern branches converged here to become the river we know and love today. Bald Eagle Creek, Chalk Creek, Dried Creek, Grape Stream, Little Creek, Mulberry Creek, Walnut Creek, and Dry Creek are all fed by the North Concho River and its tributaries in the county’s northern part.  

Middle concho river supplies most of the county’s water backed up by its numerous tributaries, including Dry Rocky and brushy streams that dominate the southern part of the county. Silty clay loams and rocky clays make up most of the county’s soils. 

Economic Activity 

Even though ranching predominates on the Edwards Plateau and agriculture predominates in the Osage Plains, both regions are essential for human habitation. Texas’ San Angelo serves as a significant hub for domestically produced and imported wool and mohair processing, transportation, and storage.  

In 1990, the county completed work on all 1 million acres of land, including 15,000 acres of irrigated land. Mineral deposits may be found in the county’s south-central and northwest regions. One can think of caliche, limestone, and even crude oil or natural gas. 

There are no important archeological sites in the county. According to recent discoveries, Dove Creek’s headwaters include 50 flat granite basins that were most likely used as graves. Painted Rocks is well known as an indigenous site. 

Ground Cover 

The Edwards Plateau is one of the two distinct geological zones in the county with Osage Plains. The plants found in all three locations are native to the Osage and High Plains regions. The Edwards Plateau and Hill Country, located to the north and west of the county, are known for their short grass and solitary trees.  

These include oaks like red and live and shinnery, buffalo grass, and mesquite grasses. Prickly pear, algerita, cat’s claw, chaparral, yucca, and algerita are all present. Pecan and mesquite trees may be seen along the riverbed. 

County Commissioners’ Court 

The county judge serves as the commissioner’s court’s presiding officer and represents the county in official capacities and attempts to promote economic growth. The company has requested tax exemptions from the county.  

The county’s Commissioners Court is the last say in legal matters affecting the county. Qualified voters in each of the four districts select the commissioners. According to the state constitution, these are the persons that make up county courts in Texas.   

The County Judge has responsibility for the County Commissioner’s Court, which the County Clerk runs. The legislation gave the courts the power to govern county affairs. Precinct 1 commissioner is Ralph Hoelscher, and you may contact the office via Phone: 325-659-6511. Precinct 2 is led by Sammy Farmer and is available through Phone: 325-659-6512. Rick Bacon heads Precinct 3 and can be contacted via Phone: 325-659-6513. Precinct 4 commissioner is Bill Ford, and contact details include: Phone: 325-659-6514. 

County Offices  

Judges are required to rule on criminal and civil cases that have nothing to do with the company that is now footing the bill for this trip. Judge Steve Ford is the county judge and the address to the office is Edd B. & Frances Frink Keyes Building, 113 W. Beauregard Street, 2nd Floor, San Angelo, Texas 76903.  You may also reach out via Phone: 325-653-3318. 

The local government employs the county attorney. Shoplifting is one of the many crimes they prosecute. Election and vice laws, “going out of business” transgressions, and liquor law breaches are other themes they touch on. They also represent county officials and employees, and people accused of property crimes.  

When it comes to drafting and enacting laws and contracts, screening open records requests, and investigating complaints against the county, the county attorney may be a critical supporter of the commissioner’s court. Chris Taylor is the County Attorney, and contact details include Phone: 325-659-6562 or Fax: 325-655-6430. 

The county clerk records the deed, marriage licenses, and depositions. He is also the county court clerk and the court of commissioners. The county clerk’s responsibilities are election administration, including control of local elections and absentee voting. Christina Ubando is the County clerk and can be contacted via Phone: 325-659-6553. The address to the office is 124 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76903. 

You may have any of your financial questions concerning the county answered by contacting the Treasurer of Tom Green County. The county’s money is safe and healthy because the Treasurer is in charge of keeping track of all financial bank transactions and statements. Financial reports are often provided to Tom Green County Commissioners Court monthly by the county’s Treasurer, who also serves as an investment officer.  

The Texas Local Government Code governs the county treasurer. Certain officials, including the treasurer, may perform many duties at once, but others may have responsibilities if the county is extensive. Dianna Spieker is the county treasurer and is available via email at [email protected] 

The sheriff is up to the county without a bail bond board to enforce criminal law, guard the courts, serve warrants, and escort bail bonds. Sheriff J. Nick Hanna’s is available via phone at 325-655-8111.