Public information belongs to the public.
One of the greatest barriers to civic participation isn’t a lack of interest.
It’s a lack of access.
Government information is often scattered across dozens of websites, buried inside agendas, hidden behind unfamiliar terminology, or difficult to locate without knowing exactly where to look.
This page exists to make that easier.
Whether you’re researching a candidate, following Commissioners Court, reviewing a county budget, or filing an Open Records request, these resources will help you begin with the original source.
Because informed citizens shouldn’t need insider knowledge to participate in their own government.
County Government
Hays County Government
The official website for Hays County government. Start here for county departments, elected officials, services, notices, and public information.
County Judge
The County Judge serves as the presiding officer of Commissioners Court and is responsible for many administrative functions of county government. This page includes contact information and official responsibilities.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/county-judge
Commissioners
The County Judge serves as the presiding officer of Commissioners Court and is responsible for many administrative functions of county government. This page includes contact information and official responsibilities.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioner-precinct-01
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/court-member-michelle-cohen (comissioner-precinct-2)
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioner-precinct-3
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioner-precinct-4
Commissioners Court
The governing body of Hays County. Here you’ll find meeting information, agendas, minutes, and links to each commissioner.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioners-court
County Departments
Browse every county department and office.
Useful when you’re unsure which office handles a particular issue.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/departments
Elections
Hays County Elections Office
The official source for election administration in Hays County.
Find election dates, polling places, voter information, and election notices.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/elections
Register to Vote
Everything you need to register or update your voter registration.
https://www.votetexas.gov
Current Elections
Election calendars, early voting schedules, and official notices.
[Insert Link]
Election Results
Official certified election results for Hays County.
[Insert Link]
Sample Ballots
Preview your ballot before voting.
[Insert Link]
Candidate Filings
Official candidate filings and ballot applications.
[Insert Link]
Campaign Finance
Texas Ethics Commission
One of the most valuable research tools available.
Search campaign finance reports, campaign treasurer appointments, political committees, and ethics filings.
When researching any Texas candidate, this is usually the first place to look.
https://www.ethics.state.tx.us
Campaign Finance Reports
Official campaign finance filings submitted by candidates.
[Insert Link]
Campaign Treasurer Appointments
Determine whether someone has officially formed a campaign.
Often one of the earliest indicators that a person intends to run for office.
[Insert Link]
Political Action Committees (PACs)
Search political committees, expenditures, and donor activity.
[Insert Link]
Public Records
Texas Public Information Act
Learn your rights under Texas open government laws.
The Public Information Act gives citizens the right to request many government records.
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government
Open Records Requests
Submit a request for public records from Hays County.
[Insert Link]
County Clerk Records Search
Search public records maintained by the County Clerk.
Includes property records, official public documents, and other filings.
https://erss.co.hays.tx.us/web
Court Records
Search county court records and filings.
https://erss.co.hays.tx.us/web
Property Records
Research property ownership, deeds, and related records.
[Insert Link]
Commissioners Court
Agendas
Start here before every Commissioners Court meeting.
Agenda packets contain the supporting documents commissioners receive before voting and often provide the most complete explanation of an issue before it reaches public debate.
https://public.destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=42972
Live Meetings
Watch Commissioners Court meetings live.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioners-court-live-stream
Meeting Archive
Watch previous meetings and review past discussions. Scroll down below live video for the archive link.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioners-court-live-stream
Meeting Minutes
Official written record of Commissioners Court actions. Minutes and agendas are listed next to each meeting in the archive under the live stream.
https://www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioners-court-live-stream
Public Comment
Learn how to participate in Commissioners Court meetings.
Find meeting procedures and public comment requirements.
[Insert Link]
Budgets & Finance
Annual Budget
The county budget explains how taxpayer dollars are allocated.
If you want to understand county priorities, begin here.
[Insert Link]
Financial Reports
Annual financial reports and audits.
[Insert Link]
Tax Information
Property tax information and tax office resources.
[Insert Link]
Maps & Growth
Hays County GIS
Interactive maps for roads, floodplains, aerial imagery, property information, voting precincts, and more.
One of the most useful public tools available.
https://hays-county-haysgis.hub.arcgis.com
Commissioner Precinct Maps
Determine which Commissioner represents your neighborhood.
[Insert Link]
Development Maps
Track major development projects across Hays County.
[Insert Link]
Transportation Projects
Current road projects, transportation planning, and infrastructure improvements.
[Insert Link]
School Districts
(Coming Soon)
Cities
(Coming Soon)
Each city will eventually include:
Official Website
City Council
Agendas
Meeting Videos
Boards & Commissions
Elections
Special Districts
(Coming Soon)
Including:
Emergency Services Districts
Water Districts
Utility Districts
Groundwater Conservation Districts
Hospital Districts
Texas Government
Texas Ethics Commission
Campaign finance, ethics reports, and political committee filings.
https://www.ethics.state.tx.us
Texas Secretary of State
Election administration, candidate filings, and statewide election information.
https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections
Texas Open Meetings Act
Understand when government meetings must be public and what rights citizens have to attend.
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government
Texas Public Information Act
Your guide to requesting public records from Texas government.
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government
Mayday Resources
(Coming Soon)
This section will eventually include original reporting and research tools created by Mayday, including:
Commissioners Court Vote Tracker
Campaign Finance Database
Election Archive
Development Tracker
Public Records Index
Candidate Directory
Civic Glossary
Timeline of Major County Decisions
Government Explained
Interactive Maps
Read the Record
Whenever possible, Mayday links directly to original government documents rather than summarizing them.
Readers deserve the opportunity to examine the evidence for themselves.
Our goal is simple:
Make government easier to understand.
Not by replacing public records—
but by helping people find them.
Mayday!
Independent journalism covering the politics, government & public policy shaping Hays County, Texas.
Pro-Transparency. Pro-Context. Pro-Accountability.
Read the Record.