How Cities Work-2013 Edition

How Cities Work is a collection of articles describing the important functions and vital services cities provide. TML member cities can order copies of this useful reference and educational publication by emailing the TML Member Services Department. Please include your mailing address and the number of copies you would like to receive. The booklets are available at no charge to TML member cities.

TML Revenue Manual for Texas Cities

Do you ever wonder if your city takes advantage of all the various revenue sources available to it? Do you wish you could lower your property tax rate, but can't find the funds to offset it? Are you afraid that you're missing something simple when it comes to revenues that every other city knows about, except you?

The TML Revenue Manual for Texas Cities covers everything you need to know, from the biggest sources of city revenue-property and sales taxes-on down to the most mundane and arcane-open records charges, raffles, even cemetery taxes.

The manual is organized alphabetically by revenue type and presented in an easy-to-understand, question-and-answer format, similar to the Legal Q&A column that's so popular in Texas Town & City. For each type of revenue, the basics are covered-such as how the revenue source is adopted, who collects it, on what it can be spent, and so forth. There is more advanced material as well, including strategic considerations about how particular sources of revenue interact with other taxes and fees, and how to switch from one revenue stream to another. The handbook should be useful to councilmembers, management, finance officers and staff, and city attorneys.

Order the TML Revenue Manual for Texas Cities now for only $10.

Texas Home Rule Charters-Second Edition (2010)

The Texas Home Rule Charters book provides a comprehensive review of the origin, evolution, status, and analyses of more than 350 home rule charters in the state. In addition to tracing the historical development of charters, the book offers an overview of the application and impact of state and federal laws on writing and amending charters. The book is available to TML members for $15. To order, visit the Texas Home Rule Charters page on the TML website.