I am interested in information on the initial creation of a bail bond board in a county with less than 110,000 in population. Occupations Code 1704.052 allows for the creation if a majority of the persons who would serve as members determine to create a board. My question is "how?" Are there any guidelines or laws showing the process in establishing a board where there is nothing in place? For example, could it be created by a resolution signed by the majority of the members and filed with the clerk? Also, would the open meetings act have to be followed in the initial meeing since there would not be an official board until after its creation?

Back in the day (before I started in lush, scenic Potter County), we had an optional bail bond board. It fell apart, then our population exceeded 110,000 in the 2000 census, and now we have a statutorily-required board. But Dave Kemp, our first assistant, worked with and on the old bail bond board, and he might be able to give you some pointers born of bad experience. Our number is (806) 379-2255.

A Bail Bond Board is a very good thing to have in any county. We have a very active board in Williamson County. The net result is better business practices, fewer skips and more collections on bond forfeitures. It also serves as one of the few places that county officials meet together, which can, believe it or not, be a good thing.

If you want a copy of our Board rules and some info on how it works, contact Jane Starnes (who until recently served as the DA's designee on the board) at 512-943-1234.

Bud Kirkendall, DA in Guadalupe and other counties, wrote an article (with forms) on this subject. You might want to contact him.