The 2015 Harris County Commissioners Court includes (from left to right) Jack Morman, Judge Ed Emmett, Jack Cagle, El Franco Lee and Steve Radack.[/caption]

Big decisions made in 2014

• Central processing center: The Commissioners Court and city of Houston agreed to build a central processing center for the jail. The center will be more efficient for officers and provide a space for mental health care.
• Sexually oriented business: The Commissioners Court crafted a policy regarding greater enforcement of laws and regulations for sexually oriented businesses.

Meetings

Commissioners Court meetings are held twice monthly except in May and November. Meetings are at 10 a.m. in the courtroom at 1001 Preston Ave., Houston.

Top issues for 2015

• The Astrodome: The Commissioners will consider possible long-term solutions and funding sources for what to do with the former sports stadium.
• Transportation: Although the Grand Parkway Segments F-1, F-2 and G and the Tomball Tollway are scheduled to open in 2015, area roadways continues to suffer congestion. The court will have to determine how much new road construction the county can afford.

Terms and compensation

Commissioners and the county judge serve rotating four-year terms. The county judge receives $173,800 per year while commissioners earn $165,900 per year.