ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNTY AND GOVERNMENT 23
The county coroner is elected for four years. It is his duty to
hold an inquest on the body when the death of a person is known
or is suspected to have resulted from unnatural causes, or with-
out services of a physician, and in cases such as homicide,
suicide, drowning, or other deaths of a sudden or violent nature,
or if a person dies from a wound within ninety days after its
infliction. In holding an inquest, he may order the witnesses to `
appear before the grand jury or court when he considers it
proper.
When the oiiice of the sheriff is vacant, or if the sheriff or his
deputy is a candidate in any election, the coroner performs the
duties of the sheriff in connection with such election.
The county road engineer is appointed by the county judge,
subject to approval by the fiscal court, for a term of two years.
He must be either a reputable civil engineer or a man who has
had practical experience as a road supervisor or builder for two
years, and must have passed a creditable examination before the
State highway commission. The chief duties of the county road
engineer are to exercise general control over all public roads
and bridges within the county and keep these roads and bridges
repaired. .
A county tax commissioner is elected every four years and is
eligible for re-election. Subject to the supervision of the State
tax commission, he assesses the property in the county and pre-
pares the assessment books.
The board of tax supervisors in each county consists of three
or more members appointed by the county judge, but the number
shall not exceed one for each magisterial district. Its duties are
to assess intangible property which may have been overlooked by
the tax commissioner. It is empowered to assess the property
of persons failing to list their property with the tax commis-
sioner, and it may increase or decrease assessments upon giving
notice and hearing to the taxpayer.
The county treasurer is appointed by the fiscal court for a term
of four years. The duties of the treasurer are to receive and give
receipt for all money due from the several collecting officers or
from any person owing the county treasury. The county treas-
urer may purchase outstanding road bonds issued by the county.
The county budget commission is composed of the county
judge, the county attorney, and one member appointed by the
fiscal court. The administration of the fiscal affairs of the county,