The Texas Constitution vests broad judicial and administrative powers in the position of county judge, who presides over a five-member commissioners court, which has budgetary and administrative authority over county government operations.

Elected county wide by the citizens of Bandera County, the County Judge may consider some criminal, civil, juvenile, probate and mental competency cases. Considered to be the chief executive officer, the County Judge represents the county at ceremonial occasions and on various boards and committees.

In addition to Commissioners Court duties, the county judge:

• is the chief budget officer for the county.
• acts an agent of the state responsible for approving applications for beer licenses and waivers on mixed drink licenses.
• signs applications for delayed birth certificates, issues waivers, and performs wedding ceremonies.