Local Government Code §151.001

(a) A district, county, or precinct officer who requires the services of deputies, assistants, or clerks in the performance of the officer's duties shall apply to the commissioners court of the county in which the officer serves for the authority to appoint the employees. If the county has a population of more than 190,000, the officer shall apply for the authority to appoint any other kinds of employees. (b) The application must be sworn and must state: (1) the number of employees required; (2) the title of the positions to be filled; and (3) the amounts to be paid the employees. (c) If the application is made in a county with a population of more than 190,000, it must also describe the duties to be performed by the employees. (d) The application must be accompanied by a statement of the probable receipts from fees, commissions, and compensation to be collected by the office during the fiscal year and the probable disbursements, including salaries and expenses, of the office. (e) This section does not apply to a district attorney or criminal district attorney in a county with a population of more than 190,000.