Sec. 291.005.  MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES IN COUNTIES WITH POPULATION OF MORE THAN 500,000.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 500,000 shall direct and control the employees needed to repair, maintain, and operate the county's courthouses and criminal court buildings.
(b)  The commissioners court may designate a building superintendent to employ the personnel.  Employments are subject to approval by the commissioners court.  An employment must:
(1)  be in writing and signed by the employee;  and
(2)  state the nature of the duties to be performed, the period of employment, the hours to be worked, and the amount to be paid.
(c)  The employment of a person under this section ends January 1 of each year but may be renewed from year to year.  The commissioners court may discharge the employee at any time for cause.
(d)  The number of employees appointed under this section is subject to the approval of the county auditor.
(e)  Regardless of Subsections (a)-(d), the sheriff is responsible for employing and discharging, as provided by other law, the employees engaged in the operation of county jails.  The employees necessary for the proper conduct of the jails or the safekeeping of prisoners are under the exclusive direction and control of the sheriff.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.