Government or Public Agency

This category includes public schools, cities, counties and various other governmental entities. Public agencies can acquire property to carry out or promote one or more public purposes for the residents of a given political area.

Public purposes include but are not limited to programs such as conservation, economic development, education, parks and recreation, public health and public safety. For example, the civil defense function of a city or county will be included under the category of public safety. This same category would equally apply to law enforcement, rescue squads and alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers.

Requirements

Complete the Application Packet and provide documentary evidence of the following:

Cities, counties, state agencies and public schools are NOT required to submit any additional documentation.

Other types of public agencies must submit proof of public agency status (i.e. charter or statute creating the agency or evidence of tax-supported status) and/or a narrative describing the services provided by the agency. See the other categories listed below for more details.

Emergency Services District (tax-supported)

Required additional documentation that must be submitted with application:

- Letter from the chief or president that contains information on the department, including:
  - number of firefighters and/or emergency services personnel;
  - training schedule; and
  - area(s) covered.
- Proof of Public Agency Status – i.e. Election Results, Charter, Organizing Document, or Other Evidence of Approval by Proper Government Authority (i.e. Commissioners Court Meeting Minutes)

Volunteer Fire Department, Search & Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services

In order to be eligible under this category, must be funded annually in whole or part by state, county, city or emergency services district. Approved organizations in this category must submit funding information annually.
Required additional documentation that must be submitted with application:

- Letter from the chief or president that contains information on the department, including:
  - number of firefighters and/or emergency services personnel;
  - training schedule; and
  - area(s) covered.
- Evidence that department is endorsed by AND receives funding from a government entity, such as the state, county, city or emergency services district. Examples: letter of endorsement from the head of the government entity (i.e. county judge, city mayor/administrator, or ESD president) or a copy of a current, signed contract.
- Articles of incorporations, bylaws, charter or other organizing document (optional)

Conservation (includes both public agencies and non-profits)

Includes soil, water, irrigation, and utility districts, and non-profit water supply corporations. Must be a public agency (i.e. city-owned) or nonprofit organization. For-profit organizations do not qualify under this category.
Required additional documentation that must be submitted with application:

- Certificate of approval or charter from proper authority demonstrating services are provided to the public (i.e. charter/enabling legislation)
- (Non-profits only) IRS letter certifying tax-exempt status. Articles of incorporations, bylaws, or other organizing document. (Optional)

Health Organization (Public Agency)

Required additional documentation that must be submitted with application:

- Proof of public agency status (i.e. charter or statute creating the agency or evidence of tax-supported status).
- Complete narrative about your agency, including:
  - Description of services provided;
  - Number and type of patients served;
  - Description of facilities, including number of beds; and
  - Overview of key staff and their qualifications.

State Procurement Office