The LaSalle County Judge presides over a five-member commissioner s court that has budgetary and administrative authority over county government operations. The Texas Constitution vests broad judicial and administrative powers in the position of the county judge. The county judge hears a variety of matters, such as hearings for beer and wine license applications, hearing on admittance to state hospitals for the mentally ill and mentally retarded, juvenile work permits and temporary guardianships for special purposes. The judge is also responsible for calling elections, posting election notices and for receiving and canvassing the election returns. In addition, the county judge is authorized to perform marriages. Located in Cotulla, Texas, the LaSalle County Judge also has judicial responsibilities for certain criminal, civil and probate matters. The judge has appellate jurisdiction over matters arising from the justice courts.