The county surveyor is elected in a general election for a term of four years to maintain the survey records of the county. The county surveyor usually receives no salary, but may be compensated on a fee basis (Tex. Const. Art. XVI, Sec. 61) and may receive office space. If the person is a duly registered and licensed state land surveyor, he may have responsibilities outside the county. Many counties in Texas do not have an elected county surveyor but may appoint a licensed surveyor to fill those duties.