Appointment of health officers for both cities and counties is mandatory, and the failure to appoint them does not relieve local governments of responsibility or expense for protection of the public health. If the offices become vacant and are not filled promptly by the appropriate local body, the Texas Board of Health is empowered to appoint a county or city health officer. See also V.T.C.S. art. The state board may also take steps to remove a local health officer or forfeit his salary. See also V.T.C.S. arts.
Current statutes are of the same tenor.
See V.T.C.S. arts. But see V.T.C.S. arts. When, however, they are engaged in the performance of duties devolving upon them as officers of the state subject to the supervision and control of the Texas Board of Health, the 'jurisdiction' of each as to reports, et cetera, is a matter for determination by the Texas Board of Health within legislative guidelines. It was not discussing the jurisdictional division between a county health officer and the health officers of cities within the county. Nor was the court addressing the discharge of duties as officers of the state under state control.