CTAS was created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1973 at the urging of county officials and their organization, the Tennessee County Services Association (TCSA). County officials wanted an agency to provide prompt, accurate technical assistance on a daily basis to Tennessee's 95 counties.

The authorizing legislation creating CTAS, a part of The University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service, directs CTAS to ..."provide studies and research in county government, publications, educational conferences and attendance thereto, and to furnish technical, consultative and field services to counties of the state in problems relating to fiscal administration, accounting, tax assessment and collection, law enforcement, and public works, and in any and all matters relating to county government". (T.C.A. § 49-9-402)

Promoting better county government through direct assistance to county officials and their associations.