Commissioners, AG Ken Paxton settle open government lawsuit over Jose Garza security
Paxton sued commissioners in September after the American-Statesman reported that they used a vague, non-descript agenda item to route $115,000 to Garza's budget for his safety, including to his residence. The use of public money for security improvements to an official's home was a highly unusual public expense with no policy about how and when the county funds such projects.
Paxton said in the suit that commissioners violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by not adequately notifying the public about the expense.
"The public was deprived of the opportunity to comment on the proposal," Paxton said.
Paxton brought the suit on behalf of Travis County residents Craig Staley, Courtney Pore, Kimberly Brienzi, and Douglas P. Keenan.
Commissioners took corrective action a month after the suit, voting again on the item on Oct. 22 with clearer language.
Commissioners did not acknowledge a violation of state open government laws in the settlement, but agreed that they would comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
"Government cannot be transparent if its elected leaders secretly vote on important matters that are required by Texas law to be discussed in an open meeting," Paxton said. "This judgement requires the Travis County Commissioners Court to abide by all government transparency laws."
Travis County commissioners released a statement through spokesman Hector Nieto that said they are pleased to reach an agreement with Paxton, which "acknowledges the court's belief that they acted in accordance with requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act for conducting executive closed sessions.
"This agreement balances public transparency with security concerns like those permitted for discussion in executive closed session, thereby protecting our employees and elected and appointed officials," the statement said.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Travis County commissioners, Texas attorney general settle lawsuit
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