RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County Commissioners Court moved forward Thursday with a proposed property tax rate, but the meeting again took place without Democratic Commissioners Dexter McCoy and Grady Prestage.
County Judge Daniel Wong and Republican Commissioners Andy Meyers and Vincent Morales were present for the meeting. McCoy and Prestage have been absent from Commissioners Court since June, citing concerns over Wong’s authority to continue serving as county judge.
The dispute centers on Wong’s appointment earlier this year after former County Judge KP George was suspended following his felony conviction. The Fort Bend County attorney has argued Wong’s temporary appointment ended June 17 after the underlying civil case that led to his appointment was dismissed. Wong and his attorneys disagree.
On August 6, District Judge Edward Krenek ruled Wong could remain in the position while the legal dispute continues, according to reporting from KPRC and other outlets. The case remains unresolved.
Democratic commissioners continue to stay away
McCoy and Prestage say they will not participate in Commissioners Court while Wong continues to preside.
McCoy says the county attorney advised them that Wong does not have the legal authority to continue conducting county business.
Prestage has argued that votes taken with Wong presiding could later be challenged.
The commissioners have proposed that Wong recuse himself from the budget and tax-rate votes, allowing the four elected commissioners to participate.
Why the tax rate matters
The standoff is particularly significant because state law requires four members of Commissioners Court to adopt the county’s tax rate. The county’s budget is built around that rate.
County officials have warned that failing to adopt the proposed rate could affect employee cost-of-living increases and delay major infrastructure projects.
Today’s vote was to propose the tax rate. The final tax rate and budget are scheduled to come before Commissioners Court September 10.
What happens next
McCoy says he and Prestage will not return if Wong continues participating.
Wong, meanwhile, says he plans to attend the September meeting. His spokesperson told KPRC that Wong will be there because the county attorney says he is the current interim Fort Bend County judge.
The next Commissioners Court meeting is scheduled for August 27, with the final budget and tax-rate vote scheduled for September 10.