RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) — A Fairchilds neighbor said the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office is investigating county commissioners after she filed a complaint over how they handled a toll road item discussion.
‘I WAS DEVASTATED’: WHY A DECEMBER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING HIT HARD
On Dec. 4, the Fort Bend County commissioners court met. On the agenda was an item regarding a toll road project that would connect Sienna to Rosenberg through Fairchilds.
The item would have the county cover frontage road costs. It’s a proposal the toll road authority has told ABC13 would impact several homeowners.
Amanda Moss Warncke told ABC13 she’s one of them. “My house, and my mother’s house, and my family’s business all will go out in one full sweep due to this move,” Warncke explained.
During the meeting, Warncke addressed commissioners. She waited to see how they would vote.
Commissioner Grady Prestage called for a vote on the item.
“I move to approve item 30 A & B as presented,” Prestage said. “We have a motion,” Judge KP George followed with. “Do I have a second?”
Seconds later, George said this, “Okay. With a lack of a second, we are going to table it and move on to the next item.”
About a minute later, George reiterated the decision. “Obviously, essentially, we are tabling item 30A,” George said.
At first, she was relieved. “We were feeling great,” Warncke recalled. “It was a small win. We knew they could vote on it again, or something like that, later.”
Her feelings changed hours later. Here’s why.
Later, commissioners broke for a two-hour executive session. The toll road item wasn’t on the executive session list.
When they returned, here’s what happened.
“The time is 3:45 p.m., we are back in open session,” George said. “Olga, please go ahead and read.”
“Wait, wait, wait, we were going to take 30 and 31 back up,” Commissioner Andy Meyers said.
After addressing executive items first, commissioners moved back to the Fairchilds toll road item, and passed it.
“I’m going to tell you I was devastated because it was Christmas time. We were hoping to at least maybe get through Christmas being a little happy that maybe our commissioners were listening to us,” Warncke recalled.
THE MESSAGE THAT SURPRISED THE FAIRCHILDS HOMEOWNER
After the meeting, Warncke filed an open meeting complaint to the DA’s office.
“Something changed in two hours from the time they wouldn’t even second the motion,” Warncke said. “To when they came back and all anonymously voted for it. So, I assume something happened in the closed session.”
A month later, she received a response on Friday. She shared the email with ABC13.
The email was from Assistant District Attorney Valerie Turner who told her, “We are investigating whether the County Judge and commissioners committed the offense of Closed Meeting, Texas Government Code, Sec. 551.144.”
ABC13 reached out to the district attorney’s office. A spokesperson told ABC13 they couldn’t confirm or deny an investigation was underway.
In general, the spokesperson said if a closed meeting complaint is made, the office will look into it, and could take it to a grand jury where a misdemeanor criminal charge could be filed.
“I was surprised, but I’m excited,” Warncke said. “I’m glad they’re at least looking into it.”
COMMISSIONERS REMAIN QUIET ON THE COMPLAINT AND POSSIBLE INVESTIGATION
On Friday, ABC13 contacted each commissioner and county judge. George’s spokesperson told us they haven’t heard from the DA’s office about this complaint. So, it’s premature to issue a statement.
None of the commissioners addressed the complaint or possible investigation to ABC13. Commissioners meet next on Thursday, Jan. 22.
There’s nothing on the agenda regarding the toll road in Fairchilds.
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Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
