10.31.07
Happenings From Yesterday Commissioners Court Meeting – UPDATED
Two things that occurred at yesterday’s Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting of note. First, was that the commissioners got their price met to continue to be “in the middle” of the T. Don Hutto mess and keep on locking up mothers and children in Williamson County. And, second, new Rules of Procedure, Conduct & Decorum for court meetings were adopted by the WCCC.
On the TDH situation we learn from KXAN’s reporting that the WCCC got what it wanted and needed – CYA money from CCA.
Instead, commissioners approved an amendment to the agreement that will give them legal protection from CCA and $250,000 if the county is sued.
“We feel like this is a better clause that gives us more protection from that standpoint and the amendment gives us the opportunity to have somebody on site that can help us understand the day-to-day operations,” said Williamson County Commissioner Dan Gattis.
Also MaryEllen Kersch was interviewed and she makes it seem like the commissioners had already made up their minds.
“There was some very persuasive arguments made, and they seem not to have heard. They certainly didn’t make any impact,” said Georgetown resident Mary Ellen Kersch.
The county’s price was $250,000 from CCA if it is sued and new county position, “to have somebody on site” at TDH, that pays $5,000/month.
Next comes the WCCC’s reaction to their inability to follow the Open Meetings Act (OMA). In an attempt deflect criticism from the fact that they’ve been operating outside the guidelines of the OMA they decided to try and make this an issue about the actions of those that attend the meetings. The quote in this TDP article pretty much shows the mind set of the court on this issue.
Although the District Attorney’s office ruled last week that there was not enough evidence to warrant a criminal investigation, County Judge Dan Gattis, who runs the public meeting, agreed that it was important to have a written set of rules clearly stating the county’s policy on public comments.
“I don’t know why there was never one done before… (but) I can tell you that we are trying very hard to operate the county government as open as possible and certainly trying to obey the rules and laws,†Gattis said in a previous interview.
Ignorance is no excuse Judge, but now you know. Two reasons you were operating outside the guidelines Judge, (1) It’s just easier to run a meeting however you want, and (2) Nobody has ever held the court to account for this before.
Several items in the new list of rules address the concerns raised in Kersch’s complaint.
For a citizen to place an item on the following weeks agenda for discussion, a request must be filed and approved by a commissioner, which then must be approved by the county judge. Requests must be submitted no later than noon the Thursday prior to the meeting.
Members of the public can address the court with comments by filling out a Public Participation Form prior to the start the meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m. The public comment section of court will last a maximum of 45 minutes, allowing at least 10 speakers three minutes each for comment.
According to the rules, the court intends to choose 10 speakers that will fairly represent both sides of an agenda item. However, the commissioner’s may use a majority vote to extend or shorten the amount of time allotted to an issue if the issue sparks a lot of public interest.
Fairly representing both sides can be a problem. Especially with an issue like the landfill where almost everyone is against it. Allowing one person from each side to represent a “fair and balanced” take on an issue could give a false impression that there’s an even divide on an issue where there is vastly more support one way or another.
At least they’ve decided to start following the rules, that’s a step in the right directions. Thanks again to MaryEllen Kersch for taking action on this and getting the court to start following the OMA. The article said the new rules are on the county’s web site but I haven’t been able to track them down yet.
[UPDATE]: RRL adds it’s two cents, Wilco keeps, but tweaks, contract.
home : news : news October 31, 2007
10/31/2007 11:57:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
Wilco keeps, but tweaks, contractBRAD STUTZMAN
EditorThe T. Don Hutto immigrant detention center in Taylor is only one facility, but it conjures up at least three different images, among three different groups who have competing priorities.
For human rights protestors, it is about morality. Children – some from families seeking political asylum – are held at the converted prison and opponents say that is wrong.
For the 280 people who work there – Corrections Corporation of America employees who say they treat detainees with dignity and respect – it’s about a steady paycheck that will go away if T. Don Hutto does.
And for Williamson County Commissioners it is also to some degree about money ($15,872 per month) as well as a middleman role commissioners are uncomfortable in because they believe it leaves them open to legal liability.
Since county commissioners were the only ones voting on this, their point of view prevailed Tuesday morning.
After taking public input – but offering no comments of their own – commissioners voted 5-0 to modify, but not end, the controversial contractual relationships Williamson County has been in since May 2006.
“The contract is going to end anyway [in January 2009],” Precinct 1 Commissioner Lisa Birkman of Brushy Creek said during a break after the vote.
Birkman, at this point, is the only member of the five-person court who will state she’s leaning toward not renewing the county’s contract with the private jail firm CCA. The others, at least in their public statements, are taking a wait-and-see approach.
She may be gone by the time 2009 rolls around.