Paxton, Travis County agree on terms for transparency laws
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said an agreement was reached Wednesday that would require the Travis County Commissioners Court to comply with government transparency laws.
The final agreement from the AG’s office stemmed from the Commissioners Court authorizing the transfer of county funds for the security of Travis County District Attorney José Garza in November 2024.
In September 2024, Paxton sued the Commissioners Court with violating the Texas Open Meetings Act for “secretly” discussing a measure to allocate money for security services for the personal residence of Garza.
“Government cannot be transparent if its elected leaders secretly vote on important matters that are required by Texas law to be discussed in open meeting,” Paxton said in a press release Wednesday.
Paxton continued, saying the judgment would ensure the Commissioners Court would “abide by all government transparency laws.”
Travis County released the following statement regarding the agreement with Paxton:
“The Travis County Commissioners Court is pleased to reach agreement with the Texas Attorney General regarding the Texas Open Meetings Act. This agreement acknowledges the Court’s belief that they acted in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act for conducting executive closed sessions, and they agree to continue compliance as it has always done. 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.”
Travis County Spokesperson Hector Nieto
KXAN previously reported that the Commissioners Court, in total, authorized $115,000; however, only $64,000 of the approved amount was used to improve security at Garza’s home.
KXAN also reported according to auditor records, “this was the first time county funds were used for ‘security services’ for District Attorney José Garza’s office since he took office in 2021.”