Commissioners were discussing whether to approve a seven-year tax abatement for the agricultural supply company NeuAg to expand its Clute fertilizer plant.
Judge Matt Sebesta referenced emails he received from those opposed to the abatement, which he said were riddled with inaccuracies.
"I'm gonna say it's kind of like the kid on the short bus that likes to eat boogers talks everybody else into eating boogers, and so they all copy the booger-eating champion on the short bus," Sebesta said.
Hours after Eyewitness News asked Sebesta about the comments Friday, he released a statement apologizing for the remarks.
"I used a very poor analogy while discussing how quickly false information can be politicized and spread on social media," the statement read. "I deeply regret my choice of words and sincerely apologize to anyone I offended or hurt."
The words still sting for Nicole Stayton, whose son has autism.
"These kids go through a lot of scrutiny and for them to be scrutinized by a local official is not okay on any level ever," Stayton said.
Eyewitness News reached out to all four county commissioners.
Commissioner David Linder said he was "shocked" and "disappointed" by the judge's comments.
"I found the comments concerning members of the public to be inappropriate and offensive, and I understand the frustration and anger they have caused within our community," Commissioner Jay Burridge said in a statement.
"I neither agree or condone the comments made about the citizens of Brazoria County and I will address it at our next meeting," a statement from Commissioner Stacy Adams reads.
But Stayton says the response should have been immediate.
"The people that were standing in that courtroom with him, the commissioners, should have said something and stood up and proclaimed for what was right," she said.
Sebesta declined Eyewitness News' request for an interview.
His term expires at the end of the year, and he isn't seeking re-election.