Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy didn't hold back on Thursday on how he felt about proposed precinct maps.
"This is ridiculously disgusting," McCoy said.
The distaste is over an issue that's played out over several months in Fort Bend County involving who should represent neighbors in commissioners' court.
The current precinct map was approved four years ago using U.S. Census data. Judge KP George switched to the Republican Party, he said the current map may be illegal because it was influenced by race.
A redistricting committee was created. On Thursday , the chair presented commissioners with five proposals.
Committee chair Jacob Lee said they held two meetings, and four public hearings to create the maps.
"The committee did not stop at simply collecting public comments," Lee explained. "We listened. We amended our original maps to reflect the feedback we received."
Some neighbors disagree. They said the process was more transparent four years ago.
"We didn't have a redistricting committee because there was this thing called COVID," Sumita Ghosh said. "That was happening. It was really physically hard to be together and go over this. We did the best we could."
Others pleaded with commissioners to take advantage of George's party switch.
"I urge all Republican commissioners to vote to at least solidify two Republican precincts," Victor Perez said. "Two strong Republican precincts."
Maps weren't the only item discussed. Leaders are also looking closer at deputy pay.
Last month, Sheriff Eric Fagan warned commissioners that deputies may leave after HPD increased its pay. On Thursday, they voted to create a police pay committee.
"This came about because of the sheriff's concerns about losing his people to other agencies through compensation," Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage explained.
The decision over deputy pay could still be weeks away. As for new a new precinct map, it could be approved on Monday during a special meeting.