'Too much': Fort Bend County neighbors sound off on proposed trip
On Thursday, it wasn't recently convicted Fort Bend County Judge KP George that drew anger during public comment at the commissioners' court meeting. The frustration from speakers focused on a proposed trip.
"To get to go to Maui? Give me a break," Fort Bend County resident Linda Mixon said. "And take how many employees?"
On the agenda were plans to send eight county employees to the National Organization of Black County Officials weeklong economic conference in Maui, Hawaii in May. One of those looking to go was Commissioner Grady Prestage.
"At some point, you have stop spending money," Fort Bend County resident Evelyn Montoval said. "Maybe you should get some housewives in here that run a really tight ship on a shoestring budget and show you where to cut."
According to the agenda, Prestage wanted to bring four of his precinct two staffers. He wasn't the only elected official looking to go.
County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen Turner asked to go too, and bring one of her employees. There was another county worker on the agenda requesting to go.
There was no vote on the proposed trip. It was pulled before the meeting started.
What we know about the potential taxpayer cost
The agenda, or attachments, don't show how much the trip would've cost taxpayers. We were able to get an idea of some of the costs from the conference's website.
It shows registration fees for the event for non-members is $1,250. The host hotel's website shows full price rooms during the timeframe of the conference are about $630 per night.
The organization's website said cheaper rooms are available, but they have to be booked by March 31st.
The agenda shows the county employees planned to spend six nights in Maui. For eight people, just registration fees and hotel costs could total more than $40,000.
Election officials refuse to answer ABC13's questions
After Thursday's meeting, ABC13 contacted Prestage's office. On Friday, ABC13 also reached out to Turner.
Eyewitness News wanted to know how much the trip would cost taxpayers, the benefits, and if they planned to bring the item back to a future agenda.
Turner did not immediately respond. Prestage's office got back to ABC13 on Friday, saying he wouldn't provide a comment.
Commissioners will meet again on April 9th.
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