Fort Bend County commissioners boycott could soon impact the county's finances

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) -- Despite two Fort Bend County commissioners not showing up for nearly two months, nothing has stopped. However, commissioners were told that changes would occur next month.

The frustration over two missing Fort Bend County commissioners began outside the historic courthouse on Thursday, when around 15 people rallied in support of interim County Judge Daniel Wong. It continued inside when Commissioners Grady Prestage and Dexter McCoy didn't show up again.

One neighbor took to the podium looking for McCoy. "Commissioner McCoy, your constituent needs to speak to you," he said.

The two Democratic members of the court haven't attended a meeting in nearly two months. Since then, the three Republican members have been able to hold meetings and conduct votes.

Three commissioners are enough for a quorum, but to vote on a tax rate, they need one more.

"Now, one thing we want to make clear, if we don't have four present for the Sept. 10 adoption of the tax rate, then this is not going to be the tax rate we end up with," Commissioner Andy Meyers asked county staff.

"Yes, sir, that's correct," the staff member answered.

On Thursday, the three commissioners approved the proposed tax rate for a new budget. That's all they were able to do; to set a new one, they need one more member.

If the rate remains the same, commissioners were told they'll receive less taxpayer money, which could impact road and park projects and county employee raises.

The concern, the Democratic members say, is the legal questions surrounding Wong. After a civil complaint that had put him in that position was dismissed, the county attorney filed suit to remove him.

On Thursday, ABC13 reached out to Prestage's office and has not received a response as of publication.

McCoy sent a statement:

"Daniel Wong's vote is not necessary to pay bills or pave roads. His failure to produce a legal order or excuse himself from critical votes continues to hold our county hostage and risks financial calamity. His selfishness continues to harm our county and our residents each and every day. What's more, visiting Judge Jeth Jones's refusal to grant Daniel Wong's request to affirm his authority furthers the legal questions surrounding Wong's appointment."

The legal fight that goes from the historic courthouse to the courtroom is moving forward, as a key hearing and trial to determine Wong's role are scheduled for a date after the county's budget is set.

Wong told ABC13 he has no plans to sit on the sidelines during the legal process. He said unless a judge decides he can't remain, he'll continue to show up to meetings.

"Our job is to show up to work, meet those challenges, plan for the future, protect taxpayers and continue delivering the services our residents expect," Wong said during Thursday's meeting.

A legal fight that hasn't slowed down business yet, but it could soon impact how much taxpayer money the county can collect.