Fort Bend County commissioners back to work, but concerns over judge's seat remain

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County business resumed on Thursday, but the fight over who's in charge is far from over.

After failing to reach a quorum at last week's commissioners court meeting, enough members appeared in person on Thursday. Because of that, commissioners were able to meet for the first time in a few weeks.

There was more than debate, votes, and discussion at Thursday's Fort Bend County commissioners court meeting. There was clearly frustration between commissioners and the county attorney's office.

"We're still going to have to conduct county business whether you want to or not," Commissioner Andy Meyers told the county attorney's office.

This was the first time the commissioners court had a quorum since the county attorney filed a lawsuit to remove interim Judge Daniel Wong. County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson has argued from the beginning that because the civil case that appointed him to the position was dropped, he's no longer the judge.

Wong disagrees and is waiting on a court to decide, filing a lawsuit of his own. It is a legal fight that's left two seats empty at commissioners court.

RELATED: Fort Bend County business hits a standstill as the legal battle over county judge begins

Commissioners Dexter McCoy and Grady Prestage have missed the last three meetings.

"They don't show up because they're playing political games," county judge spokesperson Bobby Eberle said. "This is all it is, with this being a political game. Protesting but not representing their constituents."

Both Prestage and McCoy sent letters to the clerk's office explaining that they won't attend because of the county attorney's advice. The county attorney said the concern is that if a judge rules against Wong and he participates in votes before that, those decisions could be challenged.

That's why McCoy says he's not attending meetings.

"It's frustrating because I ran for office to go make sure I can do my job and deliver for my residents, and now I'm being prevented from doing that because someone wants to hang onto a title to which they weren't elected," McCoy explained.

Wong's attorneys said he's legally allowed to be there until a judge tells him otherwise. Until then, he plans to go to meetings.

Right now, three members are enough for a quorum. However, next month, as they discuss the budget, they need four members to set a tax rate.

McCoy said that if the legal cases aren't settled, he won't show up.

"If we have meetings that are being called by someone who doesn't have the authority to call that, that's a problem," McCoy said. "If we take action to vote on a budget and all of that could be thrown out. Why are we wasting the people's time?"

So far, no court date has been set for the county attorney's lawsuit against Wong. However, this week, there was movement in the civil case that put Wong in this position.

Although the case was dropped in June, the person who filed suit has asked the judge to remove Wong this month. The judge in the case set a hearing for next week.

SEE ALSO: Does Fort Bend County have a judge? It depends on who you ask