Latest news with #TravisCountyCommissionersCourt
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Paxton, Travis County agree on terms for transparency laws
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said an agreement was reached Wednesday that would require the Travis County Commissioners Court to comply with government transparency laws. The final agreement from the AG's office stemmed from the Commissioners Court authorizing the transfer of county funds for the security of Travis County District Attorney José Garza in November 2024. In September 2024, Paxton sued the Commissioners Court with violating the Texas Open Meetings Act for 'secretly' discussing a measure to allocate money for security services for the personal residence of Garza. RELATED | Travis County sues Paxton to avoid releasing records about DA security 'Government cannot be transparent if its elected leaders secretly vote on important matters that are required by Texas law to be discussed in open meeting,' Paxton said in a press release Wednesday. Paxton continued, saying the judgment would ensure the Commissioners Court would 'abide by all government transparency laws.' Travis County released the following statement regarding the agreement with Paxton: 'The Travis County Commissioners Court is pleased to reach agreement with the Texas Attorney General regarding the Texas Open Meetings Act. This agreement acknowledges the Court's belief that they acted in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act for conducting executive closed sessions, and they agree to continue compliance as it has always done. This agreement balances public transparency with security concerns like those permitted for discussion in executive closed session, thereby protecting our employees and elected and appointed officials.' Travis County Spokesperson Hector Nieto RELATED | Travis County DA reveals threats against him, reasons for security requests KXAN previously reported that the Commissioners Court, in total, authorized $115,000; however, only $64,000 of the approved amount was used to improve security at Garza's home. KXAN also reported according to auditor records, 'this was the first time county funds were used for 'security services' for District Attorney José Garza's office since he took office in 2021.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Commissioners, AG Ken Paxton settle open government lawsuit over Jose Garza security
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Travis County commissioners have settled an open government lawsuit over a decision last year to use taxpayer money to make security enhancements to the home of Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza. Paxton sued commissioners in September after the American-Statesman reported that they used a vague, non-descript agenda item to route $115,000 to Garza's budget for his safety, including to his residence. The use of public money for security improvements to an official's home was a highly unusual public expense with no policy about how and when the county funds such projects. Paxton said in the suit that commissioners violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by not adequately notifying the public about the expense. "The public was deprived of the opportunity to comment on the proposal," Paxton said. Paxton brought the suit on behalf of Travis County residents Craig Staley, Courtney Pore, Kimberly Brienzi, and Douglas P. Keenan. Commissioners took corrective action a month after the suit, voting again on the item on Oct. 22 with clearer language. Commissioners did not acknowledge a violation of state open government laws in the settlement, but agreed that they would comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act. "Government cannot be transparent if its elected leaders secretly vote on important matters that are required by Texas law to be discussed in an open meeting," Paxton said. "This judgement requires the Travis County Commissioners Court to abide by all government transparency laws." Travis County commissioners released a statement through spokesman Hector Nieto that said they are pleased to reach an agreement with Paxton, which "acknowledges the court's belief that they acted in accordance with requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act for conducting executive closed sessions. "This agreement balances public transparency with security concerns like those permitted for discussion in executive closed session, thereby protecting our employees and elected and appointed officials," the statement said. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Travis County commissioners, Texas attorney general settle lawsuit
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Travis County recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, Travis County approved a proclamation to help bring awareness to National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is in April. 'Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive environment, and it takes all of us to make that a reality,' said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. According to officials, 1,787 children were victims of abuse and neglect in Travis County in 2024, which is why the Travis County Commissioners Court issued the special proclamation. There were more than 6,700 Child Protective Services investigations in Travis County last year. Travis County officials said they want to honor professionals, volunteers, and organizations that work to protect children, as well as highlight the importance of communities working together to promote the well-being of children and families. Tuesday's proclamation featured remarks from Travis County Judge Andy Brown, District Attorney Jose Garza, Sheriff Sally Hernandez, and other local leaders who spoke on their dedication to preventing child abuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Travis County commissioners approve $1 million for housing loan fund
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve $1 million for the Austin Community Foundation's Housing Accelerator Loan Fund. The fund is used to help housing developers access fast, flexible and low-cost capital to build more housing units faster, according to the press release. The fund invests in different types of affordable housing from workforce housing to housing for the homeless to homeownership. The county said the Austin Community Foundation to date has raised $18 million for the Housing Accelerator Fund from both public and private sources. The press release said the Accelerator Loan is designed for long-term impact. Loan repayments by housing developers are recycled back into the fund. This one-time investment by Travis County will, therefore, support the financing of affordable housing developments in the county over the long term. 'Travis County has committed in recent years to take bold action to address the affordability crisis,' said Jeff Travillion, Travis County commissioner for Precinct 1. 'This partnership with Austin Community Foundation is an important step in doing so, allowing for a much-needed and nimble approach to addressing financing gaps in the affordable housing space.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
