TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — There will not be a quorum for the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court on Tuesday, which is also Election Day.
WFAA learned Monday that Commission Chair Judge Tim O’Hare, Gary Fickes and Manny Ramirez had informed county officials they would not be in attendance.
Tuesday's agenda contained several high-profile items to discuss related to the Tarrant County Jail. Commissioners were scheduled to hear from Sheriff Bill Waybourn about his report from the Department of Justice clearing his agency of any discrepancies surrounding jail operations after he reportedly opened the jail to federal scrutiny.
More than 60 deaths have been reported at the county jail since Waybourn was elected Sheriff in 2017. Waybourn defended the record saying that some of the deaths are a result of natural causes and people entering the jail with pre-existing conditions.
Tarrant County Commissioners were also scheduled to vote on paying for the defense of the jailers facing lawsuits related to the death of inmate Anthony Johnson. Johnson died from positional and chemical asphyxia after he was pepper sprayed and a knee put on his back. Two jailers have been fired and charged with murder.
Commissioners also were scheduled to decide on the legal representation for more than a half dozen other jailers named in the Johnson lawsuit.
Waybourn is up for reelection on Nov. 5 as voters decide between him and Democratic candidate Patrick Moses.
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons released a statement about the cancellation.
"By choosing to break quorum, and deciding to skip the meeting mere hours before Election Day, Simmons believes her colleagues are abdicating their responsibilities to the voters who entrusted them to serve the best interests of Tarrant County.
This is more than just a canceled meeting—it is an affront to the people of Tarrant County and a clear example of why public trust in government must be earned, not manipulated.,” said Simmons.
Commissioner Simmons reaffirms her commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability, and vows to continue pushing for answers regarding Waybourn’s record and the management of the Tarrant County Jail."
