Condemning Colleagues’ Decision to Skip Tarrant County Commissioners Court Meeting

Tarrant County, Texas: Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons has expressed strong disapproval over the decision made by her Republican colleagues on the Commissioners Court to refuse to attend the court meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, effectively canceling it due to a lack of a quorum.

Commissioner Simmons, who was notified by the county administrator Monday night at 7 p.m., called the decision a deliberate attempt to shield the current County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, who is seeking re-election on Tuesday, November 5, from public scrutiny.

The cancellation comes at a critical juncture when Tarrant County residents are facing important choices on the ballot for sheriff. Mr. Patrick Moses is running to defeat Waybourn who has been the subject of intense scrutiny following the deaths of 67 individuals within the Tarrant County Jail during his eight-year tenure.

“There are four agenda items originally set for Tuesday’s meeting that would have highlighted issues around Waybourn’s inept leadership and runaway spending," according to Simmons.

“Let’s be clear: this is an effort to sidestep accountability and shield Waybourn from answering tough questions from the public. However, our constituents deserve transparency. Court members have plenty of time after court meeting for Election Day surrogate campaigning. The polls close at 7 p.m.,” said Simmons.

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.

“Leadership means facing tough questions, not ducking them. My hope is that Tarrant County voters will see through this charade and demand the accountability and integrity they deserve from all of their elected officials.,” according to Simmons.

Key Agenda Items:

F.1. Criminal District Attorney

Consideration to Authorize the Chief of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office’s Civil Division to Execute an Attorney Employment Agreement for Outside Counsel Regarding Anthony Johnson, Sr., et al. v. Tarrant County, Texas, et al., Case No. 4:24-cv-686-O

F. 2-9. Criminal District Attorney

Consideration of an Attorney Employment Agreement Engaging the Firm of Brown & Hofmeister, L.L.P. as Outside Counsel for the Defense of Tarrant County Employees 2-9, listed in a Lawsuit Entitled Anthony R. Johnson, Sr., et al. v. Tarrant County, Texas, et al., Action No. 4:24-cv-686-O

N. Purchasing 5. RFP No. F2024188 - Law Enforcement Training Center

Renovation - Facilities Management-Construction Services - HM & MF Ltd. d/b/a Muckleroy & Falls a) Award Recommendation b) Contract Approval.

XII. BRIEFING

A. Update on the National Institute of Corrections Report from Tarrant County's Sheriff's Office. The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office will update the Commissioners Court on the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Report