Commissioner voices frustration over lack of transparency in emergency services meeting

The Gonzales County Commissioners Court held a special called meeting on December 19, 2024, where significant concerns regarding communication and transparency among county officials were raised. A key discussion point involved frustrations over a recent meeting about radio communications that excluded several commissioners, leading to accusations of a lack of inclusivity and potential violations of the Open Meetings Act.

During the meeting, one commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with how information was shared regarding negotiations with Motorola for radio services. He highlighted that he was unaware of the meeting until he overheard a conversation, emphasizing that all commissioners should have been invited to participate in discussions that impact their responsibilities and the community.

The commissioner criticized the process, stating that decisions made without full participation from all relevant parties could lead to poor outcomes for taxpayers. He called for more open communication and collaboration among the sheriff's department, city officials, and commissioners to ensure that all voices are heard in future discussions.

The meeting underscored the importance of transparency in local government operations, with the commissioner asserting that all stakeholders should be involved in decision-making processes. He warned that if such exclusionary practices continued, he would escalate the issue to higher authorities.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about governance and the need for improved communication within Gonzales County's leadership to better serve the community's interests.