Several members of Waco’s 41 boards and commissions aren’t attending meetings. Yet many remain in their seats for years without consequence.
The current Democrat candidate for McLennan County Commissioner, Precinct 2 Jeremy Davis attended no Parks and Recreation Commission meetings from October 2022 through June 2024. That number excludes two meetings that didn’t meet quorum, but even if counted those are only two of 14 total meetings. Davis serves on no other city boards or commissions but boasts of his service on his campaign website.
Despite several attempts, Mr. Davis did not respond to a request for comment before publication.
Donis “D.L.” Wilson, Davis’ Republican opponent for county commissioner, was unaware of Davis’ absences.
“I’m going to show up to the meetings. I’m going to be a part of a lot of committees in this area and I just want to bring this precinct two together,” Wilson said. “Once we get in there and we have the authority to do things for the community, I will definitely hop on some boards.”
Only Patrick Listach had a worse attendance record on the same commission. He has not attended a meeting since August 2022, including those that failed to reach quorum.
The Building Inspections Advisory and Appeals Board includes 12 members, yet it hasn’t met since 2020. Their records request response stated, “We will begin the code adoption process soon.”
Even half the city council members have missed several board meetings. Andrea Barefield sits on 11 boards, Alice Rodriguez on seven, and Josh Borderud serves on five. Based on the partial records the city returned, Barefield and Rodriguez have each missed at least 24 meetings since 2022, while Borderud has missed 18.
Only one commission, the Civil Service Commission for Fire and Police, had no absences or cancellations from any members during that same two-year period. That board has two members.
Citizens cannot directly vote these unelected bureaucrats out, as the city council appoints and removes all board and commission members.
While city policy requires each chairman to send a written notice to members who miss two consecutive meetings, excused or not, it is not enforced. The city council may remove anybody who misses over 25 percent of meetings in a year or six months (depending on meeting frequency), but they can also ignore these issues.
Michele Hicks, Waco City Secretary, did not reply to inquiries before publication.
Most citizens do not know about these boards or how much power they wield.
This results in continued vacancies and incumbents remaining in place despite poor attendance.
The issue isn’t contained to Waco.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson missed over 130 hours of city council meetings and 70 percent of DFW International Airport Board meetings. The Houston-Galveston Area Council replaced Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo with new members after she missed over 50 consecutive meetings in four-and-a-half years.
Most members’ terms for Waco’s boards and commissions end after September 30. Citizens may apply for these positions before the new term.
