The saga surrounding security costs for Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza took another series of twists and turns this week.
According to KVUE, Garza has sued Attorney General Ken Paxton to conceal details of $115,000 in expenditures on undisclosed security ‘improvements’ at the district attorney’s home. Garza claims disclosure could threaten his safety.
Paxton’s office had previously ruled in favor of media outlets that had requested the records under the Texas Public Information Act.
The current lawsuit follows an action taken last month by commissioners to re-approve the expenditure following accusations that its original approval in March violated the Texas Open Meetings Act. That original expenditure had already become the subject of dueling lawsuits.
Travis County is also exploring the creation of an entirely new agency to oversee security for county officials.
To summarize, Travis County has now taken the following measures related to DA Garza’s security:
- Undisclosed “security improvements” at the DA’s home.
- Deploying county constables at the DA’s home.
- Hiring a private company to provide additional “security services” for the DA.
- Creation of an entirely new law enforcement agency to provide security for all county officials and employees.
Several of these actions are now the subject of lawsuits with the attorney general’s office.
Concerned Travis County taxpayers can contact County Judge Andy Brown at (512) 854-9555.
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