(Texas Scorecard) – The saga surrounding taxpayer-funded security for Jose Garza, Travis County’s far-left district attorney, grows stranger by the day with plans for a new agency to oversee his security.
According to KVUE, budget documents reveal that the county is preparing to establish a new agency to protect both elected and appointed county officials as well as employees. The agency is initially expected to receive a budget of $1.8 million, which will cover equipment purchases, operating costs, and salaries.
Garza has been receiving security from county constables since February following the disclosure of his home address on social media. This was in addition to undisclosed “security services” purchased from a private company in Houston.
While the deployment of additional security for the district attorney is understandable according to local government watchdog Bill Aleshire, the county’s recent moves have been accompanied by an unusual level of secrecy.
“I think it is helpful for it to be public information that they have a program like that,” explained watchdog and former Travis County judge Aleshire. “Clearly, no elected official should be threatened in doing their job, and they need to know they will be protected. That’s a good goal, but behind that goal, you’ve got to say what is it going to take to do this right.”
As reported in August, commissioners approved $115,000 in undisclosed “security improvements” at the district attorney’s home in March. This was done in an executive session—which does not allow for public viewing—and might have violated the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Then, earlier this month, Travis County sued the Texas Attorney General to conceal costs related to the expenditure of the Houston company involved in Garza’s security.
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.
According to KVUE, these moves are unprecedented for large, urban counties in Texas. Concerned Travis County taxpayers can contact County Judge Andy Brown at (512) 854-9555.