Issues & Solutions - Mike Southerland for County Judge

Brazos County Judge's Citizen Committee on Spending Review

As Brazos County Judge I will establish a temporary Citizen Committee on Spending Review to provide transparency and citizen input on selected county expenditures. The committee is advisory only, operates under Texas open meetings and ethics laws, and will issue a public, non-binding report for Commissioners Court consideration.

Is this a new audit?

No. The Committee does not conduct audits. Audits remain the statutory responsibility of the Brazos County Auditor under Texas law. This Committee is advisory and reviews publicly available information only.

Is this a "shadow government" or parallel authority?

No. The Committee has no authority to make decisions, direct staff, approve spending, or enforce recommendations. All authority remains with the Commissioners Court.

Why is this needed if the County already has an Auditor?

The Auditor ensures legal and accounting compliance. This Committee provides:

Citizen perspective
Policy-neutral review
Transparency and public confidence

It is supplemental, not duplicative.

Can the Committee target specific departments or individuals?

No. The Committee reviews categories of spending and processes—not individuals—and does not evaluate employee performance or personnel matters. It only reviews what is contained in the charging directive.

Are the recommendations binding?

No. All recommendations are non-binding. The Commissioners Court may accept, modify, or reject any recommendation.

Are meetings public?

A committee formed to study an area and give nonbinding recommendations is generally not subject to TOMA if it does not supervise or control public business/policy (i.e., it can't negotiate, direct staff, set criteria that effectively decides outcomes, or otherwise exercise real authority). Texas Attorney General OMA Handbook.

If a majority of elected officials attend a committee meeting that meeting will be subject to all TOMA rules.

How long will this last?

Approximately six months, after which the Committee automatically dissolves unless extended.

How are members selected?

Members, generally nine total, are appointed by the County Judge (5) and Commissioners (1 per) and must meet residency, ethics, and conflict-of-interest requirements.

Legal and Political Safeguards

This Committee has been structured to:

Avoid duplication of statutory audit functions
Prevent interference with county operations
Maintain compliance with ethics and transparency laws
Minimize exposure to Open Meetings Act violations
Avoid personnel or litigation-related risks

Clear limitations on authority and duration reduce long-term risk and politicization.

Media Q&A

Q: Is this investigating wrongdoing?

A: No. The Committee reviews spending practices, not misconduct.

Q: Can this force changes?

A: No. Recommendations are advisory only.

Q: Who controls the Committee?

A: The County Judge appoints members, and the Commissioners Court retains full authority to approve any recommendations.

Q: Will this cost taxpayers money?

A: No additional funding has been authorized.