RICHMOND — Fort Bend County Commissioners Grady Prestage and Dexter McCoy defended their ongoing boycott of Commissioners Court on Wednesday, arguing their absence is driven by legal obligations rather than politics and insisting county business continues through their precinct offices despite the impasse.
During a community meeting at the Historic Courthouse, the commissioners updated residents on mobility bond projects, precinct parks initiatives and the legal dispute surrounding Interim County Judge Daniel Wong’s authority to continue presiding over Commissioners Court.
The meeting came during the third week of the commissioners’ boycott, which they say is necessary because participating in meetings chaired by Wong could expose Fort Bend County to legal risk.
McCoy devoted much of his remarks to explaining the legal rationale behind the boycott. He said legal guidance from the Fort Bend County Attorney’s Office concluded Wong’s temporary appointment ended when the civil lawsuit that resulted in his appointment was dismissed.
“As a sworn officer of Commissioners Court and Fort Bend County, it is my intention to adhere to the legal guidance given by the county’s chief legal officer,” McCoy said. “Therefore, I will not participate in any action that may be tainted by the unauthorized participation of Daniel Wong.”
McCoy argued Wong’s continued participation in Commissioners Court places county actions at risk of legal challenge. He said the dispute is not about preventing county government from operating but about removing Wong from the dais until the courts resolve his authority.
According to McCoy, Commissioners Court could continue meeting with the county’s four elected commissioners without Wong presiding over the meetings. He said Wong could continue performing ceremonial duties, such as issuing proclamations, while allowing the court to conduct its regular business without the legal questions surrounding his participation.
“As a fiduciary officer of Fort Bend County, it is my duty to prevent and limit risk to Fort Bend County and its residents,” McCoy said.
Prestage echoed that argument, saying the court does not require Wong’s participation to conduct county business.
“The Commissioners Court can function with four members,” Prestage said.
Prestage said Wong is the sixth county judge he has served with during his tenure on Commissioners Court. As the court’s senior member, he said he has presided over meetings for roughly 25 years whenever an elected county judge was absent.
“We can function,” Prestage said.
He told residents that most Commissioners Court votes are unanimous because commissioners and county staff spend the week reviewing agenda items, researching issues and resolving questions before they reach the courtroom.
“We pay the bills. That’s what we do,” Prestage said. “We are full-time employees. We have capable and competent staff, and we have all week to research the issues, understand what they are and, when we come to the court, prepare to vote.”
He argued that county government continues operating every day through county departments and precinct offices, even as the dispute over Wong’s authority has prevented two commissioners from attending court sessions.
“As a matter of principle, why would you risk all the actions that you take for a personal agenda?” Prestage said, referring to Wong’s continued participation in Commissioners Court.
Most residents who spoke during public comment supported the commissioners’ position.
