INTENSE DEBATE SURROUNDS DECISION TO MOVE WASHINGTON CO. PRECINCT 2 J.P. OFFICE TO BRENHAM

  

A unanimous vote by Washington County Commissioners on Tuesday to relocate the office of the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace led to a heated discussion between the court, the former judge of the precinct and his clerk who is now seeking the office.

Commissioners agreed to send a 30-day notice of termination for the current office space at Chappell Hill Sausage and to move the office to the Washington County Courthouse Annex in downtown Brenham.  County Judge John Durrenberger said the request was made by the appointed Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace, Travis Semora, who was not at the meeting but stated in his candidacy announcement last week that the intent was to reduce office downtime and serve as a central location in the county.  Durrenberger also said the new office space would have a restroom, while the office presently does not.

Holly Johnson, who serves as the chief justice clerk for the Justice of the Peace office and is running for election to the JP seat in the March primary against Semora, expressed concerns about safety with the new location, which would be near the offices of the treasurer, auditor and human resources, as well as needing to “fight for courtroom space”.  She also voiced frustration about an interim judge having the ability to make a significant decision that affects many constituents.

Another reason presented as part of the decision to move was the difference in rent.  Durrenberger said the county’s existing lease payment for the Precinct 2 office is $650 per month and was anticipated to go up to $1,200 a month.  By moving to the courthouse annex, the county would not have to pay rent.

The county’s Precinct 4 JP office in Burton was brought up for comparison.  Durrenberger said the base rent for that facility is $1,200, but Johnson said that amount does not include costs such as utilities, whereas the current office in Chappell Hill covers all other costs.  She also stated that Chappell Hill Sausage has indicated it is okay with not raising the rent.  Durrenberger told Johnson she is “making the assumption” that the county is not looking to move any other offices and that it is “not a true assumption.”

Douglas Cone, the former sitting judge in the Precinct 2 office before declaring candidacy for county judge, told Durrenberger to be transparent about this not just being Semora’s decision to move.  Durrenberger acknowledged that while it was Semora’s request which put this in motion, the county has been exploring a move for some time. 

Johnson asked Durrenberger if, after the election and if she is victorious, she would have the authority to request a change in office space since Semora already has that ability now.  Durrenberger said that is something the county would have to address at that time.