APPOINTED WASHINGTON CO. PRECINCT 2 J.P. DEFENDS MOVE OF OFFICE FROM CHAPPELL HILL TO BRENHAM

  

The appointed judge for Washington County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace spoke during Washington County Commissioners Court on Monday to defend the decision to relocate the JP office space from Chappell Hill to Brenham.

Travis Semora, who was sworn in last month to fulfill Douglas Cone’s unexpired term, stated that the office’s move from Chappell Hill Sausage to the Washington County Courthouse Annex, Suite 100 in downtown Brenham is scheduled for January 12^th.  The move was approved unanimously by commissioners last week, but was accompanied by tense discussion between them, Cone, and the office’s chief justice clerk, Holly Johnson, who is running against Semora in the March primary.

Semora stated that one of the reasons he sought the move to the new space was a desire to do away with any concerns about possible “conflict of interest” with the existing office space, given Cone’s business ties to Chappell Hill Sausage.  A larger factor for Semora, though, is the new office’s more central location to residents of all parts of the precinct, with him noting that those living in the far southwest corner of the precinct, like in the Wesley community, have a much shorter travel time to Brenham versus to Chappell Hill.  

Semora said the new office’s close proximity to the courthouse will cut down on times where the office is left unattended due to the judge being out on official business and the clerk needing to deliver documents to the courthouse or the post office.  He also said it would reduce travel expenses associated with those trips from Chappell Hill to Brenham.

Additionally, Semora cited Texas Government Code section 27.051 that allows the commissioners court to, if requested by the justice, provide and furnish a space in the courthouse or another facility for the justice to hold court.

Last week, Johnson presented concerns about safety at the new location, which would be near the offices of the treasurer, auditor and human resources.  She also voiced frustration about an interim judge having the ability to make such a significant decision about how the office operates.

Semora told commissioners that he has visited with the sheriff’s office and information technology department about addressing matters to make the new office space more appropriate, including for security and privacy.  He also wishes to maintain 24-hour access to the office in the event of needing to conduct business after hours. 

Precinct 2 Commissioner Candice Bullock said that, while any location will have its own advantages and disadvantages, she agreed with the logistical reasons for wanting to move the office to Brenham.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the court:

• Approved an updated interlocal agreement between the county and City of Brenham to advocate and promote tourism programs and services.  Commissioner Kirk Hanath said the main changes pertain to the process of reviewing and awarding hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds, as there will no longer be an eligibility committee separate from the tourism grant funding committee.  In related action, commissioners approved updates to the bylaws of the Tourism Advisory Board of the city and county.
• Approved a joint resolution granting the election administrator authority to contract with the Washington County Republican and Democratic Parties for a joint primary election in 2026.  Approved a payment processing agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Inc. for electronic payment services. 
• Heard monthly reports from the sheriff’s office, county and district clerks, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor-collector, treasurer, constables, elections and veterans services.