Frontlines

Bills paid but no check register OKed

SAN ANGELO — The Public Housing Authority commissioners have not approved a major purchase in at least 18 months even though the bylaws require pre-approval of amounts over $5,000, the San Angelo Standard-Times reported.

The newspaper reported the discrepancy after filing an open records request and reviewing meeting agendas and minutes for the last year and a half.

Local auditors are scrutinizing the authority’s spending habits and have found several substantial purchases in the check register including payments of $30,581.60 and $24,340, the Standard-Times reported.

East Texas judge issues gag order in slaying case

NEW CHAPEL HILL — A state district judge issued a gag order affecting anyone involved in the case of a 38-year-old mother accused of bashing to death her two sons, ages 8 and 6, and wounding her 18-month-old son, who was found beaten and bloody with a pillow over his mouth in his crib, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

Reporters were allowed to question the Smith County district attorney briefly at a news conference but only within the confines of the gag order. Reporters gathered much of the information about the case from an arrest affidavit.

Board calls off tour after meeting questioned

TYLER — The Smith County Juvenile Board canceled plans to tour the county’s future detention center and office after the Tyler Morning Telegraph raised concerns that the tour might violate the Open Meetings Act.

The board, which consists of district and court at law judges, altered its plans so that a quorum would not be present at one time but eventually canceled the tour altogether after the newspaper voiced more concerns.

Hays judge bumps item from meeting agenda

SAN MARCOS — The Hays County judge removed an item from the court’s agenda saying it had nothing to do with county business, the Wimberley View reported.

The commissioner, who placed the item regarding groundwater districts, said the judge’s action violated the Open Meetings Act.

However the judge questioned the commissioner’s interpretation and said county operating guidelines give his office authority over preparation of the agenda.

The court has been very cautious with wording on agenda items since a successful open meetings lawsuit in May 2000 brought by citizen watchdogs the Hays County Water Planning Partnership.

However, the 3rd Court of Appeals last month reversed a lower court ruling on that suit and found that the Hays County commissioners did not violate the meetings act.

The court did find the county’s transportation plan invalid because it had been changed after final adoption.

A&M seeks ruling on budget papers

BRYAN — Texas A&M University sought an attorney general’s opinion on whether budget plans sought by The Eagle were public information.

The newspaper in April requested copies of budget plans showing how individual colleges would cut spending based on a projected $12.5 billion state budget shortfall.

The college contends the documents are internal memos that are protected by privilege.