GEORGETOWN — Precinct 4 Constable Paul Leal told Williamson County commissioners they would shortchange residents if they move his office out of Taylor as a cost-saving measure.
Commissioners recently discussed the possibility of relocating Leal and Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Rhonda Redden, also in Taylor, to the Precinct 1 J.B. and Hallie Jester Annex building in Round Rock.
Leal raised an outcry during the Sept. 16 commissioners’ meeting.
“To move (us) west is a huge disservice to those residents out there (in Precinct 4),” Leal said.
The elected lawman noted much of Precinct 4 has small police departments and volunteer fire departments often asking for assistance from his office.
Sometimes while waiting for medical help to arrive, Leal and his deputies have often started lifesaving measures, something they could not do if they were stationed in Round Rock, he told commissioners.
“I don’t care if it will save the county (money), you can’t put a price on life,” Leal said.
During an earlier meeting on Sept. 9, commissioners contemplated moving some county offices to save money, sparking a heated discussion between Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook and Precinct 2’s Cynthia Long, with the latter supporting the initiative.
“It’s never going to happen,” Cook told Long. Invoking “The Godfather” movie, Cook said she would “go to the mattresses” over the issue.
The matter has not been added to the agenda for a vote and for now remains an item up for debate only.
The court meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at 710 S. Main St.
Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.
