Aransas County disapproves hiring independent courthouse inspectors after heated debate

Aransas County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to disapprove hiring independent inspection consultants under section 13.4.2 of the county's contract with Teal Construction Company, saying the county should first complete targeted repairs and pursue inspections later in the closeout process.

The decision came after residents, contractors and company representatives disputed whether additional outside inspections would help resolve the courthouse's outstanding issues or only increase costs and the risk of litigation.

The vote was introduced as a motion to disapprove hiring independent inspectors and to direct the architect to take action identified in inspection 13.4.0.2; the motion passed on a roll call with all members voting aye.

In public comment, Mikaela Alston, a Rockport resident, said the county had been “misled and misdirected by key individuals and firms” at…