Committee approves ordinance appointing Marsha Woodruff as special official to solemnize marriages

The Washington County Quorum Court County Services Committee on Dec. 2 approved an ordinance appointing Marsha Woodruff as a special official authorized to solemnize marriages in Washington County. Justice Ricker moved the ordinance and Justice Lemming seconded the motion; the committee voted by roll call to advance the ordinance to the full court.

Why it matters: the appointment authorizes an individual to perform marriages under county authority. Committee members clarified whether the appointment is a one-time authorization or ongoing, and whether the official may receive payment for performing ceremonies.

Key clarification and vote Justice Simon asked whether the appointment was a one-time authorization. Justice Ricker clarified: "No. This one's not a 1 time. Okay. This would be a perpetuity type thing. So there's Where she could be in the the law allows the quorum court to appoint special, wedding officiants." Committee members also discussed whether the appointed special official could accept money for performing ceremonies; the committee and counsel distinguished that the ethics rules restricting justices of the peace from receiving funds do not apply to an appointed private special official.

Roll-call and outcome The committee took the vote by roll call. The committee recorded one "no" vote and one abstention; the ordinance passed out of committee to the full quorum court. The committee did not record an ordinance number during the meeting; the item will appear on the full court docket for final action.