Dimmit County accepts resignation of fire chief after dispute over dual roles

A resignation that had simmered for months took a decisive turn when Dimmit County commissioners on Tuesday accepted the voluntary resignation of the county fire chief and county commissioner, a move that followed extended argument about legal conflicts from serving in both positions.

An unidentified commissioner who opened the debate argued the case in legal terms, citing the common-law doctrine of incompatibility under Texas law and saying dual service can create unavoidable conflicts of interest when a commissioner supervises or votes on budgets and policies that affect a department he also leads. "The doctrine prohibits dual public service in cases of self appointment, self employment, and conflict in loyalties," the commissioner said during the meeting, urging the court to prioritize legal compliance and public trust.

Commissioner Alonso Carmona, who had served as both an elected commissioner and as the county's fire chief, said he submitted a resignation after remarks and pressure in prior meetings. In his remarks to the court he said he had written a resignation "on a piece of paper" under pressure but that he would accept the court’s decision. "I am willing to step up. I will resign as of today," he said during his remarks.

The court moved to accept the resignation and voted in favor. The judge opened a related agenda item to advertise an open application process for the county fire chief position; the court approved posting an application period and directed staff to begin recruitment. County counsel advised the court to review the fire-station bylaws and chain-of-command procedures before finalizing any appointment to ensure emergency coverage and to determine whether an interim or holdover arrangement is allowed by those bylaws.

County Attorney Keith Franklin recommended negotiating releases and consulting the bylaws to confirm how resignations and interim coverage should be handled under the department's governance. Franklin also suggested scheduling an emergency meeting if necessary to appoint interim coverage before the next regular court date, to avoid gaps in operational authority.

The court also approved asking for the county fire-station bylaws to be provided to the commission for review and instructed the county attorney to coordinate communications on the matter. The advertisement for the permanent opening was approved so the recruitment process can proceed while counsel reviews the bylaws and any immediate coverage needs.

No criminal or disciplinary action was taken as part of this vote. The court left open the procedural follow-up — bylaw review, advertised recruitment and potential interim coverage — and directed legal staff to manage negotiations and communications going forward.