Regional Transportation official Michael Morris reinstated after court challenge; Parker County to consider letter of support

Parker County Commissioners Court heard an update on the Regional Transportation Council staffing dispute, including a recent court ruling that reinstated Michael Morris. The judgeannounced that Morris had been terminated by the Council of Governments but a Denton County lawsuit led to a Tarrant County judge finding the COG lacked authority to terminate him; as a result, Morris "was immediately put back in the position" in which he had served for decades.

County leaders said Morris has been central to securing federal and state funding for local projects. Judge Protea said he wants the court to consider a formal letter of support for Morris at a future meeting, noting the projects and funding streams the county has gained through Morriswork. County counsel clarified the legal posture and urged the court to use the temporary window while Morris is available as a consultant. "That lawsuit was heard, ironically, in Tarrant County, last week, and the judge ruled that the cog had no authority to terminate mister Morris," a county attorney said during the update.

The court did not take immediate action but asked staff to place a letter-of-support item on a future agenda so the full court can vote. Commissioners said they want to preserve momentum on large projects that Morris helped advance, including federal funding for I-20 frontage improvements and related regional work.