Jasper City Council Special Meeting Tackles JEDCO Questions, Legal Opinions, and Board Appointments

Photos and Video by Rita Shipp

Full Meeting Video

JASPER, Texas — A dispute over legal opinions and council authority took center stage Friday night as the Jasper City Council held a special meeting to revisit its July 28 vote, weigh its power over JEDCO board members, and seat three new directors.

All council members were present, with the exception of District 3 Councilmember DeMarcus J. Holmes, who joined via video call and was visible and audible to both the council and the public.

Much of the evening focused on two legal opinions delivered by City Attorney Billy Morian III earlier in the week.

The first opinion clarified that Holmes’ participation in the July 28 council meeting did not meet Texas Open Meetings Act requirements because of technical issues with his video connection. Morian explained that Holmes should be considered absent during any portion of that meeting when visibility standards were not met, and that votes cast by him in that timeframe should not be counted. However, votes by other members remained valid.

The second opinion addressed the council’s authority over JEDCO board members. Morian affirmed that under Texas law, the City Council has the power to remove JEDCO board members at any time, with or without cause. Importantly, he stressed that while removal is discretionary, it is not a legal obligation—even in cases where a board member’s actions may conflict with JEDCO’s mission. Still, he cautioned that keeping problematic members could expose the city to reputational harm, loss of community trust, or even litigation.

The opinions sparked sharp debate among council members. Councilmember Angel McCroskey questioned why Mayor Clark McLane sought an additional legal review after the council had already voted on July 28. McLane responded that he wanted legal clarity, saying he asked for the opinion to ensure the council’s actions were based in law, not just differing viewpoints.

During public comment, Bill Grant, one of the newly seated JEDCO members, was the sole speaker. He announced that he has scheduled the first meeting of the restructured board for Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. inside Jasper City Hall. Grant told the council that the meeting has been posted at City Hall, online, and in the press, and said he looked forward to working with fellow members to “strive for Jasper”.

The council also voted to approve three new appointments to the JEDCO Board of Directors: Terrya Norsworthy, Keith Scott, and Derek Seastrunk.

With tensions still evident, council members called for clearer rules on how and when legal opinions are delivered, including a proposal that attorneys’ guidance be provided at least 72 hours before scheduled meetings.

The special session closed with a reminder that JEDCO’s future will hinge on rebuilding public confidence and ensuring Jasper’s economic development efforts remain accountable, consistent, and in line with state law.