On March 17, 2025, the Quorum Court met and passed a Rules and Procedures ordinance. This ordinance outlines how the Quorum Court conducts itself and passes other ordinances. It’s required by law and is the first step toward passing a budget – something that should have been done before January.
On March 20, 2025, County Judge Gerald Robinson vetoed the ordinance.
Judge Robinson’s veto stated: “Out of an abundance of Caution and because of numerous attempted violations of separation of authority, and Information violation. I hereby Veto Ordinance 2025-8.”
I’ve linked Judge Robinson’s letter and the vetoed ordinance below.
So, what’s the County Judge’s issue with the ordinance? Simply put, it limits his control over legislative matters – control he shouldn’t have in the first place. The County Judge represents the executive branch of our local government. The Justices of the Peace make up the legislative branch. They hold all the legislative power, except for the ability to veto, which belongs to the Judge.
But under Judge Robinson’s version of the Rules and Procedures ordinance, he would control which ordinances the court is even allowed to vote on. He could stack committees so that if something he disagrees with makes it to a vote, his five-member “goon squad” could kill it before it ever reaches the full court.
So, when he goes on the radio and blames the majority of the Quorum Court for trying to strip him of power, know that they’re simply working to keep the County Judge in his lane. He can’t legislate, and they can’t execute. But he wants all the power of all branches of government – and that’s not how this works.
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