On August 27 Fort Bend County Commissioners Court today approved the creation of a Legal Department – Civil Division, establishing a dedicated structure for providing non-litigation civil legal services to the county.

The action is designed to ensure that the day-to-day legal needs of Fort Bend County are handled professionally, impartially, efficiently, and in a timely mannerm regardless of political disagreements or disputes among elected officials, the official statement said.

“This is a win for Fort Bend County and, most importantly, for the people we serve,” Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong said. “County government has a responsibility to keep working. Departments need answers. Projects need to move forward. Taxpayer business cannot grind to a halt because of politics.”

The creation of the new Civil Division is intended to ensure Fort Bend County has consistent, professional, and responsive legal support for the non-litigation civil matters that are part of the county’s day-to-day business. It provides a dedicated path for addressing those legal needs so county departments and officials can continue serving the public efficiently and without unnecessary delay.

The measure does not eliminate the Office of the County Attorney or the statutory duties assigned to that elected office. Instead, it establishes a structure for handling non-litigation legal matters necessary to conduct the county’s business while preserving the County Attorney’s responsibilities established by state law.

“This is about good government,” County Judge Wong said. “Legal advice to the County should be professional and based on the law, not politics. County departments and elected officials should be able to obtain timely legal guidance so they can do their jobs and serve the public.”

The new structure is also intended to provide greater accountability and predictability in the delivery of legal services across county government, officials said. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, Fort Bend County increasingly handles complex contracts, projects, policies, intergovernmental agreements, procurement matters, and other legal issues that require consistent and responsive counsel.

The creation of the Civil Division establishes a long-term framework for delivering county legal services with an emphasis on professionalism, impartiality, efficiency, and timely response, officials said.