Tarrant County criminal courts administrator quits as commissioners consider reorganization

Tarrant County Criminal Courts Administrator Gregory Shugart has resigned.

Shugart said Friday that he has decided to step down after 12 years, believing it to be the best path forward for him and the 21 elected judges.

Shugart said his job required him to provide the tools, supplies and resources the judges need to operate an efficient court system.

County commissioners voted in April to consider a proposal to reorganize the administration of the criminal courts.

“The committee created by Commissioners Court on April 2, 2024, continues to meet and discuss the reorganization of Criminal Courts Administration. The committee’s report will be transmitted to Commissioners Court for their consideration as a part of the 2025 budget process,” Bill Hanna a spokesperson for the county told the Star-Telegram in a statement Friday.

Before the vote to study a reorganization, the county proposed eliminating Shugart’s job by Oct. 1 and predicted it would save $174,000.

”The citizens, should always ensure that our constitutional government is in place and that there are three branches of government, and it’s important the judiciary remains independence,” Shugart said.

County Judge Tim O’Hare could not be immediately reached for comment.