Tarrant County criminal courts administrator resigns as commissioners consider reorganization

Tarrant County Criminal Courts Administrator Gregory Shugart has resigned.

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

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

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

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

A county spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Citizens must always ensure that our constitutional government is in place and that there are three branches of government, and it is important that the judiciary remains independent,” Shugart said.

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