Williamson County Commissioners Court members this week approved a $2.5 million settlement in a lawsuit stemming from an arrest by sheriff’s deputies aired on the since-canceled “Live PD” reality show.
County leaders also gave a thumbs up to renewing a contract for the operation of a tennis center.
The settlement involving resident Gary Watsky considered this week by commissioners is linked to a case during the tenure of former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody.
Watsky took the sheriff and some of his deputies to court alleging law-enforcement officials lacked a warrant in May 2019 when they forced their way into his home, held him at gunpoint and took his son, Asher Watsky, into custody.
The elder Watsky during a previous courthouse hearing argued his son could have been arrested with less drama rather than in the aggressive manner depicted on camera for the A&E show “Live PD.”
The settlement comes three years after the county agreed to pay $5 million to the family of Javier Ambler, a 40-yearold man who died during a March 2019 arrest while complaining he was unable to breathe while held down on the pavement.
Ambler was pulled over by Williamson County deputies for failing to dim his high beams as “Live PD” cameras rolled.
In other news, commissioners approved a one-year contract with RippnerTennis for management of playing courts and a pro shop despite complaints of mismanagement by several residents.
Barbara McGary last week aired her concerns over operations by RippnerTennis, which she said limits playing time for community matches over professional ones.
At this week’s meeting, McGary presented a 200-signature and asked commissioners not to renew the agreement with RippnerTennis. The company manages the eight tennis courts at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park as part of a contract started in 2017.
After listening to McGary, County Judge Bill Gravell took action.
“I’ll make a motion that we adopt the agreement today for the renewal of this contract extension for one year, with the caveat being understood that you will go back and work with these folks to see if there are areas we can improve,” Gravell said.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey seconded the motion, and the measure passed unanimously. In an emailed statement to the Taylor Press before the vote, owner Brie Rippner vowed to make improvements.
“We are committed to providing a positive experience at Williamson County Regional Park, and our team is actively collaborating with Williamson County Parks Department and the community to ensure that players of all ages and skill levels can fully enjoy the sport of tennis,” she wrote. “We are committed to fostering a positive environment for everyone.”
