Regional Transportation Council joins lawsuit in hope to rehire fired director, protect staffing decisions

The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has allocated $5 million for legal expenses and joined a lawsuit filed by Denton County officials to rehire longtime transportation director Michael Morris, who was fired by NCTCOG CEO Todd Little. The RTC argues that the lawsuit aims to change the Metropolitan Planning Organization structure in North Texas, giving the RTC the authority to hire and fire transportation department staffers, rather than the council of governments. The RTC contends that Morris, who served for 35 years, was fired without proper explanation and that the council of governments has overstepped its legal authority. The RTC's actions are supported by officials from Denton County and others who believe the council of governments has acted beyond its legal powers. The RTC also plans to adopt a new agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation that would give it control over the MPO director and staff, similar to agreements in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. The RTC's decision comes as the FIFA World Cup approaches in Arlington, and officials are concerned about potential transportation disruptions.

(Source：Fort Worth Report)