Washington County Justice of the Peace Beth Coger is speaking out about what she describes as ongoing issues with transparency, accountability, and leadership at the county level.
In an interview with Conduit News, Coger—now serving her second term on the quorum court—outlined a series of concerns ranging from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) violations to spending decisions and the consolidation of power within county government.
Coger detailed two FOIA lawsuits she filed against the county after meetings were held without public access. She ultimately prevailed in both cases but said the county used taxpayer funds to fight the rulings.
“The people who really paid that are the taxpayers of Washington County,” Coger said.
She also described what she sees as a breakdown in decorum within the quorum court, alleging that members are often discouraged from challenging County Judge Patrick Deakins.
“If you dare cross [the judge] or challenge him… you’re a target,” she said.
Coger pointed to several specific concerns, including the handling of the county law library fund, the removal of a planning board member without a required vote, and the dissolution or reduction of multiple county programs.
Among those, she highlighted cuts to services such as Ozark Regional Transit, the county’s environmental department, and a long-standing HIV clinic that served vulnerable residents.
“These are services that helped some of our most vulnerable people,” she said.
Coger also raised concerns about policy decisions related to zoning, tax abatements, and the proposed Industrial Development Authority, warning they could shift power away from local oversight.
With a county judge runoff election underway, she emphasized how much impact voter turnout can have—especially in local races.
“The last runoff was decided by just 18 votes,” she noted.
Coger encouraged residents to stay informed and engaged, pointing to her weekly newsletter as one way she works to increase transparency around county government.
Key Topics + Time Codes
Background & Entry into Local Government
00:00 – 02:18
- Moved to Washington County in 2015
- Began attending quorum court meetings in 2019
- Now serving second term as JP
Bipartisan Work & Role of Government
02:18 – 04:02
- Emphasis on accountability and stewardship of taxpayer dollars
- Importance of working across party lines
Culture of the Quorum Court
04:59 – 07:13
- Claims of declining decorum and respect
- Allegations of retaliation for dissent
Being Silenced in Meetings
06:18 – 08:00
- Instances of not being recognized to speak
- Use of points of order to challenge rulings
Planning Board Removal Controversy
08:00 – 09:29
- Concerns over removal without required vote
- Questions about process and authority
FOIA Lawsuits & Transparency Battles
09:29 – 13:28
- Lawsuits over closed meetings
- County appeal funded by taxpayers
- Legal victories and implications
Law Library Fund Controversy
19:12 – 23:11
- Spending from dedicated fund
- Questions about oversight and board structure
Dissolution of Committees & Departments
23:32 – 27:45
- Environmental department eliminated
- Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee ended
- Concerns over process and authority
Cuts to Community Services
29:27 – 34:27
- Closure of women’s corrections facility
- Transit funding cut
- HIV clinic funding controversy
Tax Abatements & Development Decisions
36:11 – 38:05
- Ozark Electric tax break concerns
- Impact on schools and taxpayers
Zoning Ordinance Debate
38:28 – 41:54
- Concerns over concentration of power
- Public pushback and revisions
Industrial Development Authority Concerns
41:54 – 44:01
- Potential loss of local control
- Eminent domain and governance issues
Treatment of Elected Officials & Public Impact
46:01 – 48:46
- Claims of disrespect and hostility
- Impact on public participation
Transparency Efforts & Newsletter
50:48 – 53:07
- Weekly updates to constituents
- Goal of increasing public awareness
Runoff Election & Voter Turnout
53:26 – 55:26
- Previous race decided by 18 votes
- Call for voter engagement
