Ashby outlines county recovery push after square fire, trust concerns

Ray Ashby is heading into the Precinct 4 commissioner's seat with a promise to rebuild trust, help with recovery and prepare Coryell County for future generations, at a moment when residents are still dealing with the courthouse square fire and the fallout from a Texas Rangers investigation. Once he is sworn in on Jan. 1, 2027, Ashby will join the Coryell County Commissioners Court and help shape county spending, road work and precinct-level services.

Ashby said the change he campaigned on will not happen overnight, but he believes the county can still shift its tone over the next few years if the court stays focused. He also said he hopes the new leaders can cooperate early before taking office, after voters changed three of the county’s five top elected positions in the May 26 Republican runoff. Rob Erwin won the county judge race, Tully Meyer won Precinct 2 and Ashby won Precinct 4.

The biggest recovery challenge remains downtown Gatesville. The March 16 fire damaged four historic buildings on the courthouse square, pushed Coryell County and the City of Gatesville to issue disaster declarations and led city officials to put up a perimeter fence around unstable structures. The Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office later said the fire began in the Gatesville Messenger building, and officials said it was not intentionally set. Insurance claims and eventual demolition are expected to take time, and a relief benefit was scheduled for April 25 to support businesses and residents affected by the fire.

Ashby also stepped into the county’s broader trust problem. Coryell County Attorney Brandon Belt asked the Texas Rangers on May 28, 2025, to investigate County Judge Roger Miller and Commissioner Scott Weddle after separate complaints. The Miller matter involves allegations that he changed a courthouse office lock and entered an office assigned to the District Clerk. The Weddle investigation centers on allegations tied to ethics and nepotism laws.

Ashby defeated Justin Smith in the Precinct 4 runoff, 612 votes to 407 in unofficial results, after a campaign centered on change in Coryell County. One local report said he previously served as Precinct 4 commissioner from 2016 to 2022. His first 100 days will show whether that return brings the practical follow-through voters are expecting on the square’s recovery, county spending and basic service in his precinct.