McKinney wins 1st legal battle, can keep stricter stay-at-home rules during COVID-19 pandemic
McKINNEY, Texas - McKinney leaders can keep the city’s stay-at-home ordinance after winning the first round of what is expected to be an ongoing legal battle.
A Collin County judge denied a challenge from a McKinney realtor, who said the city was overstepping by issuing a tougher order than county leaders in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
But city officials, led by Mayor George Fuller, said McKinney was a “home-rule” city and that the county didn’t have any say in city ordinances.
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Collin County issued a mild version of a stay-at-home order last week that deemed all businesses in the county essential, and therefore could remain open if they followed certain rules.
McKinney leaders issued a stricter version, similar to edicts in Dallas County.
Derek Baker originally filed the lawsuit. He says he no longer intends to pursue the suit and instead wants to work with the city on solutions that allow more people to continue to work safely.
“I was concerned about the thousands of other people and still am that now still can't work and provide for their families,” Baker said. “But the good news is I actually just had a very good discussion with Mayor Fuller. And rather than change my suit and continue to pursue it, I'm happy to say that we're going to work together to collaborate on solutions that can both keep people safe.”
Baker went on to say they're discussing ideas like people who don't come into a lot of contact a lot with others while on the job still being able to go to work. He hopes to continue working with the city on solutions that allow more people to keep working safely during this time.
RELATED LINKS:
McKinney issues shelter-at-home order, closes non-essential businesses
Collin County asks residents to stay home if possible, deems all businesses 'essential'