Denton County Commissioners will appoint a committee to study the future of a controversial Confederate monument.
The decision came during a contentious meeting Tuesday.
Several people spoke before the four to one vote, all of them favoring removal of the Confederate monument in Denton's square. It was erected in 1918 to honor soldiers who fought and died for the Confederacy.
Those who support the statue's removal see the vote as a start.
"I know discussion is the way to do it," said Willie Hudspeth, a long-time statue opponent. "You gotta talk about the good, the bad and kick it around."
Many feel the statue should stay put, considering it as a tribute to a vital part of Texas history. County Judge Mary Horn voted in favor of forming the committee but said she wouldn't cast the same vote if it came to statue removal.
"I could tell you right now I would vote no," Horn said. "I have no qualms about saying that whatsoever, but I'm only one of five votes."
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The decision to form a committee isn't likely to result in any changes anytime soon. Committee members must be appointed, and they will only have the power to make recommendations.
Horn said any changes to the monument would also need the approval of the Texas Historical Commission.
