Court authorizes legal engagements and real-estate purchases after closed session

Following a closed session held under Texas Government Code chapter 551, Hidalgo County Commissioners Court approved several actions in open session related to litigation and real-estate acquisition.

The court authorized exemptions from competitive bidding to engage outside firms (including Carlos Escobar and Jones, Galligan, Key & Lozano) for legal representation in pending litigation matters and directed staff to submit letters of engagement subject to compliance checks. The court also approved a real-estate purchase contract for three lots (Desoto Boulevard and Sugar Business Center lots) and authorized the county treasurer to issue an earnest-money check of $20,000 after auditor review.

Additionally, the court approved settlement authority to make an offer of $500 in a claim by Carlos Brito. Motions to proceed were made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Sources: closed-session return and open-session action items presented by the county attorney and clerk.