Denton County authorizes outside counsel, judge to sign contract in federal LULAC case

Denton County officials voted unanimously to retain outside legal counsel and to authorize the county judge to sign an employment contract related to the federal case League of United Latin American Citizens et al. v. Jane Nelson et al., No. 1:26-CV-00729, the court announced after returning from executive session.

The chair moved to assign legal representation on behalf of Denton County in the federal lawsuit and to enter an employment contract for that counsel that would be exempt from the requirement in Texas Local Government Code §262.023 if applicable. Commissioner Mitchell seconded the motion, the clerk called for discussion and none was offered, and the chair announced the motion carried unanimously.

The motion as read named the pending U.S. District Court matter and asked that the county judge be authorized to sign the contract of employment on behalf of Denton County. The motion also referenced an exemption from Texas Local Government Code section 262.023 (the statute governing certain procurement and contract requirements for local governments) for the employment contract, contingent on applicability.

No other details were stated on the record about the selected firm, fee arrangements, or whether the exemption under §262.023 had been confirmed. The court immediately adjourned after the vote.

The action recorded in the meeting assigns outside counsel to represent Denton County in the specified federal case and authorizes the county judge to execute the related employment contract; the vote was announced as unanimous and no individual roll-call votes were provided in the transcript.