County approves special counsel to begin acquisition of Tecolote tract for water site tied to $1.2M grant

Jim Wells County commissioners on May 22 voted to retain McKibben, Martinez & Wood LLP as special counsel to pursue acquisition of an approximately 1.991-acre tract in the Tecolote community for an emergency-service water site tied to a $1,200,000 community projects grant secured through Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz’s office.

The engagement authorizes the county judge to execute any necessary engagement agreements and related documents so the firm can begin land-acquisition work, including negotiations and, if required, condemnation proceedings. The judge told the court the property is just north of the county’s existing community center and walking trail and that the current site lacks space for a well and storage tanks.

Marshall Gardner, speaking for the law firm, told commissioners, “With his signature and your approval, we can get this process started,” and said the firm did not anticipate major obstacles but cautioned none could be entirely ruled out. Counsel also described the engagement as a standard hourly arrangement with partner, associate and paralegal hourly rates included.

The motion to retain counsel passed by voice vote. County staff said the next steps will include finalizing the engagement letter and beginning negotiations with the property owner; the county judge and staff also referenced related grant-application deadlines in late June as a reason to move forward promptly.