Morehouse Parish Council appoints Ricky Smith as budget and policy legal counsel

The Bastrop City Council made significant strides during its regular meeting on July 10, 2025, with key decisions impacting local governance and legal services.

One of the standout moments was the appointment of Ricky Smith as special counsel for budget and policy legal services. The council unanimously approved Smith's appointment, with members expressing confidence in his ability to address past issues related to policy guidance. "He will be the policy attorney, and he's the lead attorney," one council member noted, highlighting the importance of having dedicated legal support for budgetary matters.

Additionally, the council tackled the selection of an official journal for the city, a decision that is made annually. The only eligible publication, due to ethics laws, is the Washington Citizens. The discussion revealed complexities surrounding the ethics provisions, particularly concerning a local publishing company owned by a former council member. The council debated the implications of these ethics rules, which prohibit contracting with individuals who have served on the council within a two-year period.

Council members voiced concerns about the legality of selecting the Washington Citizens, given the ownership structure of the competing publication. "The controlling officers of the company are a former council person within the two-year period that prohibits contract," one member pointed out, emphasizing the need for clarity on the matter.

In a proactive move, the council decided to seek further legal guidance on the issue before making a final decision on the official journal. This step reflects the council's commitment to ensuring compliance with ethical standards while navigating the complexities of local governance.

As the council moves forward, the implications of these decisions will be closely watched, particularly regarding the legal framework surrounding city contracts and the role of appointed officials in shaping policy.