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Eagle Pass council authorizes subpoenas, outside counsel and possible legal referral over 57 South Festival audit
Summary
City council voted unanimously to select the more aggressive audit route for the 57 South Festival, authorizing subpoenas for documents, requesting state and federal investigations, directing a potential lawsuit and instructing staff to solicit outside counsel to prosecute matters arising from the audit findings.
Eagle Pass city council voted unanimously Tuesday to escalate the forensic audit into the 57 South Festival, approving subpoenas for documents, asking that state and federal authorities investigate and directing the city to seek outside counsel to pursue any legal claims.
The council chose “option 2,” which the audit team described as authorizing subpoenas of event-related documents and pursuing legal referrals. Councilwoman Cruz moved the measure and Councilman Garcia seconded; mayor and all council members later voted in favor.
The action follows a near-complete audit that, according to council discussion, has reached roughly 80% completion. Members said the vendor for the festival had not produced all requested materials and that subpoena power and outside counsel were needed to compel production and to preserve the city’s legal options. The motion, as amended, also directed staff to request state and federal inquiries and to explore filing suit where appropriate.
City staff said they will return with recommendations for outside law firms at a future meeting so the council can select counsel to prosecute potential claims. The council asked that firms be presented as options at the next meeting and that subpoenas be issued to obtain outstanding records from the festival management.
Mayor and council framed the decision as necessary to complete the audit’s work and to secure records the private event organizers had not voluntarily provided. The vote was unanimous.
The council’s resolution does not itself levy charges or assess liability; it authorizes investigation steps and legal options pending final audit results and counsel review. Staff said subpoenas and any litigation would be handled under the city attorney’s guidance and by outside counsel if a conflict or workload requires it.
The council did not release the audit text at the meeting; members said parts of the audit remain confidential pending the subpoenas and potential legal action.
Council members said they expect updates and a proposed list of outside law firms at the next meeting so selection and any formal filing can proceed.
