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Council authorizes up to $50,000 for water‑rights legal work after debate on scope and costs
Summary
Llano City Council approved contracting specialized attorneys to pursue additional water supplies and permitting, setting a not‑to‑exceed cap of $50,000 after council members debated the likely hours and future funding needs.
The Llano City Council voted to authorize contracting with specialized water‑rights attorneys to pursue acquisition and permitting of additional water supplies, setting a not‑to‑exceed cap of $50,000.
Council discussion focused on the unknown scope of work and the hours required. A motion to engage the selected law firm was amended on the floor to include the $50,000 cap. Council members noted this level of authorization would allow the city to begin legal and permitting work but acknowledged the cap might be insufficient if the work required extended hours or additional phases.
City staff framed the request as necessary to secure water rights that could be used for the city’s current and planned needs; they recommended engaging attorneys with experience in water‑rights development and regulatory permitting. During the discussion, council asked for a clearer scope and for the attorneys to return with estimates of anticipated hours and milestones so council could consider further funding if necessary.
The motion as amended passed. The council directed the City Attorney and Public Works to proceed under the $50,000 cap and to report back on scope, hours and a more detailed budget.
Ending: Council recorded an action to bring periodic updates and to return for further appropriation if the attorneys’ work exceeds the authorized cap.
