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Mercedes ISD board awards general‑counsel contract to Law Office of Tony Torres after close vote
Summary
After presentations from two law firms and a debate about committee procedure and tabulation accuracy, the Board of Trustees voted 4–1 with one abstention to award RFQ No. 02-08-25-408 to the Law Office of Tony Torres, PLLC and authorized the superintendent to finalize terms.
The Mercedes Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 4–1 with one abstention to award the district's general‑counsel contract (RFQ No. 02-08-25-408) to the Law Office of Tony Torres, PLLC, following presentations by two finalist firms and a lengthy board discussion about process and continuity.
Board President Marcus Garcia called for presentations by Walsh Gallegos Trevio, Rolston & Townsend and by the Law Office of Tony Torres. Walsh Gallegos highlighted its statewide school‑law practice, TEA certification for board training, and a large special‑education practice; Mike Saldana of Walsh Gallegos said the firm represents more than 500 districts and stressed its depth of resources. Tony Torres and his team described their local availability, experience with both plaintiff and governmental clients, and proposed fee terms including an hourly rate disclosed in the proposal package.
The board debated competing priorities. Several trustees said continuity with the incumbent firm would help the district as it works through budget and contract seasons; others emphasized local roots and direct availability. Trustee comments also flagged concerns about the selection process: several trustees asked that an apparent tabulation oversight be corrected in the record and questioned whether a board committee roster had matched what was publicly expected.
Trustee [name on record: Mister Rodriguez] moved to award the legal services contract to the Law Office of Tony Torres, PLLC and to authorize the superintendent to negotiate contract details; the motion was seconded (record shows a second by Mister Rubio). The motion carried 4–1 with one abstention. Trustee Hernandez voted no; Trustee Vallejo recorded an abstention. The board president cast a vote in favor, completing the tally.
Board members and staff said the procurement paperwork will be corrected to reflect the committee's tabulation and that the superintendent will handle transition details and provide appropriate notice to the incumbent firm.
The contract award replaces the district's prior arrangement and takes effect under terms to be negotiated by the superintendent. The district posted the RFQ as RFQ No. 02-08-25-408; trustees said they expect a formal contract document and scope of work to return to the board in a future packet.
The decision followed nearly two hours of presentations and questions. Members of the public were not part of the selection discussion; the matter was handled as an open agenda item with voting recorded on the public minutes.
Ending: The board directed the superintendent to complete contract negotiations and to return final contract documents to the board for recordkeeping and, if required by law or policy, for final approval.
