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Hood County approves up to $7,500 to retain counsel for Commissioner Samuelson in Wolf Hollow air‑permit matter
Summary
The commissioners voted unanimously to retain legal counsel (not to exceed $7,500) to represent Commissioner Samuelson in an upcoming deposition and TCEQ air quality permit action related to Wolf Hollow.
Hood County Commissioners Court on July 22 approved retaining outside counsel, not to exceed $7,500, to represent Commissioner Samuelson in an upcoming air quality permitting matter involving Wolf Hollow.
The request followed public comments of support for the commissioner and discussion by court members that the county has an institutional interest in the Wolf Hollow permit dispute (the court previously passed a resolution asking TCEQ to deny the permit). Staff said the county may provide limited coverage under the local government code professional exception but noted an insurer previously denied coverage for the deposition; the contingency fund will be used to pay the counsel fee if approved.
A public speaker asked the court to support Commissioner Samuelson’s participation and emphasized the importance of a coordinated response in ongoing permit challenges. The motion to retain counsel was made, seconded, and approved by a 4–0 vote. The court noted counsel will assist at deposition and future proceedings as needed.
Next steps: Counsel will be retained and engaged for the immediate deposition; the court did not specify the firm by name in open session and authorized the expenditure from contingency funds.
