Hunt County court approves law firm to begin work on new congressional map

Hunt County Commissioners Court on Dec. 5 approved hiring the law firm Lisonbee Bass McGee to assist the county in implementing a recently approved Texas congressional redistricting map and authorized County Judge Stovall to sign any necessary contracts up to the county's purchasing-act limit.

The action came after an unidentified county official told the court that the U.S. Supreme Court had, the prior night, approved the state's recently adopted congressional map and that the Texas Secretary of State advised counties to adopt maps and precinct lines that match the new plan. "The last night, the Supreme Court, basically approved the recently adopted Texas congressional redistricting map," the official said during public proceedings.

The official said the county should move quickly to meet upcoming deadlines and recommended retaining Lisonbee Bass McGee, a law firm that has worked with the county previously, to carry out the mapping and precinct changes. The official also recommended giving the county judge authority, up to the purchasing-act limit, to execute any contracts necessary to begin the work.

An unidentified county official moved that the court approve retention of Lisonbee Bass McGee and authorize County Judge Stovall to execute any necessary documents; County Judge Stovall seconded the motion. The court then voted by voice; the presiding judge called for those in favor to say "aye," the ayes were recorded and the motion carried.

The court had met briefly in executive session under Texas Government Code section 551.071 and returned to open session at 9:27 a.m. before taking the retention and authorization votes. With no further business after the redistricting item, the court approved a motion to adjourn and recorded the time of adjournment as 9:29 a.m.

County officials said the written agreement with Lisonbee Bass McGee was not yet complete at the time of the meeting and would be executed under the authority granted by the court. The court did not provide additional public details at the meeting about costs, contract terms or specific deadlines beyond saying the firm would be retained to expedite the county's compliance with the newly approved map.