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Conroe council approves an additional $150,000 to defend city in lawsuit challenging charter amendments
Summary
The council voted to authorize an additional $150,000 to the law firm Denton Navarro Rodriguez Barnett Santa and Zick PC to defend the city in litigation filed by John Sellers challenging recent charter amendments; the city attorney warned the case may be protracted.
The Conroe City Council on Jan. 8 authorized an additional $150,000 payable to Denton Navarro Rodriguez Barnett Santa and Zick PC to defend the city against litigation brought by John Sellers challenging recent charter amendments.
City Attorney Mr. Garner told the council the litigation is expected to be protracted and that the initial $150,000 previously authorized would likely be supplemented by another $150,000. The agenda item cited the case name and docket information for the pending action challenging the city’s home‑rule charter amendments.
Members who supported the expenditure said the city must defend the will of voters and the integrity of the recent charter vote. “We had more voters come out and vote for the proposition than in any other election,” one council member said, urging defense of the electorate’s decision. Other council members said the lawsuit may lack merit but that defending the city’s election process is important.
A council member suggested instructing city attorneys to explore countersuing John Sellers to recover defense costs; the idea was raised but the council’s approved action was to authorize the additional legal funds. The motion to expend the funds carried.
Next steps: the city will continue to work with retained counsel; staff said the matter is expected to be prolonged and further legal expenditures may be required as the case proceeds.
