The Lago Vista City Council meeting on February 10, 2025, focused on significant legal concerns regarding a recent contract bid process. Mayor and council members discussed the failure to adhere to procurement policies, which could jeopardize the validity of the contract.
City Attorney Mr. Bullock explained that the bid process did not comply with state law, specifically local government code 252.0415, which outlines procedures for electronic bids. He noted that while bids were submitted electronically, they were also shared with an irrigation consultant at the time of submission. This breach of confidentiality means the bids were not properly submitted, risking the contract's legality.
Mr. Bullock emphasized that under state law, any contract made without compliance with the bidding procedures is void. He warned that any citizen could challenge the contract, potentially leading to legal action that could halt any work or payments associated with it.
In light of this information, Council Member Prince proposed a motion to cancel the contract, citing its invalidity under state law. The council's decision to address these legal issues reflects a commitment to uphold procurement integrity and protect the city from potential lawsuits.
The meeting underscored the importance of following established bidding processes to ensure transparency and legality in municipal contracts. The council's next steps will likely involve further discussions on how to proceed with the bidding process to avoid similar issues in the future.