County Auditor Pushes to Hire Former Legal Counsel as Questions Grow Over Political Connections
EAGLE PASS, Texas — Maverick County Auditor Gloria Barrientos addressed Commissioners Court during the April 23, 2026 meeting, requesting that the court allow her office to move forward with hiring independent legal counsel after months of delay.
Barrientos stated that the court had previously approved her request on December 12, 2025, but that she has been unable to secure legal services because the required purchase order has not been executed.
Auditor Cites Legal Authority
During her remarks, Barrientos emphasized that the County Auditor operates as an independent officer under Texas law, with statutory responsibilities to oversee county finances and ensure proper disbursement of funds.
She cited provisions of the Texas Local Government Code and a Texas Attorney General opinion supporting her authority to obtain independent legal counsel when necessary to carry out those duties.
Barrientos warned that rescinding the prior approval would interfere with her ability to perform required functions tied to financial oversight.
Request Comes During Ongoing Tensions
The request for legal counsel comes at a time of ongoing tension within county government, particularly between the Auditor’s Office and the County Judge’s Office.
Barrientos stated that without the execution of the purchase order, her office cannot move forward with what she described as important county obligations.
Questions Raised Over Proposed Legal Counsel
The situation has drawn attention due to the reported intent to retain the law firm Sanchez and Wilson, which previously served as legal counsel during the administration of former County Judge David Saucedo and former commissioner Gerardo “Jerry” Morales.
That period has been the subject of past public concern regarding transparency and access to information.
The potential return of the same legal counsel has raised questions among observers about past practices and whether similar issues could arise again.
Political Context Adds Scrutiny
The issue is further complicated by claims circulating within the community that the Auditor’s Office has received meals from current County Judge candidate Jerry Morales.
No official findings have been presented confirming those claims. However, the timing has led some residents to question whether any connection exists between those reports and the current request for legal representation.
No Action Taken After Executive Session
The item was later taken into executive session by Commissioners Court. No action was taken following that session.
Barrientos did not remain at the meeting to be available for further discussion once the item moved into executive session.
Individuals close to Barrientos stated that she indicated she was not obligated to stay because the meeting was considered a special meeting.
Focus on Perception and Accountability
The combination of the request for legal counsel, past associations, and the circumstances surrounding the meeting has added another layer of scrutiny.
In a county where financial oversight and political leadership often intersect, perception plays a significant role in how actions are viewed by the public.
A Question Moving Forward
With no decision made and questions still surrounding the request, residents are left asking whether this is a routine administrative matter or part of a larger issue that deserves closer attention.
The Maverick Times will continue monitoring this situation.
About The Author
