§ 1-17. Civil lawsuits.

(a)

The city attorney shall represent the city in all legal proceedings; and the city attorney and outside legal counsel, if directed by the city attorney, have authority to institute or defend any actions, legal proceedings, civil actions, criminal actions, and suits, including but not limited to appeals, actions to collect civil penalties, counterclaims, cross-claims, declaratory actions, injunctive actions, and third-party claims and writs on behalf of the city:

(1)

To enforce any provision of the City Charter;

(2)

To enforce any provision of this Code pursuant to all applicable laws, including V.T.C.A., Local Government Code §§ 54.012 and § 214.0015;

(3)

To enforce any provision of any state or federal statute;

(4)

For collections and damages to city property or personnel, either directly or through subrogation rights;

(5)

For enforcement of any contract into which the city has entered, including the collection of any payments; and

(6)

For collection of any account receivable, charge, fee or service provided by or owed to the city.

(b)

The city attorney and outside legal counsel if directed by the city attorney has authority to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate an authorized lawsuit authorized in subsection (a) of this section.

(c)

The city attorney may settle any action, proceeding or suit as the city attorney deems advisable, after consultation with the city manager or the city manager's designee, if appropriate, except for settlements requiring payment by the city in excess of $50,000.00.

( Ord. No. 13,238 , § 1, 7-28-16)