The question behind the question
Why not just use your own staff?
Sometimes the right move is not replacing the city team. It’s giving that team a table-tested outside voice for one contract cycle.
An experienced neutral voice at the table lowers the temperature and keeps talks out of grievance and impasse.
Outside counsel can be the hard line at the table — so your staff walks away with the relationship intact.
Deep familiarity with Texas public-safety bargaining, Local Government Code Ch. 174, meet-and-confer, and civil service means no learning curve on your dime.