Exiting longtime Round Rock city attorney key to bringing Dell, Express to city
After 45 years as the Round Rock city attorney who helped bring Dell Computers and minor league baseball to Williamson County, Stephan 'Steve' Sheets will step down from his role, effective Sept. 30.
“While 45 years is a really long time, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every single day,” Sheets said. “It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the city’s elected officials and staff, as well as the citizens of this city. It has truly been an awesome ride.”
Stephanie Sandre will take over as the city's attorney after Sheets' exit. Sandre, a senior attorney with the law firm Sheets & Crossfield, has more than 14 years of experience practicing law with local governments and municipalities, and specializes in contract law, according to her online bio.
Sheets & Crossfield has represented the city of Round Rock since 1977, when the city's population was around 5,000. The population is now around 120,000, according to the latest census estimates.
Sheets, who has served Round Rock since Oct. 3, 1977, will continue to provide legal counsel for the Transportation and Economic Development Corp. and the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority, in his role as the founder and managing partner of Sheets & Crossfield, city officials said.
During a Sept. 22 meeting, Sheets was praised by current and former employees, who shared their memories of working with him.
“You’re an amazing human and truly have a servant’s heart,” City Manager Laurie Hadley said. “I’m so glad I got to spend the last 11-and-a-half years with you.”
Mayor Craig Morgan praised Sheets’ integrity and work.
“The impact you’ve had on the city … your hand is on all of this and it will always be,” Morgan said. “You care — you truly do care — about what has happened in this city and its trajectory.”
As city attorney, Sheets negotiated incentive agreements with multiple entities, including Dell Computer Corp., IKEA, Texas State University, Texas A&M, Austin Community College and Kalahari Resorts, according to a statement from the city.
Sheets was also key in negotiating an agreement with Texas Rangers baseball legend Nolan Ryan and his family, which resulted in the creation of Round Rock's Triple A minor league team, the Round Rock Express, city officials said.
City officials also touted Sheets' instrumental role in infrastructure and quality of life projects that have served Round Rock residents, such as parks, trails, libraries and water and wastewater systems.
He also has served on several nonprofit boards in the community and is a past president of the Williamson County Bar Association, the city's statement said.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Longtime Round Rock city attorney key to bringing Dell, Express to city
