2008 jail documentary: Sheriff Lupe Valdez wanted to invite a film crew into her jails, but commissioners balked, citing liability concerns. District Attorney Craig Watkins agreed that she controls access to the jails, prompting commissioners to hire their own lawyers to win a court order halting the project.

2009 budget impasse: Commissioners demanded 10 percent cuts from all departments to help close a budget shortfall. Watkins resisted for months and even proposed a law requiring a public vote to cut his budget.

2009 constable investigation: Watkins balked at confirming to commissioners that he was investigating two constables, so they hired a special investigator to conduct their own probe. Watkins' lawyers advised commissioners they had no authority to investigate. After commissioners hired outside lawyers, Watkins sought a court order to halt the probe but later withdrew the challenge.

2009 legal services contract: Some commissioners, believing outside law firms could provide better legal advice for less money, authorized a request for bids. Watkins accused them of undermining his office for political reasons. The commissioners backed off and decided to keep Watkins' civil division.

2010 legal adviser position: After canceling bids for an outside firm, commissioners voted to create a staff position of legal adviser to the Commissioners Court, bypassing Watkins' office.

2010 constable lawsuit: Commissioners decided to use their outside law firm to defend themselves in a lawsuit filed by 11 current and former deputy constables. Watkins said his office must OK the action. The county auditor is using that opinion to hold up payment to the commissioners' law firm.