The district court found for the county. Holcomb appealed saying that he should not have been sued merely for sending a letter. The appellate court ruled in Holcomb's favor, reversed the trial court's finding and assessed Holcomb's fees against the county. The Appellate court wrote:
This declaratory-judgment action arises from a dispute between Waller
County and Terry Holcomb, Sr. as to whether the County may bar holders of
concealed-handgun licenses, like Holcomb, from entering the Waller County
Courthouse with a handgun, and whether signage purporting to do so violates
Section 411.209(a) of the Government Code. The County obtained a declaratory
judgment that its signage does not violate Section 411.209(a), and Holcomb appeals.
We reverse the trial court’s judgment and remand the case to the district court with
instructions to dismiss the County’s suit for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction after
it holds further proceedings for the limited purpose of awarding to Holcomb his court
costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, other expenses incurred in defending against the
action as are equitable and just, and any other relief available under the Texas
Citizens Participation Act.