Tennessee Code Title 69. Waters, Waterways, Drains and Levees § 69-5-105

The petitioners for the proposed district are authorized to employ counsel or attorneys to assist in filing the petition and in all preliminary matters necessary in having such district established, and attending to the matters thereof, so far as may be necessary and so far as the county court may think needed after the district is ordered established, contracting with such attorneys for the amount to be paid for their services, which contract shall be approved by the county court, if deemed reasonable; and if not deemed reasonable, the county court shall, by order, fix the amount to be allowed for such legal services, the court fixing such amount as it deems reasonable and proper; and the amount of fees thus fixed shall become a debt and charge against the district as other preliminary expenses are, such as charges for services of an engineer, and be paid in like manner.