Compensation doesn't always come in direct form.

Marshall, Tx has a population of about 25k. Yet, the city continues to get donations from Samsung which has patent cases in the district[0][1]. My own hometown was quite a bit larger than 25k, but I don't ever recall having major corporate sponsors of a wide variety of activities.

While I don't know the thoughts of Samsung or Judge Gilstrap, I imagine he's very popular for bring so much business to town.

[0] - https://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/2012/oct/20/samsu... TVs, MP3 players, athletic sponsor, library, habitat for humanity, boys and girls club, fire department, etc.

[1] - http://www.marshalltexas.net/uploads/pdf/Community_Update_10... Returning attractions include the Samsung ice rink