Commissioners authorize purchase of 10-acre tract for CDBG-funded retention pond

Jim Wells County commissioners on Sept. 12 approved a resolution authorizing County Judge Pete Trevino to execute closing documents for the purchase of a 10-acre tract described in official records and intended for a retention pond funded by a CDBG grant.

County staff said Stewart Title completed a title clearance and the county submitted an earnest-money contract last month. Norma Salas, listed in the meeting as the county CDBG administrator, told commissioners the purchase is part of CDBG project number 22-085-027-268 and will allow construction of one of two planned retention ponds to address flood mitigation near County Road 1554 west of Highway 281.

Salas said negotiations continue on a second parcel for a second retention pond but that the purchase of the 10-acre tract can proceed independently and will not prevent the overall project from moving forward if the second tract is not acquired.

Commissioners voted to authorize the judge to close on the 10-acre tract; staff said grant funds will pay for the acquisition and closing is scheduled for the following Wednesday.

Ending: The court approved the purchase to meet grant milestones; staff will continue negotiations on a second parcel tied to the broader flood-mitigation project.