Carrizo Springs council approves variance to supply water to county sports complex; county cites 1964 contract

At a Carrizo Springs City Council meeting, the council voted to approve a variance allowing the city to provide water service outside its limits to a Dimmit County sports complex while reserving review of costs and account details for a later meeting. County representatives told the council a 1964 contract between Dimmit County and the city, they said, entitles county recreational facilities to water "for free in perpetuity."

Keith Franklin, a private-practice attorney from Laredo hired by Dimmit County, told the council he had presented a signed contract dated 1964 and pointed to a clause he read aloud: "all water reasonably required to operate and maintain any other recreational facilities . . . so long as such facilities continue to be maintained and operated by public or nonprofit organizations." Franklin said the county interprets that clause to cover the planned sports complex, which would sit within the 429.66 acres…