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Neighborhood housing group urges Dimmit County to release tax-delinquent properties for redevelopment
Summary
A local housing nonprofit asked commissioners to grant access to tax-delinquent properties in Dimmit County for rehabilitation into affordable housing, citing tens of millions of dollars in assessed value left untapped.
A local housing nonprofit on Tuesday urged Dimmit County commissioners to allow the organization access to tax-delinquent properties so it can redevelop vacant lots into housing.
Michael Coates, identified himself as director of neighborhood housing services at Dimmit County Incorporated, told the commissioners the county currently has more than 90 tax-delinquent properties that represent untapped redevelopment and tax-base potential.
Coates said 58 vacant properties in Carrizo Springs had a combined assessed value of about $2,900,000 and that rehabilitation or redevelopment could stabilize neighborhoods, create jobs and increase the property tax base. He asked the court to grant the nonprofit immediate access to tax-delinquent properties and said he planned to present a full funding proposal in July.
Why it matters: Tax-delinquent lots can create public-safety and maintenance costs for counties if left vacant. The speaker framed access and redevelopment as a way to increase future tax revenue and provide affordable housing; commissioners did not take formal action on the request during the meeting.
What the speaker asked for: Coates asked the court to let his organization move quickly to address housing shortages by working with the county to secure properties, citing both economic and safety benefits.
Formal action: No vote or directive was recorded; the item was presented during the public-comment portion of the meeting.
