El Campo council approves appraisal contract for Tres Palacios Creek easements

The El Campo City Council on a voice vote approved Resolution R2025-31 to retain National Appraisal Partners LLP to perform appraisals connected to the Tres Palacios Creek drainage improvements project.

Council members and staff said the contract is the first step in acquiring easements needed to complete the federally funded project. Staff said the city expects to need 52 easements; about 20 properties will require appraisals unless additional owners request them or valuations change.

City staff described the contract as “not to exceed $119,600,” which staff said would equate to roughly $2,300 per appraisal if all 52 were appraised; performing only the 20 currently anticipated would total about $46,000. Staff said the work is funded by a Community Development Block Grant — Mitigation (CDBG‑MIT) grant the city received (grant amount shown in staff materials). Staff also said appraisal reports are expected to be delivered on a roughly five‑week timeline per property.

Council members asked about indemnification and court testimony fees. Staff and the city attorney said appraisal firms typically charge hourly witness fees (noted in the procurement as about $400 per hour) if required to testify, and the attorney advised that state law limits a municipality’s ability to provide broad indemnification to outside contractors. No change to the contract ceiling was made.

The resolution passed after a motion, second and a voice vote.

The action authorizes the city manager or a designate to execute related documents and amendments as needed.