The Fate City Council on Jan. 6 adopted Resolution R2025-001 authorizing the city to begin the eminent domain (condemnation) process to acquire in fee approximately 1.828 acres for right-of-way and other public uses related to Miss May Road. The motion passed 5–2.

City attorney Jennifer (last name not specified in the public record summary) briefed the council on the legal steps required under Texas law to begin eminent domain proceedings, including the requirement to obtain appraisals, send bona fide offer letters and notices, and provide an opportunity for negotiation before initiating condemnation. She said passage of the resolution authorizes staff and legal counsel to proceed with the appraisal and, if negotiations fail, to institute eminent domain proceedings.

The property is described in the agenda as being located at 4949 East FM 552 in Fate, in the Jefferson McKinney survey (abstract 151), and corresponds to Rockwall County property ID 11771; the tract is recorded as a ~1.828-acre portion of land conveyed by deed instrument number 20220000016408. The resolution appropriates funds from a lawful source and authorizes legal counsel to pursue condemnation if necessary.

During debate one council member said he objects to imminent domain on philosophical grounds, describing private property rights as fundamental and saying he would vote no except in a life-or-death scenario. Other council members did not echo that extreme phrasing and the resolution passed.

What happens next: Staff will continue negotiations and make bona fide offers based on appraisals; if negotiations are unsuccessful, the city attorney is authorized to file condemnation proceedings as provided by Texas law.