Farmer tells council he has reported alleged municipal overreach on agricultural property rules to state lawmakers

James Lockridge, a farmer and rancher who owns land in and around The Colony, addressed the council during citizen input and said he believes the city's neighborhood services team has overreached in enforcing property rules against agricultural uses.

Lockridge told the council he has taken the concern to state lawmakers, saying, "HB 1750 clearly states that no city has any jurisdiction over any agricultural crops, land, or jurisdiction of a property." He also referenced "section 143 of the Texas Agricultural Law," asserting that the statute protects agricultural fences and prevents municipal citation when an agricultural fence meets statutory requirements.

Lockridge said his organization has documented instances where a city official he identified as Danny allegedly continued to issue citations. He said he has sent information to multiple state senators and representatives and asked council members to meet with him to review the laws and coordinate with neighborhood services to avoid future enforcement he regards as overreach. He also thanked the police department for assistance with livestock calls, saying officers respond promptly when cattle escape.

Council did not take formal action on the remarks; the matter was presented as citizen input. City staff and council members did not provide an immediate response in the public record during the meeting. Lockridge supplied his contact information and said he would prefer to meet with staff and council to resolve the dispute before pursuing state action.