Ellis County agrees to convey struck‑off Midlothian parcel to city for public use

Ellis County Commissioners Court voted Aug. 19 to convey the county’s interest in a struck‑off tax property at 501 North Ninth Street in Midlothian to the City of Midlothian for public use.

Scott Wert of Linebarger explained the property was struck off to Ellis County in October 2018 after a tax sale failed to produce a buyer. The city asked the county to convey the county’s interest to allow the city to demolish an unsafe structure and repurpose the lot for public parking. Wert told the court the city’s immediate cost to acquire the county interest (delinquent taxes plus penalty and interest) would be roughly $4,915.33 if paid by Sept. 1; the county’s pro‑rata share of a $75,000 sale would be about $10,776. "There's about a $5,800 difference if it was sold for $75,000 versus conveying the interest to the city," he said.

Commissioners noted the property presents a public‑safety and blight concern and that conveying it for a public purpose would allow the city to remove an unsafe building. Commissioner Ponder and others emphasized partnering with the city on neighborhood improvements. The court moved, seconded and approved the conveyance unanimously.

Outcome: The court approved conveying the county’s struck‑off interest to the City of Midlothian for the delinquent tax amount, penalty and interest; the county will receive its pro‑rata share per the statutory allocation process. No litigation or additional costs to the county were reported at the hearing.