La Porte — During public comment at the Nov. 26 La Porte Common Council meeting, resident George Callison asked the council to investigate ownership and tax issues related to Ben Rees Park.

"All I wanna do is why they haven't paid taxes for 30 years on the left half to us," Callison said, adding that he believed the city did not own the property and that an agreement with the Redevelopment Commission and a private owner from Virginia existed. He referenced what he said was "3495" (transcript rendering) as an ordinance or agreement number and urged staff to check the records.

Council officials responded that the matter appeared to stem from an agreement between the Redevelopment Commission and a private owner, and said staff are working with the county on the tax question. "We're working with the county on that," a speaker said during the exchange. City staff asked Callison to provide any documentation he had and to let staff pursue the records.

Callison also praised staff for resolving a water leak "in 12 hours" and closed his remarks by wishing the council a happy Thanksgiving.

The council did not take formal action on the ownership or tax allegation during the meeting; members said they would review records and coordinate with the county.