Hondo council authorizes city manager to begin sale process for three tracts east of ball fields

The Hondo City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to authorize the city manager to begin the process of selling three city-owned tracts east of the new ball fields.

Council members were presented with a schematic and verbal description of the parcels (a 6.00-acre tract, a 20.373-acre tract and a 35.86-acre tract). Staff said the area is currently leased farmland, is zoned planned development (PD), and is located east of the jail and the auction barn.

City staff recommended using a sealed-bid process and obtaining a commercial appraisal before advertising. "Staff has recommended that we use a sealed bid process," an unidentified staff speaker said, adding that a sealed-bid approach allows council flexibility in selecting the successful proposal. The staff speaker and others said the city can include parameters in the request for proposals, such as build timelines or use limitations, while balancing competition for bidders.

Mayor John McInally Junior cautioned against speculative purchases: "We have, historically, we have not looked with favor upon, speculative land purchases. In other words, if you're gonna buy this, we don't want you to buy and sit on it." Council members pressed staff on whether the city can require development timelines; staff said such parameters can be drafted into the RFP and brought back for council approval before the sale is advertised.

Council member Mr. Tortilla moved to authorize the city manager to begin the sale process; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The motion directs staff to proceed with appraisal work and to return to council with proposed solicitation language for approval.

No formal sale agreement was approved at the meeting and no development plan was submitted; staff said no formal proposals exist yet.