Val Verde County asks Texas AG to review ‘Sunflower Ranch’ online land sales after residents raise water and fraud concerns

Judge Valdez moved the court on Jan. 4 to seek a formal opinion from the Texas Attorney General about online marketing and real‑estate practices tied to a proposed development variously labeled in materials as ‘Sunflower Ranch.’ The motion, seconded by a commissioner, passed unanimously 5‑0.

Why it matters: Residents and at least two commissioners raised worries that online promotions for the project may be misleading buyers and could have local environmental and infrastructure impacts if development proceeds. Speakers said advertising appeared to show water features near the Devil’s River and that companies were offering small parcels or ‘‘square meters’’ to remote buyers.

What happened: During the citizens’ comment period, Laurie Reyes told the court she was concerned about the project’s proximity to the Devils River and the risk the development could tap local aquifers. A separate commenter said foreign nationals were buying into the marketed parcels. Commissioner Wardlaw described the marketing and sale method as “a scam” and “a fraud,” and urged caution about foreign entities buying local land.

Judge Valdez told the court his staff had reviewed WestlandWorld.com and related promotional materials, noted inconsistencies in pin drops and parcel descriptions, and said state authorities would likely have jurisdiction over wastewater and other permitting. He moved for county counsel to submit broad questions to the Texas Attorney General about WestlandWorld.com and Sunflower Ranch LLC, asking the AG to examine real‑estate and consumer‑protection issues and whether the online sales circumvent subdivision rules. After brief discussion the court approved the motion 5‑0.

What the court did not decide: The vote directs county counsel to seek legal guidance; it does not block or approve any land use, zoning or permitting activity and contains no enforcement action. County staff told the court they had found no applications for the scale of development described in promotional materials as of their review.

What’s next: County staff will prepare the AG request and monitor related online postings and permit filings. The court said it would continue to track the matter.

Quotes: Commissioner Wardlaw: “It is a fraud. It’s like Internet scams.” Judge Valdez: “We will submit a request for an attorney general’s opinion regarding the Sunflower Ranch LLC and WestlandWorld.com.”

Context and constraints: County officials noted that wastewater permitting and large‑scale discharge issues are regulated by the state, and that a groundwater conservation district would be the typical local mechanism to limit private pumping. The court’s action is an information request, not a regulatory order.

Provenance: Topic introduced in public comment and discussion beginning with residents’ remarks and the court’s Item 15 discussion; court motion and vote to request AG opinion were recorded and passed during the same agenda item.