Henderson County Commissioners' Court on the day reconvened from executive session and voted unanimously to decline an offer from the Texas Department of Transportation to transfer a 16.82-acre tract described as FM 1667 right-of-way and associated structures to the county.

The decision followed public comment from residents and an executive-session review under Texas Government Code §§551.072 (real property) and 551.074 (personnel). Dale Henley, who works in Henderson County, told commissioners they should "vote no for this proposal" and warned the purchase would be "almost $500,000 of taxpayer money for a piece of paper," arguing that declared-emergency powers already permit county access across private land in an emergency.

Other residents urged the county to prioritize safety. Matthew Bud Morton said residents of Trinidad need reliable egress if train traffic or derailments block the town, and he argued the bridge and access are vital for emergency response. Dustin Baker said county ownership would allow required bridge inspections and maintenance and offered a per-capita tax illustration, saying the cost equated to about "22¢ a piece per year per person" when spread across county taxpayers.

In open session the county judge summarized the history of the right-of-way, saying the county originally obtained a prescriptive easement long ago and later transferred management to TxDOT. According to comments recorded in the meeting, TxDOT's recent offer would have required a county payment in the mid-$300,000s (speakers used both $385,000 and a nearby figure). Commissioners expressed frustration that the state placed the county in a position to pay for a roadway the county historically helped maintain.

Commissioner McCam moved to decline the offer; Commissioner Richardson seconded. The motion carried unanimously. The court did not authorize a purchase and indicated it will continue to work to ensure public safety through other means.

Why it matters: The tract sits near Trinidad and includes a bridge and limited egress points used historically for access. Residents and county staff framed the choice as a balance between a one-time or ongoing maintenance cost and ensuring reliable emergency access and inspection authority over the bridge and roadway.

What happens next: The court recorded a deadline (January 16 referenced during discussion) and declined TxDOT's offer; the court said it will pursue measures to protect public safety and reviews options without committing county funds to the proposed purchase.

Quotes used in this article are drawn from public comment and on-the-record discussion during the Commissioners' Court meeting.