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Georgetown council authorizes eminent-domain proceedings for two waterline replacement projects
Summary
The council adopted resolutions authorizing use of eminent domain to acquire remaining easements for the Daniels Mountain–Hoover and SH 138 waterline replacement projects; both motions passed by a 6–1 roll-call vote and staff said construction has already started and condemnation proceedings may follow.
The Georgetown City Council approved resolutions authorizing the use of eminent domain to secure remaining easements for two waterline replacement projects.
Juan Rodriguez, the city’s Real Estate Program Manager, told council the Daniels Mountain Pump Station to Hoover Elevated Storage Tank project will replace about 34,000 linear feet of an older Chisholm Trail water line installed in the 1980s and impacts roughly 49 parcels; staff reported 29 easements acquired and 20 remaining (nine of those are permanent plus temporary easements and 11 are temporary-only). Because construction has already begun, Juan said staff needs authority to proceed with condemnation, deposit funds and obtain possession if necessary under Texas Government Code chapter 2.206.
Kevin moved the resolution and the council conducted a record vote by district. The district roll-call responses recorded six yes votes and one no; the mayor announced the motion passed 6–1.
Juan then presented a second related item for the SH 138 waterline replacement project, estimated at about 27,000 linear feet of 12-inch waterline and likewise affecting 49 parcels. Staff said they had secured 46 of the necessary easements and only three parcels remained pending; Juan said staff will continue negotiations up to the point of filing condemnation and requested authorization to proceed if necessary under the same statutory process. The council again held a record roll-call vote and approved the resolution with six votes in favor and one against.
Juan said the next procedural step, if owners do not accept the city’s offers, is to file a condemnation petition where a commissioners court would set an award and either party may object and seek trial on the value. Council did not amend the motions; both authorizations were recorded on the record as required by statute.
