Georgetown council authorizes eminent domain for Wolf Ranch Parkway upgrades and Cimarron Hills sewer easement, 6–1

Georgetown, Texas — On April 14 the Georgetown City Council voted, by recorded roll call, to authorize the use of eminent domain for two separate infrastructure efforts: right‑of‑way for Wolf Ranch Parkway roadway improvements and acquisition of wastewater easements for the Cimarron Hills force main and gravity sewer extension.

Public works staff described the Wolf Ranch Parkway project as a safety and capacity upgrade along Wolf Ranch Parkway between State Highway 29 and Riverway Boulevard. The project would add one lane in each direction, a raised median, dedicated turn lanes, upgraded signals, ADA‑compliant sidewalks and a shared‑use path; staff reported 23 impacted properties and said initial and final offers based on appraisals have been sent but no agreements had yet been reached. Council adopted a resolution finding acquisition necessary for public convenience and necessity and authorized eminent domain by a 6–1 recorded vote.

Council then considered the Cimarron Hills force main and gravity sewer extension project — a water/wastewater expansion the council previously approved through the water board and council in 2023 — and moved to authorize eminent domain to acquire the remaining wastewater easements and temporary construction easements. The motion named affected property owners by record and passed on a 6–1 recorded roll call.

Scott Anderson (presenting staff) explained the legal steps required under Texas Property Code Chapter 21 and Texas Government Code Chapter 2206: initial and final offers with appraisal reports, deposit of an award into the court registry to obtain possession, and a special commissioner’s hearing or trial if parties dispute the award.

Roll calls and outcomes

• Wolf Ranch Parkway eminent‑domain resolution: recorded vote 6–1 in favor. • Cimarron Hills force main eminent‑domain resolution: recorded vote 6–1 in favor.

Next steps

Staff will continue right‑of‑way negotiations and pursue condemnation proceedings where necessary; council directed staff to follow statutory procedures including appraisal‑based offers and recorded votes where required.

Quotes

“We need to advance possession of the required right‑of‑way for timely utility relocation work prior to project construction,” staff said, summarizing the schedule pressures that prompted the resolution.

Context

The actions are part of planned roadway and wastewater infrastructure expansions approved through prior planning and water‑board processes; staff said offers based on appraisals were sent to all impacted owners but no settlements had been reached at the time of the vote.