Scofield council moves to buy cemetery land after title review finds 2.72 acres not deeded to town

The Scofield Town Council voted Dec. 8 to pay a $2,350 appraisal bill and to pursue purchase of roughly 2.72 acres of the town cemetery after a title review found that portion was never deeded to the town.

Chair (speaking for the council) told members that a February title report and follow‑up research showed only 1.83 acres were covered by a recorded patent and that “about 2.72 acres of the cemetery does not belong to Scofield Town,” a finding she said traced to missing records during a courthouse fire and likely a long‑ago unrecorded handshake transfer. An appraisal returned a market value of $20,000 for the parcel, the chair said.

Council discussed options including litigation and condemnation but agreed buying the land at the appraised value would likely be faster and cheaper. "I think it's best to just try and purchase it for the $20,000," the chair said. Council members raised practical concerns about legal costs and possible additional expenses to complete an international transaction: the family is reportedly represented overseas and some documents may require travel to Athens for signatures.

The council approved payment of the appraisal fee (the bill presented was $2,350) and confirmed the earlier emergency survey expense of $3,130 that had been completed to determine parcel boundaries. A council member said he would explore whether remaining grant funds could help with survey costs.

After questions and discussion the council voted to proceed with purchasing the parcel. One council member said the town likely will pay more than the appraisal once additional attorney and signing costs are included but emphasized that purchasing avoids protracted litigation that could be more expensive. Another member noted that if the town does not own the land it will not be able to sell plots or allow new burials in the currently unreleased portions.

Next steps, as described by the chair, include approving payment of the appraisal bill, authorizing staff to continue negotiations with the Talonis family and their counsel and arranging for any necessary international signing. The council did not set a final purchase contract at the meeting; members asked the mayor and staff to continue work and return with a purchase agreement.

The council took the votes by voice; members responded “Aye” when asked for favor on the appraisal payment and the motion to proceed with purchase.