Parker County approves Oaktree Drive improvement order after canvass shows 21–8 support

The Parker County Commissioners Court voted April 17 to order improvements and assessments for Oaktree Drive and Oaktree Court in Precinct 2 after the county clerk reported 21 ballots in favor and 8 opposed.

Commissioner Holt, who introduced the item, said the road has historically been private and that the county evaluated the cost under the Texas Transportation Code. He said the county is assessing costs “not to exceed” roughly $276,000 and intends to offer a 10-year, no-interest payment plan payable annually. County Clerk Lila Diekel read the canvass results: “There were 21 ballots for yes, and there were 8 ballots for no.”

During discussion a commissioner asked whether property owners who voted no would still be liable for the assessment; the court confirmed they would. The record includes a per-lot figure of $9,222.86; the court described assessments as per-lot charges under the proposed payment plan. Commissioner Holt emphasized the public-safety rationale: “The school bus has to stop at the front on 09:20 and pick up all the kids,” and said the county would track expenses precisely so residents’ shares would be reduced if final costs come in below the cap. He added, “The entirety of the cost for this project will be born 100% by the folks in Oak Tree Ranch Estates.”

The court recorded the motion to adopt the improvement order (moved by Commissioner Holt, seconded by Commissioner Walden, per the minutes) and the Chair announced the motion carried 5–0. The court also noted that other subdivisions in Precinct 2 may request similar treatment and said such requests would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The commission adjourned at 03:40.