Landowner objects to Twin Caverns bond release; commissioners table decision

Joette Marcus Ellis, a landowner in the Twin Cabins Branch development, told the Coryell County Commissioners Court she represents approximately 240 property owners and asked the court not to release the construction bonds for phases 1 and 2 until defects shown in photos are corrected and legal objections are resolved. "This is the 3rd time that I've come before this court to participate in the public forum," she said, citing an objection letter dated Oct. 27 and photos from Oct. 26 showing grading, compaction and erosion she said remain uncorrected.

County staff reported they had issued a report of completion for the infrastructure and said the developer had met the written construction criteria; staff explained the county's subdivision regulations require converting a construction bond to a two‑year maintenance bond equal to 20% of the construction balance. Staff cited a maintenance-bond figure of roughly $1,443,593.20 based on the construction balance reported.

Several commissioners said a later letter from a law firm raised additional concerns about drainage and roadside erosion. Because of those outstanding questions and the recent legal correspondence, Commissioner Weddle moved — with a second from Commissioner Basham — to table action until after the court meets with the county attorney in executive session. The judge announced the motion carried and the item will be revisited after legal consultation.

The court did not make a final decision to release or deny the construction bond at the meeting; instead it directed legal review and further discussion following the closed session called later in the agenda.