After testimony citing missing tests, Coryell commissioners table Twin Caverns Ranch bond releases until Oct. 8

The court withheld action on requests to release performance bonds for the Twin Caverns Ranch development after residents and staff raised concerns about incomplete testing and remaining construction items. County staff described usual partial releases and listed unfinished work—mail kiosk concrete, end treatments and traffic signs—estimating roughly $103,388 of work remained before transition to a maintenance bond. Bond numbers and amounts were read into the record: a full release was requested for bond #08321185 (listed at $4,289,713) and a partial release for bond #0832198 (listed at about $2,928,253).

Remote resident Joette Marcela read a prepared statement opposing any release and said independent geotechnical testing either failed or was done only 'on call,' that retesting results were not provided to her, and that she had not seen a two‑year maintenance bond. "Please do not release any portion of the bonds and make sure the road and bridge department are being thorough in their responsibilities," she said. Commissioners discussed options, emphasized the need for on‑site review and documentation and then voted to table both the phase 1 full release and the phase 2 partial release until the Oct. 8, 2024 meeting so engineers, developers and staff can report back with comprehensive information.

Why it matters: the decision preserves the county’s leverage while staff verify required testing and completion of contract items; residents warned that premature bond release could shift future road repair costs to taxpayers.