Chronicle: Missouri City Council Member Shares Concerns Over Eminent Domain Abuse Case & 17.5 Million Dollar Golf Course Bond!

Comments shared recently regarding the 17.5 million dollar bond election by one MC council member publically (after many closed sessions):

"In November, voters gave the city permission to sell $17.5 million in bonds for Quail Valley and other parks improvements. But while voters were enthusiastic, city leaders have to remain cautious while the property remains in litigation, Councilman Buddy Jimerson said Dec. 2.

“I think it’s a great thing for the city. The only thing that worries me is the lawsuit,” Jimerson said. “The city has it, but the city doesn’t have it, if you know what I mean.”

The city has to balance its desires to maintain the property and transform it into a “destination attraction,” against the risks of investing in the property before its ultimate price tag is set, Jimerson said.

“It’s not like we can go ahead and get something going out there. It’s just all up in the air.”

MCC Comment/Opinion:

Maybe councilman Jimerson, whose son in law's company does the city audits, Wyatt, Owen and the other QV city council member should have made this major concern PUBLIC prior to the almost 18 million dollar bond election and the tax rate increase in Sept? Since they are named in the appeal and eminent domain abuse case. Why didn't they consider a partnership with QV Fund (which already had raised dues for HOA members to purchase the course and had offered 5 million) and the QV MUD, which is nearly debt free.....hum.....maybe there is something to the case. It sure would be nice to see some of the court filings here in print.

See:

". . . Texas eminent domain statues do not provide a mechanism for governmental entities to condemn a going business concern and utilize the property acquired for the same business purpose for which the property was being used at the time of the condemnation.”

The defendant’s appeal states that Missouri City “has improperly exercised its power of eminent domain for a private purpose...a pretext to confer a private benefit on particular private parties, including the mayor and a number of city council members.” Fort Bend Star

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