Lago Vista City Council is taking significant steps to clarify the ownership of public land dedicated to the city, particularly concerning the pool and playground areas. During the June 5, 2025, meeting, council members discussed ongoing issues related to property ownership documentation at Travis County, where these areas are still incorrectly listed as owned by Hines, the developer.

Brad, the city’s legal counsel, explained that a special warranty deed from 2020 conveyed approximately 7.2 acres to the city, which includes the pool and surrounding amenities. However, discrepancies in the documentation, specifically scrivener's errors, have led to confusion regarding the ownership of two parcels—designated as 17 x 1 and 17 x 2. While the total acreage is accurate, the second parcel is not consistently referenced in the legal documents, necessitating a correction deed to rectify the issue.

Art Fowler, the bond counsel, highlighted that the financing of these amenities through bonds imposes restrictions on their use. To transfer ownership to the Homeowners Association (HOA), the city would need to establish a purchase price and ensure that proceeds are used to address outstanding bond obligations. However, the bonds are not callable until 2030, complicating the potential sale.

Additionally, Fowler noted that removing the park designation from the property would require a city-wide election, a process that could further delay any transfer of ownership. The council acknowledged the need to resolve these legal and financial complexities before proceeding with any actions.

The council is committed to ensuring that all necessary corrections are made transparently and in accordance with legal requirements. They plan to gather more information and potentially engage with the community before finalizing any decisions regarding the property. The next steps will involve addressing the scrivener's errors and determining the best course of action to align with both legal obligations and community interests.