San Patricio County commissioners voted to allow the auditors’ office to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for legal services that may be needed to support property acquisition for a state‑funded drainage project affecting Sinton and Taft. Grant management staff said the RFQ is a precaution as county staff continue outreach to property owners for survey access and voluntary conveyances.

Melanie Cooper, grant manager for the auditor’s office, told the court the drainage project carries an approximate $15,000,000 construction budget and that engineered design plans are roughly 90% complete. She said the county has invested approximately $1.8 million to date in project development and that, if the project cannot move to construction, the county could be required to return grant funds. Cooper said the county has roughly “a little over a million” available for potential buyouts if acquisitions are necessary and that pursuing eminent domain would cost an estimated $30,000 per property — a route she said officials prefer to avoid.

Cooper described the current problem as difficulty reaching some landowners and absentee owners; the county is working with a title search firm and continuing public outreach. She said staff will send informational packets and that the RFQ process for legal services is expected to take about three months. The grant manager also said the project has received one prior extension and that the grant program will not allow further extensions. Commissioners noted the item affects precincts 1 and 3 and voted to approve the RFQ authorization so work can continue.

Why it matters: The drainage project is in the county’s master drainage plan and has federal/state mitigation funding tied to a construction deadline. If staff cannot obtain surveys and clearances or otherwise proceed to construction, the county may face financial exposure and delay to a large infrastructure project.

Discussion and limitations: Cooper provided a range for the number of properties contacted — she said the list includes between 22 and 42 properties across two project sections, with roughly 20 parcels in each section — and emphasized county preference for voluntary agreements and getting right‑of‑entry for surveys. Commissioners asked for timelines and were told the RFQ would run concurrently with further resident outreach. Cooper repeatedly stated that eminent domain was a last resort and that residents who cooperate with surveys would be removed from any acquisition list.

Ending: The court approved the RFQ authorization and directed staff to begin resident outreach and the solicitation for legal services. Any eminent domain steps, if needed, would return to the commissioners court for approval before filings or acquisitions proceed.