By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com
At least one individual who witnessed the divestiture process evolve from the beginning is disappointed with the passing of both bills and impending sale of the Brazos River Authority's lakefront property.
In a 2007 House Natural Resources Committee meeting, former BRA board secretary Wade Gear called a similar divestiture bill, “welfare for the wealthy.”
“I think it is a disappointing outcome for the State financially to sell an asset valued at over $150 million for $50 million, but I think to finally have closure on the issue is a good thing,” Gear told the Index. “Unfortunately this closure had a price. A small group has manipulated the system for their own financial gain.”
“You need to remember that the president of the Possum Kingdom Lake Association and several members sued the Palo Pinto County Appraisal District and continue to appeal, claiming that they do not own the actual value in the land,” added Gear. “Yet, this same group has claimed to the Legislature that they have a greater value in the land than the BRA.”
Four lessees sued the Palo Pinto County Appraisal District over property value. After District Judge Jerry Ray ruled in favor of the appraisal district, the group of lessees filed an appeal in the 11th Court of Appeals in Eastland, Texas. The appeal is pending. A total of seven lawsuits over property values affected the 2008 PPCAD budget – all were disputes over property on or near PK Lake.
The anticipated beneficiaries of HB 3032 also sued the appraisal district over land market values. Because of the 2008 lawsuits, the PPCAD padded their 2009 budget with extra legal funds to defend the appraisal district, taxing entities and Palo Pinto County taxpayers.
“Some believe they are entitled to the right to purchase this land at a discount because they have leased it for so long. I do not agree, and having spent my career in the real estate industry I know this kind of deal would not take place in the private sector.
“I find it interesting that the pretense for these bills has been that the BRA ‘needs’ to get out of the land management business – a business that it has been in for over 50 years. Yet it was only after the BRA set a plan in place to raise the rental rates did this ‘need’ arise,” Gear concluded.
Local News
Gear calls divestiture outcome 'disappointing'
- Local News
-
-
Thursday Blotter- Feb. 9
The following people were processed through the Palo Pinto County Jail.
-
Man walking across America taking his time
After two heart attacks and on arthritic knees, Dave Strege is walking across America twice to raise awareness and donations for children across the globe.
-
Mineral Wells ISD trustees finalize superintendent qualities
Texas Association of School Boards Executive Search representative Kim Krause was back in front of the Mineral Wells ISD board Tuesday with a proposed list if qualifications and characteristics for the district’s new superintendent.
-
City ends water use restrictions
Based upon direction from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the City of Mineral Wells is terminating all water use restrictions which have been in place since Oct. 18.
-
Weekend property crimes reported
According to Mineral Wells police, several property crimes were reported over the past weekend.
-
Three transported to PPGH after crash
Occupants from two vehicles involved in a wreck Saturday morning were transported to Palo Pinto General hospital, where they received treatment for minor injuries.
-
County Records
Palo Pinto County
Clerk Janette Green -
Crews respond to two weekend structure fires
According to Mineral Wells Fire Department records, firefighters were called to two structure fires over the weekend.
-
1950s Sock Hop event to benefit Salvation Army
The community is invited to take a trip back to the 1950s as a unique way to raise money for the Salvation Army.
-
Council to meet in Tuesday session
The Mineral Wells City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the City Hall Annex, 115 S.W. 1st St.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Thursday Blotter- Feb. 9
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
