50+ acres behind the county coliseum is up for sale. A public (not county) road runs through it, originating on a FM road and terminating at the coliseum - with work, could be emergence access. The 4H/FFA Ag Barn is accessed by this road and is on the property through a handshake agreement with the corporation that owns the land.

At least one commissioner wants the county to purchase the land (about $50/acre, a good price). The stated reason would be for (at this time unplanned) coliseum expansion and to insure that the road is kept.

Am I missing something? I think that they can contract to purchase at the asking price without bid or em dom proceeding, can't they?

What you're describing sounds like a garden variety, arms-length real estate transaction. Since your seller appears to be ready, willing and able to convey and amenable to the price, I don't see why condemnation would be necessary or appropriate.

That was my thought, but this is one of those days when I need to hear it from those wiser than I...............

You're still waiting, then.

Oh civil guru of West Texas - -