County authorizes Chapter 253 process for Johnson Way; estimated cost $175,000

Comal County's road department told the Commissioner's Court Sept. 3 it will start the Transportation Code chapter 253 process to accept public dedication of a portion of Johnson Way in Johnson Ranch and to assess costs to adjacent property owners.

Staff said the section was platted in 2014 but never had required surety posted; inspections later found deficiencies and the county did not have a surety to call. The road department calculated an estimated cost of $175,000 to bring the middle section up to county standards. Under chapter 253 the county would conduct notice via newspaper, hold a public hearing and ballot each record owner of the property to be assessed before any assessments are levied.

The road department said DHJB Development, LLC and the Johnson Ranch Homeowners Association have submitted letters supporting the process. Staff further said DHJB committed in writing to provide $175,000 within seven days of a successful ballot, at which point the county would assume maintenance of the full section.

Commissioner Hogg moved to authorize the office to initiate the chapter 253 process and Commissioner Leacock seconded; the motion carried.